Surname Colakoglu - Meaning and Origin
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Colakoglu: What does the surname Colakoglu mean?
The last name Colakoglu is of Turkish origin, derived from the Turkish words “kol” (“arm”) and “oglu” (“son of”). Ultimately, the name can be interpreted to mean "son of the arm" or "son of the strong man". As such, the origin of the name is associated with strength and masculinity, suggesting its bearers come from large families or clans, which prized physical prowess. It is usually found in the south of Turkey, as the name is mainly associated with the provinces of Mersin, Adana, and Hatay.
The name Colakoglu is typically linked to the upper-crust of Turkish society, as it suggests some connections to Roman/Byzantine nobility or military ages. This association may have in part been caused by the coat of arms linked to the name. It showcases a left arm on a blue shield, behind a two-headed eagle with a diamond-studded crown, reinforcing the notion of strength.
Furthermore, the name has royal associations, as the famous Ottoman Bey, the Colakoglu Beys, were historically important in the Ottoman Empire. As noted in Turkish military records, the Colakoglu Beys’ ancestors were among those who defeated the Ottoman Empire in the 1570 Battle of Lepanto.
In modern times, the name Colakoglu is a celebrated one and bearers of the name are often seen as strong leaders in their own right. The household name carries a heavy legacy of strength and courage to live up to, which bearers often do in service of their communities.
Order DNA origin analysisColakoglu: Where does the name Colakoglu come from?
The last name Colakoglu is most commonly found in the country of Turkey, specifically in Anatolia, the western half of the nation along its southern coast. This is due to the heavy history of Turkish colonialism in this area throughout the ages, particularly during the Ottoman era. Additionally, the Colakoglu family is known to be linked to the historical and traditional city of Konya, the former capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. Within Konya, the Colakoglu family has been resident since around the 13th century CE, and it is one of the oldest native families of the city.
Colakoglu is a very common surname in Turkey today, with an estimated 5,200 people with the surname either living in the country or being of Turkish ancestry. It is speculated that this surname is of either Greek or Bulgarian origin, with many Colakoglus belonging to Islamic faith. Outside of Turkey, Colakoglu can be found throughout Southeastern Europe, the Balkans, Anatolian Peninsula, Middle East, and North Africa.
Apart from Turkey, today, the Colakoglu family has expanded throughout the United States, Western Europe, Australia, and even in Latin American countries such as Brazil. This demonstrates the highly diverse and expansive global distribution of the Colakoglu name.
Variations of the surname Colakoglu
Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Colakoglu include:
1. Köllikoglu: This is an alternate spelling originating from the Turkish word “köllük” which means “shepherd” and is derived from the verb “köllömek” to keep livestock.
2. Köllükoglu: This is another spelling variation, often used interchangeably with Köllikoglu.
3. Kollakoglu: A variant of Köllükoglu, this spelling is often used in some parts of Turkey.
4. Kollikoglu: Another variant of Köllükoglu, this spelling is often used in some parts of Turkey.
5. Kollouglu: This variant is used exclusively in the Turkish-speaking region and is a more modern spelling.
6. Köllouglu: This is a variant of the previous spelling variation, again used exclusively in the Turkish-speaking region.
7. Kolakoglu: This is the original spelling and is derived from the Turkish word “kolak” meaning “shepherd” or “drover”.
8. Kollaroglu: This variant is used mainly in Turkish-speaking regions and is derived from the word “kolluk” which means “fence” or “wall”.
9. Kölleroglu: This is a variant of the Köllükoglu spelling and is derived from the Turkish word “köllömek” which means “to keep animals” or “herdsman”.
10. Köllaroglu: This variant is derived from the Turkish word “köllük” which means “shepherd” or “drover”.
Famous people with the name Colakoglu
- Burcu Colakoglu: Burcu Colakoglu is a Turkish actress, best known for her roles in films such as Cactus Flower (2007) and To the Sea (2016).
- Kemal Colakoglu: Kemal Colakoglu is a Turkish professional footballer, currently playing for Konyaspor.
- Erman Colakoglu: Erman Colakoglu is a Turkish entrepreneur who founded the real estate development company Colakoglu Holding.
- Ferhat Colakoglu: Ferhat Colakoglu is a Turkish professional basketball player. He has made multiple appearances in the Euroleague and the Liga ACB.
- John Colakoglu: John Colakoglu is a British-Turkish actor, best known for his roles in filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan's films Winter Sleep (2014) and The Wild Pear Tree (2018).
- Sinan Colakoglu: Sinan Colakoglu is a Turkish Paralympic athlete who competes in wheelchair racing.
- Ufuk Colakoglu: Ufuk Colakoglu is a Turkish-American film director and producer, best known for his films Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and Hero (2002).
- Abdullah Colakoglu: Abdullah Colakoglu is a Turkish professional footballer. He plays for Konyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig.
- Bülent Colakoglu: Bülent Colakoglu is a Turkish professional basketball player who has represented his country in international competitions.
- Orhan Colakoglu: Orhan Colakoglu is a Turkish chess Grandmaster who represented Turkey in Chess Olympiads and is a past Junior World Champion.