Surname Kurds - Meaning and Origin

Kurds: What does the surname Kurds mean?

Kurds is a descriptor term for a group of people in the Middle East. The Kurdish population, once estimated to be 30-35 million people, has been present in the region for centuries. Though not all Kurds share a single culture, language or religion, they are united by a shared identity.

The earliest known origins of the Kurds can be traced back to the 2nd and 1st Centuries, when early mentions of the ethnic group appeared in written records. These records suggest that the Kurds inhabit a large area of northern and eastern Anatolia, parts of northern Iraq and the Caucasus. Many Kurds also live scattered throughout the Middle East in Syria, Iran, and Armenia.

Kurds are of varied ancestry, having been influenced by different civilizations and cultures. In terms of language, around 75% of Kurds speak Kurmanji, a Northwestern Iranian language, while the remaining 25% speaks the native language of Sorani, a language originating from Central Kurdish. In terms of religion, the majority of Kurds are Sunni Muslims, though some are Alevi and Yazidi, among others.

The name Kurds is derived from either an Old Iranian word for “nomad” or from an old name for the Medes. Historically, the Kurds have fought for greater independence and self-determination. Today, the Kurds are striving to maintain their unique language and culture in the face of pressures from their governments and other sub-populations in the Middle East. Their struggles have earned the admiration of freedom-loving people around the world.

Kurds: Where does the name Kurds come from?

The name Kurds is most common in the Middle East today, particularly in the region often referred to as Kurdistan. This region incorporates parts of southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, northwestern Iran, and northern Syria. The majority of the world's Kurdish population lives in this area, with over 30 million people identifying as Kurds.

Kurds speak their own language, Kurdish, which is most often written in the Latin alphabet. The majority of Kurds are Sunni Muslim, however, there are also those who practice other religions, such as Shia Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

Throughout history, the Kurds have faced persecution, displacement, and violence, particularly in the twentieth century. During the 20th century, Kurds were denied the right to self-determination and faced discrimination by various Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran. In 1988, Saddam Hussein carried out chemical attacks against the Kurds in northern Iraq. This massacre became known as the Hellhalab Massacre.

Today, the Kurds continue to struggle for recognition and autonomy, fighting for their rights and a homeland of their own. The recent rise of the Islamic State saw an increase in violence against the Kurds. However, in recent years the Kurdish people have formed their own quasi-autonomous government in Iraq and are even attempting to gain independence from other Middle Eastern countries.

Variations of the surname Kurds

The surname ‘Kurds’ has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. In Arabic, the word is spelled Kardoush or Kertouch, with Kardoush appearing more frequently. Kurdish spellings may include Kerdûş, Kernedouš, Kirdiş, and Kirdûş.

The surname ‘Kurds’ is typically associated with Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian, and Assyrian populations. It is also connected to the ethnic group known as the Kurds, descendents of the Medes who are Muslim and lived in Kurdistan (the region of western Iran, northern Iraq, and southeastern Turkey).

In English, the surname ‘Kurds’ can alternatively be spelt as the phonetic Kurts or Curtz. In Armenian, it can either be Kertchulian, Kartchouyan, Kertiochyan, or Kertchian. Likewise, in Assyrian, it can be Kortosho or Kortoshan.

In the past, spelling variations of ‘Kurds’ included Kürt, Kurdi, Kurdou, Kardou, Kertouchi, Kirdoush, Kortoshian, and Kirtchou. Some alternate surnames associated with ‘Kurds’ are Kourdash, Kurtz, Corts, Kotteesh, and Kurdy.

It is likely that people with the last name 'Kurds' have a strong ancestral connection to the middle east region. As time has progressed and many people have moved and adapted, there are likely spelling variations that have evolved, both to distinguish origin and to avoid persecution. Beyond this the surname 'Kurds' has moved all around the world, absorbed by different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the name Kurds

• Salahaddin Kurdi: Salahaddin Kurdi is a notable Iraqi Kurdish Writer and was a Professor at the University of Salahaddin. He edited a Kurdish Weekly, was the leader of the Kurdistan Alliance in Iraq, and wrote extensively about Kurdish history and culture.
• Ismail Kurdsook: Ismail Kurdsook is a Kurdish textile artist and sculptor, and one of the most celebrated contemporary Kurdish artists. He has written several books and his sculptures, which often feature textiles, bring attention to Kurdish culture and identity.
• Naif Kurdsi: Naif Kurdsi is a famous Iraqi Kurdish filmmaker and director. He is best known for his films focusing on Kurdish culture and themes, and has directed numerous award-winning documentaries and films.
• Mustafa Barzani: Mustafa Barzani was a prominent Kurdish leader and was widely regarded as the Father of Kurdistan. He played a major role in the Kurdish struggle for independence and self-determination, and is lauded by many as a national hero.
• Leila Kurdsi: Leila Kurdsi is a famous Kurdish Actress and Television host. She has starred in many films and television shows featuring Kurdish culture. Her most famous role is in the television series “The Gold of Kurdistan”, where she plays the role of a young Kurdish woman.
• Rafet Kurdsi: Rafet Kurdsi is a famous Kurdish musician and singer. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Kurdish music, and has released many albums featuring his Kurdish folk songs.
• Talab Kurdsi: Talab Kurdsi is a noted Kurdish Singer-songwriter and composer. He has released several albums featuring Kurdish music and has collaborated with numerous Kurdish musicians. He is considered to be one of the most influential Kurdish musicians of his time.

Other surnames

KurdtKurdtsKurdy