Surname Degirmenci - Meaning and Origin
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Degirmenci: What does the surname Degirmenci mean?
The last name Degirmenci is of Turkish origin and is derived from the phrase 'degirmenci' which literally translates to 'mill worker'. The term was typically associated with people who owned or operated mills to grind cereals into flour.
The Turkish term 'degirmenci' may have originally derived from the Old Turkic root 'digirmäk' which literally means 'screw', indicating the use of screws or levers to grind the grains. It is also an occupational surname, indicating that someone who held the title of 'degirmenci' was most likely employed as a miller.
The history of the surname Degirmenci can be traced back to a small village on the coast of what is today known as the Black Sea. It is believed the surname was first established in this area as a result of the abundance of grains grown in the region. As trade increased in the region, more people began to acquire the surname Degirmenci.
Today, more than 26,000 people bear the last name Degirmenci. The majority of these individuals are concentrated in the country of Turkey, but many are found all over the world. Degirmenci's are most often found in the cultural and religious spheres and are viewed as hard working people from humble backgrounds. As such, Degirmenci's are often seen as deeply loyal members of society who strive to uphold their values and beliefs.
Order DNA origin analysisDegirmenci: Where does the name Degirmenci come from?
The last name Degirmenci is most commonly found in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries. In Turkey, the Degirmenci surname is considered quite prestigious. While there are small pockets of Degirmencis in parts of Europe, America, Asia and Oceania, it is most commonly seen in Turkey. Degirmencis have a long and impressive history and can trace their lineage back to the Ottoman Empire, when the family first began.
Many Degirmencis living in Turkey are descended from notable courtiers, businessmen, or military leaders that served the Ottoman Sultan. Although the last name Degirmenci could be found in parts of former Ottoman Empire, in Europe, today many Degirmencis are concentrated in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Adana, Konya, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Diyarbakır, and Erzurum.
People who have the surname Degirmenci are typically usually linked to the same family of ancestry. Degirmencis have a long and deep cultural heritage that is still celebrated by members of the family living in Turkey today. They are proud of their Ottoman heritage and are very traditional in their beliefs and lifestyle.
Throughout the years, many Degirmencis have left Turkey for other parts of the world, carrying their unique last name with them. This has made it possible for Degirmencis to live in countries all around the world, keeping their rich culture alive and preserving their heritage.
Variations of the surname Degirmenci
The surname Degirmenci is of Turkish origin, and can take a variety of different spellings: Değirmenci, Degirmenteci, and Değirmen. All of these variations are derived from "degirmen," which is the Turkish word for "mill" or "grinder," and essentially signify that the original bearers of the name earned their living from the milling of flour.
Variants of Degirmenci can also include anglicized versions such as “Gristmaker” which employ the same meaning, or various other spellings such as Demirgücü, Değirmancı, Degirmencic, Değirmencioglu, Degirmencioğlu, and Degirmentchoglu. Depending on regional influences, it is also possible that Degirmenci might appear as Dagirmanci or Dagirmenci, and in some non-Turkish speaking regions, the surname may occasionally be found as Miller.
As far as surnames of similar origin, those with the same meaning include the Turkish names Simsek (meaning "lightning"), Ekmekci (meaning “bread maker”) and Yürekli (meaning "strong-hearted"). Turkish-origin surnames that do not share the meaning of Degirmenci, but are derived from the same root include Degirmencioglu (meaning "descendant of a miller") and Degirmencic (meaning "little grinder").
In some cases, Degirmenci can also be derived from many other different spellings or relatives, such as the Ottoman Empire variants of Degirmen, Degirmenoglu, Degirmensah, and Degirmenhan, all of which would make the last name appear differently according to the particular dialect. All in all, Degirmenci can take a variety of different spellings and forms, each of which carry the same connotation and origin.
Famous people with the name Degirmenci
- Ufuk Degirmenci: Ufuk Degirmenci is a Turkish-American photographer based in Istanbul and New York City. He is primarily known for his documentary photography of social issues in the Middle East.
- Erol Degirmenci: Erol Degirmenci is a Turkish-British television and film producer and director. He is most well known for his work on the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated television series Britannia.
- Kemal Degirmenci: Kemal Degirmenci is a Turkish sociologist and political scientist. He is a professor at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, and is known for his research on civil society and democratization.
- Selim Degirmenci: Selim Degirmenci is a Turkish Paralympic athlete who competes in multiple winter sports, including slalom skiing and Nordic skiing. He has competed in the Paralympic Games four times and has two gold medals.
- Mert Degirmenci: Mert Degirmenci is a Turkish football goalkeeper who currently plays for Fenerbahçe in the Süper Lig. He has represented Turkey at the international level and was part of the squad that won the 2020 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
- Fatih Degirmenci: Fatih Degirmenci is a Turkish former football player and current manager. He has managed several clubs in Italy, Germany and Belgium, and is currently in charge of Fenerbahçe in the Süper Lig.