Surname Samanci - Meaning and Origin

Samanci: What does the surname Samanci mean?

The last name Samanci (sometimes spelled Samanji) is of Turkish origin and is derived from the word "samanci," meaning "tailor." This name can refer both to a profession and a geographic region in Turkey, specifically in the region of Mersin and Iskenderun. Historically, the Samanci were a nomadic tribe that moved from the north of Anatolia all the way down the eastern Mediterranean coast.

Samanci is an occupational name; the people were thought to have been expert tailors. This profession was prominent in the Ottoman Empire, and provided Samanci people with a steady income and prestige. Consequently, the name Samanci has become associated with skill and creativity in the fashion industry.

Today the Samanci are scattered throughout the world, although most still live in the Mersin and Iskenderun regions. Their language is Turkish, but they have also adopted other languages over the centuries. Most believe in Islam, as is practiced in the majority of countries with a majority Muslim population.

Samanci is now used as a surname and can be found all over the world. It is a reminder not only of the skill and dedication of the Samanci people to their trade and craft, but also of the nomadic nature of these people and their long journeys to their current homes.

Samanci: Where does the name Samanci come from?

The last name Samanci is most commonly found in Turkey, and it has become a fairly popular name there over the past few decades. It has also been found in other countries, such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria and even the United States.

The word "samanci" comes from the Turkish word sapmak, which roughly translates to "forget". This could mean that the surname may have been derived from a person who was forgetful or easily distracted. However, it is also possible that the name was originally a nickname given to someone who was fond of fishing, for the same word in Turkish also translates to "fisherman".

The Samanci surname is most popular in rural areas around Turkey, where it is common for families to pass down their surnames and other family names from one generation to the next. There is also a political party in Turkey known as the Samanci Party, which has had some success in the past.

Although the surname Samanci is more common in Turkey, there have been some reports of it being found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Bulgaria, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. It is likely that Samanci families have migrated to these countries over the years.

In conclusion, the last name Samanci is mainly found in Turkey, but is becoming increasingly popular in other countries, too. Its origin is unclear, but it likely derives from a nickname given to a forgetful person or a fisherman.

Variations of the surname Samanci

Samanci is a name of Turkish origin from Samandır, a coastal town along the shorelines of the Black Sea. Its variants and spelling are Samancı, Samanchy, Samanji, and Samandir. It is a name that is widely used in western and southern regions of Turkey including Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, and Central Anatolia.

The surname Samanci is also common among people of Turkish decent living in Europe and the United States. Variations of the name such as Samanca, Samanche, or Samaantchi, are sometimes seen in English speaking countries.

Samanci is also an Ashkenazi Jewish surname, which is thought to be derived from a similar Turkish origin. Variants of the name which are specific to the Ashkenazi community include Samansi, Samanski, and Samanski.

A related Jewish surname is Samanchna, which means “the one who makes or sells.” The surname has long been used among Ashkenazi Jews in Europe and the Americas, as well as in Israel.

It seems that with all the different regional, Jewish, and Americanized variations of the surname Samanci, the name still retains its Turkish roots and endures over a variety of cultures, locations, and even languages.

Famous people with the name Samanci

• Oguz Samanci, Turkish author and illustrator known for his work on “Drawing Words and Writing Pictures”.
• Dilan Evren Samanci, an American playwright and director.
• Dilara Samanci, Turkish journalist and columnist.
• Levent Samanci, a Turkish sociologist and author.
• Cuneyt Arcayurek, a Turkish actor and comedian who has occasionally credited himself as "Levent Samanci".
• Sibel Samanci, a Turkish American golfer who admitted to the LPGA.
• Erkan Samanci, a Turkish physicist and researcher.
• Ercan Samanci, a Turkish basketball coach.
• Selim Samanci, a Turkish sculptor.
• Seren Samanci, a Turkish artist and sculptor.
• Sevda Samanci, a Turkish illustrator and animator.
• Yelda Samanci, a Turkish film director and screenwriter.

Other surnames

Sämann