Surname Halil - Meaning and Origin
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Halil: What does the surname Halil mean?
The last name Halil is of Turkish origin, originating from the word Halil, which is an Arabic name meaning “friend” or “close companion”. This surname can be found in Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina, primarily given to people of Muslim faith.
The idea of a family or friendship group being knit together in the way suggested by the name Halil holds a cultural significance for people who share this having this last name – that despite differences, they are all bound together.
This idea is further emphasized by the roots of the word Halil, which comes from the Arabic word “Halal”, which is used for two meanings: “permissible/allowed” and “upright/righteous/generous” – implying an approach that is both tolerant to differences and generous in spirit towards those who are similar.
This strong sense of belonging and togetherness is likely what gave the surname Halil much of its historical and cultural significance in Turkish society. This spirit of close, familial ties is something that is often embodied by those with this last name, even generations later.
Order DNA origin analysisHalil: Where does the name Halil come from?
The last name Halil is most commonly found in the Islamic world today. In Turkey, for instance, there were 3,112 individuals with the last name Halil reported in the 2017 census. This is one of the most common surnames in the country. Other parts of the Islamic world where the name is particularly popular include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan. The name has also been recorded in lesser numbers in several other countries worldwide, including the United States, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia.
The origin of the Halil surname varies. While it has Turkish roots, the exact origin of the name is unknown. The most common theory is that it is derived from the Arabic word halal, which means permitted or lawful. There is also evidence to suggest that it may have originated from the ancient Jewish name Heil, which translates to "blessing".
In many parts of the Islamic world, the Muslim members of the Halil family use their distinct name as a badge of honor. Writers, athletes, and prominent members of society proudly trace their roots back to the original Halil family.
Variations of the surname Halil
The surname Halil (also spelled Hallil, Haleel and Halel) has Arabic, Turkish and Hebrew roots and is derived from the Arabic word "haalil", which translates to "praise". It is sometimes translated as "respected" or "esteemed".
The variants of the surname Halil are commonly found in many countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Arab-speaking countries of the Middle East. In English-speaking countries, the Halil surname can be found as Hallil, Haleel, or Halel. In Germany and Austria, the surname is spelled Halil and in Italy, it is spelled Halili.
In the United States, there are many different spellings of the Halil surname, ranging from Halil to Hallil, Halel, Halley, and Hallin. In France, the surname can also be found in the form Hallin.
In England, Halil can be spelled as Halela, Hallil, Haleel, Halel, Hallelt, Halet, or Hallet. In Scotland, the Halil surname is commonly found as Halil, Halet, Haleel, or Hallil.
In Israel, the Halil surname is found as Haleel, or Halel. Additionally, in some countries, the surname can be found in the form of surnames derived from it, such as Hallille, or Hallilo.
Across the globe, the Halil surname has various originators and a range of different spellings depending on the language spoken. Whilst all variations trace roots to the same root word, the vast range of different spellings and surnames ensure that the surname remains renowned across different cultures and parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Halil
- Hitz Halil– singer songwriter and writer from London who has released two studio albums and an EP.
- Berkay Halil– Turkish professional footballer who plays as a winger for Galatasaray SK.
- Eflatun Halil– Turkish comedian and actor who starred in the sitcom Güldür Güldür Show and the film Sadece Sen.
- Ayşade Halil– Turkish journalist and correspondent for the newspaper Yeni Safak.
- Halil Ergün– Turkish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Eskişehirspor.
- Aytunç Halil– Turkish singer who released singles such as “Benimle Kal” and “Aman Yarabbim”.
- Halil Bürcelik– Turkish actor who starred in the TV series Ezel and Dila Hanım.
- Fatih Halil– Turkish actor and director who has acted in productions such as Guliver and Malkoçoglu Abdulhamit.
- Fuat Halil– Turkish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Akhisar Belediyespor.
- Ismail Halil– Turkish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Gaziantepspor.