Surname Yayla - Meaning and Origin

Yayla: What does the surname Yayla mean?

The last name Yayla is of Turkish origin, and typically refers to a person from a highland village or a specific region. It is derived from the word ‘yaylak’, which means ‘mountain’ in Turkish. It can also refer to a person from the Balkan region, particularly Turkey, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, or Bulgaria.

The modern use of the term, however, has evolved to signify the highland communities of the areas mentioned above. These areas are often characterized by a rural way of life and an agrarian economy. Other common features found in these Yayla villages include a traditional style of house, often made with wood or stone, and several seasonal streams, rivers and creeks.

In the past, the Yayla were connected to larger towns and cities through trade routes, and local markets were common in the villages. Through such trade, the mountain people were able to survive and thrive, although they also faced challenges such as limited access to services and periodic Settlement Conflicts.

Today, the Yayla continue to hold onto their traditional identity, but many of the mountain regions have become tourist attractions due to their breathtaking architecture and landscape. Nevertheless, the Yayla culture remains an integral part of the Turkish culture and will continue to influence generations to come.

Yayla: Where does the name Yayla come from?

The last name Yayla can be found all over the world today. It is particularly common in Turkey, where it is among the top 500 most common surnames. The name was popularised in Turkey as a result of nomadic Turkic tribes moving into the region in the 11th century. In Turkey, many families with this last name have familial ties to the Central Anatolian Yörük Turks, who are believed to have been part of the Oghuz Turkic group that migrated from Central Asia starting at the beginning of the 11th century.

Outside of Turkey, the name can be found in many countries throughout Eurasia, including in places such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is also found in Europe, particularly in parts of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, where there are small communities of Turkish immigrants.

In the United States, the name is somewhat less common. The 2010 U.S. census recorded only 478 people with the last name Yayla. However, this could be due to the fact that many people with the last name Yayla may have chosen to self-identify with a different last name. For instance, many people of Turkish descent who have immigrated to the United States may have chosen to use the more Americanized version of their surname (i.e. 'Yaylaci', 'Yaylaoglu', or 'Yaylar').

In conclusion, the last name Yayla is still quite common today, particularly in Turkey, and it can also be found in countries throughout Eurasia, Europe, and the United States.

Variations of the surname Yayla

The surname Yayla has many variants and spellings, as well as different surnames that share the same origin. Many of these surnames come from the Turkish language.

Yayla is the standard spelling for this surname; however, variations include Yaylak, Yaylik, Yayluk, Yaylack, and Yayleck.

More commonly, this surname is usually spelled as Yaylaci or Yaylacioglu, which is the Turkish aramiac version of the surname. It is derived from the Turkish word "yayla" meaning nomadic mountain dwelling. This suggests that this surname may have been of nomadic origin.

In addition, some variants of the surname Yayla in Turkey are Yaylaloglu, Yaylagil, Yaylloglu, Yaylacik, Yaylagli, and Yayllacik.

In Greek, this surname is sometimes spelled as Yialelis or Yialles and is derived from the Turkish word "yayla" meaning a meadow. This suggests that this surname is derived from a family who lived in a meadow.

In Caucasian regions of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the surname may be spelled as Yayladze or Yayladziani. It is derived from the Turkish word "yayladzh" meaning mountain. This suggests that the family may also be of nomadic origin.

In European countries like Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro and Croatia, the surname is sometimes spelled as Yayla or Yaylak. This variation is derived from the Serbian variations of the Turkish word "yayla" and may have been used as an indication of Turkish origin.

In the United States, Yayla may also be spelled as Yaylah, Yaala, Yaylah and Yala. These variations can be traced back to families who immigrated to the United States from Turkey in the late 19th century.

Famous people with the name Yayla

• Cengiz Yayla: Cengiz Yayla is a prominent Turkish actor known for his roles in iconic films such as Kara Sevda, Kelebeğin Rüyası, and Göze Bebek Saklanır. He is the husband of renowned actress The Greatest Kanka, and is a proud father of two children.
• Ahmet Yayla: Ahmet Yayla is a songwriter, composer, and lecturer at Istanbul Technical University. He has released several albums including Su Yolunda, Tepede Bir Yalnız Çiçek, and Güldüren.
• Umut Yayla: Umut Yayla is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ankaragücü. He is known for his quick thinking and ability to curl shots from distances.
• Bünyamin Yayla: Bünyamin Yayla is a Turkish composer, arranger, and trumpet player, best known for his classical compositions and Cuban-style jazz. He has regularly performed at various clubs and music festivals.
• İhsan Yayla: İhsan Yayla is a former Taekwondo champion having won numerous medals at the World into Championships. He now works as a coach at his own Taekwondo club, based in Ankara.
• Mehmet Yayla: Mehmet Yayla is a former Turkish basketball player. He spent most of his career at Galatasaray, one of the most successful teams in Turkey. He retired from professional basketball in 2017 after more than 10 years in the sport.

Other surnames

YaylaciYaylak