Surname Soylu - Meaning and Origin
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Soylu: What does the surname Soylu mean?
The last name Soylu is of Turkish origin, derived from the Turkish word 'soy', which means 'lineage'. It is believed to be from the Ottoman Empire, when it used as an honorary title given to members of the upper classes or nobility. The last name Soylu signifies a person of honorable standing.
Soylu was initially used by the ruling families of Turkey, such as the Ottoman sultans, to distinguish themselves from commoners and those of lower social standing. Over the years, the last name has become more prevalent among the broader population.
The origin of the word Soylu can be traced to Turkish village culture, with it often being a title given to a family’s leader or headman. This may refer to a long-standing custom of the village's most prominent family members to lead and represent their village in work and communal matters.
The last name Soylu can be seen as a sign of respect and a proud ancestral connection or lineage that is shared among those bearing the name. While the family traditions of those with the last name vary, the distinct meaning remains that of a distinguished ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisSoylu: Where does the name Soylu come from?
The last name Soylu is quite common in Turkey today due to its Turkish origins. Soylu is a Turkish patronymic surname originating from the word soy, meaning ‘seed or lineage’. The surname is believed to be derived from Söylü, a nickname for a person who was known to be a storyteller or spokesperson. For centuries, the Soylu name has played a prominent role in Turkish society and has served in various prominent positions, from government officials and military leaders to entrepreneurs and professionals from different fields.
The surname Soylu is also common in other Middle Eastern countries such as Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. As many Turkish emigrants have migrated to these countries, the surname has spread to those countries, too. Likewise, due to many Turks’ migrations to Europe, the United States, and Australia in recent decades, Soylu is now a quite common last name around the world, with the highest concentrations found in Turkey, the United States, Germany, England, and Austria.
The meaning of the Soylu surname is mostly ‘descendant of the Söylü’, indicating that the original bearer of the surname is believed to be a storyteller. Today, it symbolizes a set of values and principles that have been passed down from generation to generation and holds a special place in Turkish culture.
Variations of the surname Soylu
The surname Soylu is a Turkish surname rooted in the Arabic word for prestigious. Commonly spelled Soylu, it can also be spelled Söylü, Seylü or Seylli in Turkish, with variations in spelling, such as Soylou, Söylou, Seylou or Seyliou, occurring in other countries. The surname Soylu may also be translated as Shining in the Arabic language.
Different variants of the Soylu surname are found in many countries, such as Turkey, England, Australia, Romania, Iraq, Sudan, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Syria and the United States. Some of the variants of the surname Soylu include Saylow, Soylow, Seeloo, Seyloo, Seilou, Saleh, Saylou, Saied, Saleeh and Seyloue.
The surname Soylu is also one of several surnames that changed over time or became linked to other surnames due to migration of people. Other surnames linked to Soylu include Hossain, Hussain, Kayalik, Kayali, Kayseri and Sawla. These are all linked to the Soylu surname through the same Arabic root word, meaning prestige.
The Soylu surname is also found in other countries, where it is written and pronounced differently. Examples include Salu in Ukraine and Soley in China. In Germany, the surname can also be found spelled as Seely, Selu, or Suli. The surname Soylu can also be found in Latin American countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru and Chile as Souly, Souli, Solyl or Soly.
Famous people with the name Soylu
- Ahmet Soylu: Ahmet Soylu is a Turkish actor most well-known for his work with the Turkish film industry. He received the Best Supporting Actor award at the 1000th Film Celebrations for his role as "Lovely Damat" in the movie Baba. He has also had recurring roles in Turkish television series such as Show TV's "Güneşin Kızları" and Fox TV's "Ah Kalbim".
- Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu: Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu is the current Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs. Prior to his cabinet appointment, he was a member of the Turkish parliament and a founding member the the ruling AK Party. He is known for his involvement in international diplomacy and negotiations such as in the Syrian Civil War and the Cyprus dispute.
- Koç Burak Soylu: Koç Burak Soylu is a Turkish footballer who plays for Spanish La Liga club Cadiz. He began his career with Antalya before moving to the Spanish club in 2014. He has had success in both the Under-21 leagues of Spain and Turkey and is known for his strong midfield presence.
- Fatih Soylu: Fatih Soylu is a Turkish politician who is currently serving as the Minister of Interior in the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan cabinet. He is a member of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Parti) and has held various cabinet posts, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transportation, Maritime Affairs, and Communications.
- İsmail Soylu: İsmail Soylu is the current Minister of Health in the Turkish cabinet. He was the minister of labor and social security from 2018 until 2020, when he was appointed to oversee the country's health system in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is known for his hardline stance against smoking and his efforts to increase access to healthcare.