Surname xanadu - Meaning and Origin
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xanadu: What does the surname xanadu mean?
The last name Xanadu is of Chinese origin and has a number of different possible meanings. Some believe that the name could come from the place-name of a historically important place, such as Xanadu in Inner Mongolia, or the fabled city of Kublai Khan, also known as Xanadu, in China. Other historians trace the name to Mongolian language, suggesting that it derives from the Mongolian words for "south" and "taiga," referring to the southern region of the Mongol Empire that was often referred to as the "great white city."
The name can also refer to the fictional location popularized by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, Kubla Khan, or a vision in a dream. This place is described as being majestic and beautiful, with abundant gardens and rivers, making it an appropriate namesake for the last name Xanadu.
Either way, Xanadu is associated with beauty, grandeur, and mystery, which are fitting attributes for the people who bear the name. It is likely that those who bear the name Xanadu have a sense of admiration for the rich culture and majestic atmosphere found in the Mongol Empire, or feel a sense of awe when imagining that idyllic dreamland conjured up by Coleridge.
Order DNA origin analysisxanadu: Where does the name xanadu come from?
The last name Xanadu is not particularly common today. It is believed to have originated from the famous poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1798, The Rime of The Ancient Mariner. The poem mentions the palace of Kubla Khan, which was located in Xanadu, giving the name an almost mythical connotation.
The surname is most common in southern and western regions of India, where it is thought to have been adopted by some during the British colonial period. It's also occasionally found among those of Spanish descent, where the name is a variation of the medieval Arabic name Sina-dubis which means "place of strength".
In the Anglo-Saxon realm, the surname is typically found in the United Kingdom and Australia. In the former, Xanadu is associated with the 1980 movie musical by the same name starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. More recently, the name has been used for a Las Vegas resort and entertainment complex.
In the United States, the surname Xanadu is rare, but may occasionally be found among some Spanish-speaking communities in the south-western states, or with those who trace their lineage back to the UK. However, in spite of its literary and pop culture connections, the surname remains rather unusual and not as common today as some other common surnames.
Variations of the surname xanadu
The origin of the surname Xanadu is somewhat a mystery, however it is believed to be derived from the Latin term "ecstaticus" or the Greek word "xanadu," which both refer to joy and delight.
The surname is most commonly found in its original Latin form, Xanadu, but also appears in various other spellings, such as Xandu, Zandu, Xanade, Xananda, and Zanata. Additionally, the surname is also found as derived surnames, such as Elyxandri, Santosxanadu, Xandir, Xandrus, and Xandy.
In the United States, the name is most commonly found among Latin American communities, including those in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The name is also found in India, mainly among Hindus and people of Portuguese descent, but is considered a rare surname.
In different parts of the world, individuals with the same surname or similar last names might think they are related, but in most cases, this isn’t true. For example, there are families bearing the name Xandy in the United States, Romania, Angola, Nicaragua, India, and elsewhere, but these families are not likely to be related.
In conclusion, the surname Xanadu has a variety of variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. It is a relatively rare surname found in various countries including the United States, India, Romania, Angola, and Nicaragua.
Famous people with the name xanadu
- Uli Jon Roth: The electric guitar virtuoso is best known for his time as a member of the band Scorpions.
- Josh Kilmer-Purcell: The reality television star and author rose to fame competing on the US version of ‘The Amazing Race’.
- Nicki Minaj- The rapper, singer, and songwriter achieved worldwide notoriety after releasing her debut album in 2010.
- Kari Kuuva: The author from Finland wrote over 15 books, focusing on fantasy and science fiction elements.
- Oscar Gómez: The Spanish actor won the Goya Award in 2009 for his role in the film ‘The Lovers’.
- Natasha Allegri: A cartoonist and artist best known for her work on the Adventure Time series.
- David Xanadu- The French-born choreographer and dancer is the creative director of the Rock The Ballet Company.
- Jodie Foster- Two-time Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker who wrote, produced, and directed 1991's Little Man Tate.
- Gordon MacRae- An American entertainer and actor from the 1940s and 1950s with a string of hit movies.
- Karen Xanadu- Professional dancer and actress from Puerto Rico seen in productions like the Latin musical ¡Salsa!.