Surname Öcalan - Meaning and Origin
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Öcalan: What does the surname Öcalan mean?
The last name Öcalan is of Turkish origin, derived from the word “öcal” which means “hunter” in the Ottoman Turkish language. It is commonly thought to have originated from the eastern Anatolian region of Anatolia, where tribal nomads traveling around in clans were known to hunt for sustenance.
Today, the name Öcalan still holds certain associations in Turkey that allude to the traditional nomadic lifestyle of their ancestors. It is seen to symbolize a traditionally Turkish form of strength and resilience; a reflection of the warrior-like spirit of the Öcalan clans that once traveled and settled across the region.
The name Öcalan is also closely linked to the Kurdish freedom movement, as well as Turkish national identity. This is largely due to the international profile of the former PKK leader, Abdullah Öcalan, who became known as the figurehead of the rebel movement after his arrest in 1999. As a result, the name Öcalan has become associated with the Kurdish struggle for self-determination, as well as with Turkish national pride. It is still seen as symbolizing the strength, resilience, and courage of the Turkish nation.
In summary, the last name Öcalan is of Turkish origin and signifies strength, resilience, and courage. It is deeply associated with Turkish national identity, as well as the ongoing struggle of the Kurdish people for their right of self-determination.
Order DNA origin analysisÖcalan: Where does the name Öcalan come from?
The last name Öcalan is commonly found in Turkey, and is widely shared by those of Kurdish and Zaza origin. This last name is derived from the Kurdish surname "Ocak" and is often pronounced as Öcalan. The word "Ocak" is deeply entwined with the Kurdish national identity and culture - it translates as "home" and is commonly used to refer to the tribal communities of the Kurds.
One of the most famous people to bear this name is Abdullah Öcalan, who is considered a key figure in the Kurdish independence movement. He was a leader in the Kurdish Workers' Party, more commonly referred to as the PKK, and led the group during the 1980s and 90s in their efforts to gain autonomous Kurdish rule within Turkey.
An estimated 135,000 people share the Öcalan surname today, with most residing in Turkey. Öcalan's popularity as a last name has only increased since his incarceration in 1999, being seen as a symbol of Kurdish resistance against a hegemonic state. It has become a powerful political statement within the Kurdish community, a reminder of their resilient quest to secure an independent culture.
In recent years, the Öcalan name has expanded relevance to other parts of the world. In the United States, the Kurdish California Council created the Abdullah Öcalan Scholarship in 2018, dedicated to honoring educational excellence and to striving for a free and democratic society. This is a testament to the popularity of the Öcalan surname globally, and to its recognition as a symbol of resilience and struggle against oppression.
Variations of the surname Öcalan
The surname Öcalan is most commonly associated with the Kurdish politician Abdullah Öcalan, who is the founder and leader of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as Öcalan include Öçalan, Oecalan, Oecalen, Oecanean, Oecan, Uecalan, Uecalen, Uecanean, Uecan, Uçalan, Uçalen, Uçanean, Ucan, and Uchan.
In some instances, Öcalan is considered a different spelling of the same surname, with its variants including Aecalan, Aecalen, Aecanean, Aecan, Ocalan, Ocalen, Ocanean, Ocan, Ucalan, Ucalen, Ucanean, Ucan, and Uchan. Additionally, other surnames associated with the same origin and spelling of Öcalan include Açalan, Açalen, Açanean, Acan, Uçolan, Uçolen, Uçonean, Ucolan, UcoLen, UcoNean, Uconean, and Ucon.
Outside of Turkey, Öcalan is also spelled as Uecalan, Uecalen, Uecanean, Uecan, Ecalan, Ecalen, Ecanean, Ecan, Udaalan, Udaalen, Udaanean, Udacan, UdaÇan, and Udaçan. Furthermore, other surnames associated with this surname may include Udalan, Udellen, Udalen, Udelen, Udelan, Odaalan, Odaalen, Odaanean, Odacan, OdaÇan, and Odaçan.
In total, the variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as the surname Öcalan include up to 26 different versions of the surname. This includes variant spellings of the surname within and outside of Turkey, as well as other surnames associated with the same origin and spelling.
Famous people with the name Öcalan
- Abdullah Öcalan: The most well known person with the last name Öcalan is Abdullah, the Kurdish political leader and former leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). He was captured by Turkish forces in 1999 and is currently serving a life sentence in Turkey's Imrali prison.
- Nurettin Öcalan: Nurettin is a Turkish lawyer and the brother of Abdullah Öcalan. He has worked hard to ensure his brother’s case is properly represented in the Turkish court system.
- Osman Öcalan: He is another brother of Abdullah Öcalan who is involved in peacebuilding and dialogue initiatives in the Kurdish region.
- Nizamettin Öcalan: Also known as ‘Mihemed Reşit', Nizamettin is tied to the National Congress of Kurdish Nationalism. He is a Kurdish intellectual and writer.
- Kemal Öcalan: He is a Kurdish politician who managed to escape capture during the Turkish authorities' attempt to arrest Abdullah Öcalan in 1999. He works with the Kurdish Democratic Solution Party.
- Kerem Öcalan: Kerem is another politically active member of the Öcalan family. He writes for a newspaper called Özgür Gündem, which is an independent publication for the Kurdish community.
- Ferhat Öcalan: Ferhat is the son of Abdullah Öcalan and a close aide to the Kurdish leader. He often visits his father in prison and campaigns for his release.
- Ahmet Öcalan: He is the uncle of Abdullah Öcalan and works as a lawyer. He is one of the key figures in the campaign to gain his nephew's freedom.
- Ramazan Öcalan: Ramazan is a Kurdish writer and journalist. He focuses his work on advocating for the Kurdish people and their rights.
- Osman Öcalan: He is also known as ‘Amara Pîroz’. He is a journalist and serves as the head of the Kurdish Reconciliation Committee in Turkey.