Surname Öcal - Meaning and Origin

Öcal: What does the surname Öcal mean?

The last name Öcal is a Turkish surname that is derived from the word “öküz” which means “ox or bull”. This name was adopted by various families who had professions related to oxen and bulls such as farmers, teamsters, butchers, etc. These families would often have the ox as their surname's symbol and crest. The meaning of the name has been passed down through the generations and is an integral part of the family’s identity.

The surname Öcal is also seen as a powerful symbol in some cultures. It is seen as a symbol of hard work and determination, and many families with this name take pride in its meaning. In some cases, the name can also be a sign of good luck and good fortune.

The name Öcal is still around today and is predominantly used by Turkish families, but can be found in other countries as well. There are also other variations of the name such as Öcalan, Öktem, and Öktemoğlu. All of these variations can be traced back to the original name and its meaning.

Overall, the last name Öcal is deeply rooted in Turkish culture and has a special meaning. It is seen as a symbol of hard work and determination but can also be a sign of good luck and fortune. For this reason, it is still used by many families today.

Öcal: Where does the name Öcal come from?

The last name Öcal is most commonly found in the southern Mediterranean region today, particularly in Turkey. It is one of the most widely distributed Turkish surnames in the region, making it the 30th most popular last name in the country. The origin of the Ottoman surname can be traced to the early 15th century as a derivative of the name Uçal, meaning 'adopted'. It was traditionally used to mark recognition for an adoptee and their family, as well as to distinguish them from their original relatives. The name has spread from Turkey to other parts of the world as families have travelled, as well as with immigration to areas such as North America and Europe. In North America, the last name is found in smaller numbers and is most common in the states of California, Texas, and New York. There is also a significant number of Öcal's found in France, as this country has strong ties to the Mediterranean region.

The surname can be found in various other Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal, as well as in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. The name has even made its way to Australia, with the number of people with the last name recorded being around 90, the majority of them located in Sydney. As with all countries, the number of Öcal's found in each region varies greatly as there is an extensive and complex history of migration and intermarriages.

Variations of the surname Öcal

The surname Öcal is a Turkish surname derived from the Turkish word 'öcal' meaning nobleman, and can be found across the former Ottoman empire, including in Turkey and countries of the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Central and Eastern Europe.

Variations of the surname include Ocak, Ekal, Ochak, Öchak, Acik, and Ekiltas, as well as some other more obscure spellings. The variations can be found among other languages as well. In Greek, the surname has been recorded as Ogkalis and Ogeas and in Hungarian, Agkals. In some spellings, the 'Ö' or 'Ek' may be dropped in favour of a 'A' or 'Ok'.

There are also surnames derived from the same root that take a different spelling, such as Ecevit, Bocek and Cayci. These names are derived from the Turkish for ‘nobleman’ yet inherit a distinct separation in origin as they have been adapted over the centuries.

Variants of the surname Öcal are found in numerous countries where a Turkish diaspora exists, due to migrations across the centuries. As such, the surname can be found in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Greece and Israel.

In addition to variants of spelling, the surname also has several anglicized forms. The name Ockal is found in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, and the surname Ochale has been recorded in the United States of Polish-American origins.

Overall, the surname Öcal has many variants both in spelling and in other surnames derived from the same root, with many being found throughout the former Ottoman Empire as well as many countries the Turkish diaspora has spread to.

Famous people with the name Öcal

• Özcan Öcal: One of Turkey's most beloved movie stars who is known for his leading role in the classic film, "The End of Fall".
• Ece Öcal: A television actress who is best known for her roles in the series "Meryem" and "Can Kitabi".
• Murat Öcal: A professional basketball player who plays for Turkish Basketball League.
• Onur Öcal: Most recently seen in the film "Yol Arkadasim" and has had several minor roles in various Turkish films.
• Kagan Öcal: An opera singer who has released several albums and taken part in numerous international operas.
• Turkay Öcal: A renowned novelist who has written several books, including "The Beyond End", "Love Belonged Here" and "The Distance Between Us".
• Yusuf Öcal: One of the most prominent Turkish novelists, Yusuf is best known for his "A Tale of Two Mountains" trilogy.
• Ertan Öcal: Musician and composer. He has released several albums and composed many film scores.
• Ozan Öcal: A poet and painter. His paintings have been exhibited in several galleries in Europe and the United States.
• Ayse Öcal: A fashion designer who is renowned for her elegant yet edgy couture.

Other surnames

Öcalan