Surname Civelek - Meaning and Origin
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Civelek: What does the surname Civelek mean?
The last name Civelek is of Turkish origin, derived from the Ottoman Turkish word ‘civelik’, which has been used as a title for those born into the nobility. It became a hereditary surname during the 19th century when aristocratic families adopted the practice of passing the title down to their descendants.
The meaning of the last name is ‘little prince or little lord’, alluding to the links of the family line to the Ottoman Empire. It is likely that the name was given as a show of honor to one who had either been born into, or earned a place in, nobility. The name has been passed down through many generations, and is still held by many families in Turkey today.
Though the name has deep connections to the Ottoman Empire, it has also become a source of pride for those who share it. It is thought to represent a prestigious heritage and a strong sense of ancestry which, even centuries later, brings family members together and provides them with a solid foundation.
As a last name, Civelek has been embraced wholeheartedly by those who have adopted it. It continues to be a reminder of tradition, pride and history.
Order DNA origin analysisCivelek: Where does the name Civelek come from?
The surname Civelek is predominantly found in Turkey today; however, there are smaller pockets of people bearing the surname throughout the world. The most dense population of Civeleks is located around the Adana and Mersin provinces in the south of the country.
The first documented mention of the Civelek family comes from 15th-century Ottoman records. It is believed that the family originally moved from the Caucasus region and settled around Adana in the late 1400s. The name is derived from the Arabic male name ‘Civail’, roughly translating to ‘Lord of the Tent’.
As well as Turkey, Civeleks have emigrated to other parts of the world, including The United States of America and several European countries. Eurostat recorded 24,940 Civeleks living within certain EU member states as of 2017, while the United States Census Bureau recorded 1,372 Civeleks in America (most of whom live in Massachusetts).
Civeleks are a close-knit community. They have their own Mourning Society (Kurban Yükselme Derneği) which helps members of the Civelek family who experience difficulty or hardship. It is believed this is due the long history of the Civelek surname serving as a reminder to preserve the lineage and ensure each member of the family can remain proud of their heritage and roots.
Variations of the surname Civelek
The surname Civelek is a variation of the surnames Civelak, Zivlek, Szivlek, Sivelak, Wileyk, and Zivela. It is of Turkish origin, derived from the personal name Sivlak, which refers to a limpid-like substance that has a mind-numbingly tiny particle size.
Civelak is believed to be the original spelling of the name, and is the most common form. It has many spelling variations, including Civelek, Zivlek, Szivlek, Sivelak, and Zivela, all of which are found today. The spellings Civelek, Szivlek, and Sivelak appear to be more prevalent in Eastern Europe due to the region's strong influence on the Slavic language and culture.
Variations in spelling can also be found in other parts of the world due to immigration patterns. In the United States, for example, the surname is commonly seen as Wileyk. This spelling may be due to immigration from Eastern Europe or it may reflect Anglicization of the name through the generations. It could have also been taken as a form of anglicising by the surname’s holder when they moved to the U.S.
Whilst surnames can change over time, the Civelak branch of the surname is generally accepted as being the oldest version and reflects the name’s Turkish origins. However, individual families may have their own spin on the spelling, so it is important to be aware of any alternative variants.
Famous people with the name Civelek
- Berkay Civelek: a Turkish actor who has appeared in several Turkish dramas.
- Müjdat Civelek: a Turkish footballer who plays for İstanbul Başakşehir.
- Murat Civelek: a poet and writer from Turkey.
- Ozan Civelek: a Turkish TV and film actor.
- Rezzan Civelek: a Turkish actress who is best known for her role as Halime Sultan in the TV series Diriliş: Ertuğrul.
- Sinan Civelek: a Turkish footballer who plays for Bilbao Athletic.
- Zühal Civelek: a Turkish film and television actress.
- Suat Civelek: a Turkish footballer who plays for Akhisar Belediyespor.
- Hasan Civelek: a Turkish actor who has appeared in several films and TV series.
- Murat Civelek: a Turkish singer-songwriter who is known for his popular songs.