Surname Terzian - Meaning and Origin
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Terzian: What does the surname Terzian mean?
The last name Terzian is believed to have Armenian origins. It is a derivative of the Armenian word for ‘master’ or ‘lord’ and is often used as a surname in Armenian-speaking communities. According to various accounts, the name is believed to have derived from the Armenian title ‘T’er Teghin’, which literally translates as ‘lord of the house’.
Several prominent Armenian families used this title, which reflects the great respect and reverence that they commanded. It was eventually adapted into the surname ‘Terzian’, which continues to be used by members of this lineage and other people from Armenian backgrounds.
A popular legend attached to the Terzian name suggests that it was bestowed upon Armenian military leader Arghut Terzian sometime during the 12th century. Arghut was said to have been a highly respected and influential individual, and the title was an apt reminder of his status and success.
The Terzian surname is associated with strength, power, and influence in Armenian-speaking communities around the world. It is a reminder of a proud heritage and a beloved ancestor, and it remains a highly respected and prestigious name to this day.
Order DNA origin analysisTerzian: Where does the name Terzian come from?
The last name Terzian is quite common today mostly in the United States, Armenia, France, and Germany. Armenian born Terzians are the most numerous, with roots in the country's complex history. It is thought that the origin of the name lies in the medieval Armenian family of Terzian, and within that, with an ancient Armenian word for 'brave'. In the U.S., Terzian is an established, but not overly common, surname, with a significant number of individuals bearing it originating in Massachusetts and New York. In France, the last name is quite rare, but can be commonly found among Armenian communities. Germany, too, has long had a sizable Armenian population, and so the name can be derived from both the local native middle European population as well as these Armenian communities.
The moniker is becoming quite widespread, however, due to an influx of Armenian refugees and immigrants who have settled in different parts of the world over the past couple of decades. As a result, it is gaining traction in places where it may not have previously existed, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, and Canada.
Considering its diverse background, it is likely that the popularity of the last name Terzian will continue to grow and expand, even as the global population becomes more mobile and far-reaching.
Variations of the surname Terzian
Terzian is an Armenian surname originating from the name Tesar, which is derived from the Greek word τέσσαρα (tessara) meaning four. This is possibly a reference to the four sons of Armenia's legendary patriarch Gaius Terzianus, and the family are believed to have been granted land by the late Roman Empire.
The most common spelling of the surname Terzian is yet Tersian, derived from an earlier version of the Armenian language. Other variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Tersakian, Terzikian, Terzoyan, Tertsakian, Tersikian, Tersakyan, Terssakian, Tersian, Terssakyan, and Terzoonian.
The meaning and function of the surname may also vary depending on the region of origin. In Armenia, the surname was traditionally used as an epithet for men of strong character, while the Islamicized version of the name, Tersakian, has come to signify knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. It has also been used to signify both strength and courage. In western Turkey, the surname is seen as reflecting a family’s Persian aristocracy.
The surnames originating from the same origin reflect the diversity of cultures within a shared linguistic and cultural space, as well as providing valuable insight into the historical and social environment in which the surname evolved. As such, understanding the historical context of the Terzian family has allowed for the discovery of multiple variants, spellings, surnames, and meanings that all trace their origins back to one source.
Famous people with the name Terzian
- Gevork Terzian: Armenian Ambassador to the United States
- Aram Terzian: Armenian music composer
- Nicolas Terzian: French cinematographer
- Carole Terzian: French singer and songwriter
- Oscar Terzian: Argentine architect
- Ara Terzian: Armenian-American mathematician
- Ado Terzian: Argentine journalist and literature professor
- Alexander Terzian: Armenian-American musicologist
- Gagik Terzian: Armenian chess player
- Philip Terzian: American journalist, critic, and essayist