Surname Dervis - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dervis: What does the surname Dervis mean?
The last name Dervis is an ethnic Turkish surname meaning "hermit". This name was likely given to an individual or family that had a spiritual, hermetic background, as the term derives from the Persian word “derewish”, which means “esoteric” or “ascetic”. It is believed that this last name may have been adopted by 13th century Anatolian Muslim mystic Rumi and his followers.
The Dervish movement was a spiritual quest that focused on inner transformation and achieving higher consciousness through renouncing all worldly desires. These religious practitioners were viewed as wise, spiritual men who lived a life of simplicity by relying solely on faith and charity. They wore simple, loose-fitting clothing and their heads were shaved or completely bald. They were known for their solitary ascetic lifestyle and strongly believed in charity, hospitality, and helping those in need.
The Dervish religion can still be found in certain areas of South East Asia and Turkey, with some of its traditional practices continuing to be observed today. Although there is no clear origin associated with the last name, many people believe that it was given to families that practiced this religion, particularly those who lived noble, wise, spiritual lives. There is also considerable speculation that the name may have derived from some kind of rank or title within the hierarchy of the Dervish movement. Whatever its origin, it is clear that this mysterious last name holds a significant meaning for many people today.
Order DNA origin analysisDervis: Where does the name Dervis come from?
The last name Dervis is most commonly found in Turkey. It is the 22318th most popular surname in the country and is estimated to have over 1,700 people with this surname.
The origins of the surname are unclear, with some suggesting that it is derived from the Turkish words dervaş (oglan) which mean a pious young man or from Turkish words derviş or dervis which mean a wandering dervish. Another theory suggests that it is derived from the Turkish word deri which literally means leather or skin, and it likely refers to someone who was involved in the leather crafting industry.
Regardless of its origins, the surname is still commonly found in Turkey today. It is typically found throughout the nation but is particularly concentrated in the northeastern region of Kars. The powerful and wealthy Dervis Bey family that was once based in Kars had a major influence on the region and many of their descendants continue to be influential in Turkish society today.
The surname is not as common outside of Turkey. It can be found in small numbers primarily in countries with large expatriate Turkish communities such as Germany, Austria, and France. It is much less common in the United States but there are still a few individuals with this surname living there.
Variations of the surname Dervis
The surname Dervis is most commonly associated with the people originating from Turkish and Greek background. The name derives from the Persian word 'dervish', which refers to a Sufi and Islamic mystic who annually begs for livelihood.
The variants, spellings, and alternate surnames of Dervis are as follows:
Dervees: An alternate Turkish spelling of Dervis.
Dervisch: A German variant of the surname Dervis.
Dervise: A French variant of Dervis.
Dervişoğlu: An alternate Turkish spelling of Dervis.
Derwish: A common English rendering of the Turkish name.
Derviş: An alternate spelling of Dervis, most common in Muslim countries of the Middle East.
Derwees: Another alternate Turkish spelling of Dervis.
Derwisch: A German spelling of Dervis.
Dervishov: A Bulgarian variant of Dervis, adopted by Bulgarians of Turkish origin.
Dervish: A common English spelling of Dervis.
Dervişoğlu: A Turkish patronymic surname which means 'son of the dervish'.
Dervişyan: An Armenian surname with the same origin as Dervis.
Derwush: A variant of Dervis, most common among the Sufi and Islamic mystic of Central Asia.
Derwisi: A modern Turkish spelling of Dervis.
Dervishi: An Albanian variant of Dervis.
Dervisoff: A variant of the surname in which the 'off' suffix denotes descendent of a dervish ancestor. This is most common among accounts found in families of Russian origin.
Famous people with the name Dervis
- Ziya Derviş: Former Turkish Minister of State and Council of Ministers
- Muammer Derviş: Former Undersecretary of the Turkish Treasury
- Fatih Derviş: Former Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey
- Cemil Derviş: Notable Turkish university professor
- Tevfik Derviş: Former Azerbaijani Minister of National Defence
- Ahmet Derviş: Turkish politician and Member of Parliament
- Sabahattin Derviş: Former Chairman of the Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals
- Recep Derviş: Notable Turkish businessman and investor
- Sima Derviş: Leading Turkish theology professor
- Mahmut Bey Derviş: 20th-century Turkish writer and journalist