Surname Tepeli - Meaning and Origin
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Tepeli: What does the surname Tepeli mean?
The last name Tepeli is a common Turkish surname, derived from the words ‘tepeli’ meaning ‘hill’. This surname may have originally been a toponymic name, used to indicate someone who was from a particular hill or mountain, or perhaps the holder of lands at the foothill or summit. It may also refer to a person residing in a place near a hill. Alternatively, Tepeli could have come from the Turkish word 'tepes', meaning 'captain' or 'headman', and therefore may signal someone of noble birth or group leader.
The surname Tepeli first appeared in Turkey in at least the 15th century, likely tracing its roots back to the Ottoman Empire. It is in widespread use today in Turkey, with many still residing in the (predominantly rural) mountainous parts of the country. It is also likely to have spread elsewhere during the diaspora, with Turkish-descent populations now living in many countries around the world.
The responsibilities that the original holders of the name will have had will vary over time, but it is likely that for many, the name will have served as a reminder of their upland roots. As such, those bearing the name today may hold on to the same values of endurance, strength, and stoicism that characterize those who live in and manage such challenging areas.
Order DNA origin analysisTepeli: Where does the name Tepeli come from?
The last name Tepeli is most commonly found in Turkey today. It is derived from the Turkish word "tepelik," which means "small hill." The surname may have first been given to individuals who lived near small hills.
The surname is most commonly found in the populous western region of Turkey known as Marmara. It is also seen in the Black Sea region and Central Anatolia.
The Tepeli family name has been associated with many prominent figures throughout Turkish history. It has been connected to numerous government officials such as Fuat Tepeli, a former minister of defense, and Aliihsan Tepeli, a former cabinet minister.
The Tepeli name is also associated with important academics such as Muhittin Tepeli, an influential Turkish philosopher and literary critic, and Metin Tepeli, an essayist and historian. Other prominent figures with the last name Tepeli include Omer Tepeli, a Turkish film director and actor, and former professional soccer player Lokman Tepeli.
Today, the last name Tepeli is found mostly in Turkey, where it is a common name. However, due to the country's growing Turkish diaspora, it is now seen in other countries such as Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and USA.
Variations of the surname Tepeli
Tepeli is a surname of surprising variety and ethnological derivation. It is frequently encountered in various regions of the Balkans and Near East, as well as in Greece and Italy. The exact etymology is somewhat uncertain, though it may possibly be related to the Greek verb “tepoin”, meaning “to focus”.
Variations on the spelling of Tepeli are common. Some of the most common variations include Teppele, Tiple, Tepelis, Tepelikis, Teppalikis, Papale, Papaleos, Tapale, Papalios and Tepelides.
The surname is also sometimes encountered with alternative spellings in other languages, such as “Tepelidis” in Greece, “Tepelij” in Croatia or “Tepelu” in Bosnia.
Variant surnames of similar etymological derivation as Tepeli are also encountered throughout the region. For example, in Greece and Italy the related surname “Papaleo” is common, while in the Balkans and Near East the related name “Tepelis” is found.
Taken as a whole, variations on the surname Tepeli are wide ranging and unpredictable. Many distinct subsets can be identified across various parts of the region, offering a diversity of origin stories for the families that bear the name.
Famous people with the name Tepeli
- Hakan Tepeli: Hakan Tepeli is a professional soccer player from Turkey. He currently plays for İstanbul Başakşehir F.K., which competes in the Turkish Süper Lig.
- Pelin Tepeli: Pelin Tepeli is a model and fashion designer from Istanbul. She has been featured in Cosmopolitan Turkey and Vogue Italia, and her own eponymous clothing line is also popular among fashionistas.
- Bora Tepeli: Bora Tepeli is a Turkish singer and reality television star. He rose to fame after his appearance on the television show, The Voice of Turkey. He has since released three studio albums.
- Emre Tepeli: Emre Tepeli is a professional chef from Istanbul. He has received numerous accolades, including recognition as the Gourmet Chef of 2020 by The Gourmet World.
- Eda Tepeli: Eda Tepeli is a Turkish-American actress. She has had prominent roles in films like Istanbul Aku Cinta and Waiting for Simelon, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented actresses in the Turkish film industry.