Surname Ünlü - Meaning and Origin

Ünlü: What does the surname Ünlü mean?

The last name Ünlü is a Turkish surname that comes from the Turkish word "ünlü" meaning "famous" or "renowned." It is a name that has been passed down through generations of Turkish families.

The surname Ünlü is believed to have been bestowed upon those families with a lineage of fame or high honor. Those families with the surname may have been prominent figures in their society or may have had a legendary ancestor that was known for their excellence or bravery in their time.

In modern times, the surname Ünlü is not only found in Turkey but is also found among Muslims who have Turkish origins worldwide. Having this surname tranfers a sense of prestige and honor for many within this diaspora, as it reinforces their link to their Turkish roots and heritage.

The name Ünlü is seen as a rightful bearing of dignity that is bestowed upon those who live their lives with honour and prestige and strive to be the most honorable and renowned version of themselves, as is possible. Furthermore, the name is also a reminder of their unique Turkish heritage, as it has been passed down through generations of Turkish families.

Ünlü: Where does the name Ünlü come from?

The last name Ünlü is a common Turkish surname and is prevalent in Turkey today. It is also commonly found among Turkish people living in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, United States, Canada and France.

The origin of Ünlü lies in the two Turkish words ün and lü used together to form the surname. ün is Turkish for ‘name’ or ‘style’ and lü is the possessive form of the noun. Thus, the literal meaning of the surname Ünlü is ‘of name’, ‘of style’ or ‘having a name’. It is thought to have evolved from other Middle Eastern surnames, such as Unwala, Unal and Unhar.

The name Ünlü is part of a shared genealogy across Turkey, where many families share the same ancestry. For example, people with the surname Ünlü in the coastal city of Giresun are descended from an 11th Century Ottoman commander named Emir Suleyman Ünlü. It has meanings of fame and glory, and often features in Turkish poems as a epitome of prowess and power.

The surname is often adopted by people in Turkey to represent a personal achievement, such as a combination of the Arabic words moham and med meaning ‘glory of’ or ‘he of fame’. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, many people in Turkey chose to use the name to symbolise a new beginning.

Overall, many Turkish people around the world today have the surname Ünlü, reflecting the country’s rich cultural history. In modern times, Ünlü is seen to represent not just family ancestry but also affirm the achievements of the individual.

Variations of the surname Ünlü

The surname Ünlü is an Turkish surname, derived from the Turkish word for "famous". Variants of the surname Ünlü include Unlu and Unlü. Unlu is a popular variant in countries where the Latin alphabet is used, as the umlaut found in the original spelling (Ünlü) is not represented.

Unlü is a variant of the surname which is used by families who have been living abroad for a long period of time. This spelling does not contain the umlaut either, which is why some families have adopted this version of the surname.

Greek variants of the surname Ünlü are Enlou and Anlou. The original Greek version of the surname is Ενλού, which is derived from the original Turkish spelling.

In Hungary, variants of the surname Ünlü include Unylu, Unnylu, and Enylu. Variants in other Asian countries, such as Azerbaijan, Israel, Latvia, and Ukraine include Unly, Unli, and Enly.

Surnames with the same origin, but a more distinct spelling, include Enylu, Onulu, Onlu, Onle, Aneylu, Enly, and Onley. Each of these surnames are derived from the Turkish word for "famous" and may have evolved over time.

Due to its Turkish origins, the surname Ünlü is subject to a variety of spellings and regional variants. Ultimately, it is a testament to the family's reputation and legacy that it has become so widespread.

Famous people with the name Ünlü

• Tarkan Ünlü: Tarkan is an internationally renowned Turkish pop singer and songwriter, with many of his songs topping the charts in Turkey as well as abroad.
• Ahmet Ünlü: A Turkish playwright, Ahmet is known for his thoughtful theater performances that often tackle complex social issues.
• Melisa Ünlü: A Turkish actress and model, she is best known for portraying the lead female in the TV series Kısır Döngü.
• Fatih Ünlü: Fatih is a journalist and media personality in Turkey, having worked with news outlets such as BBC World News, Hurriyet, and the Cumhuriyet.
• Ayaz Ünlü: A musician and record producer, Ayaz is responsible for producing singer Tarkan's award-winning album Dudu.
• Burak Ünlü: Burak is a Turkish legal scholar and professor of law at Bilgi University, Istanbul.
• Işıl Ünlü: Işıl is a Turkish model and fashion designer best known for her clothing line Ünlü Moda.
• Hakan Ünlü: Hakan is a Turkish basketball player who currently plays for the Istanbul-based Türk Telekom team.
• Ahu Ünlü: Ahu is a fashion model and Instagram influencer, having achieved a huge following through her fashion work and posts.
• Rabia Ünlü: A Turkish professor of international relations, Rabia is the author of several books on topics such as sustainable development, leadership, and education.

Other surnames

ÜnlüerÜnlütürk