Surname Karakoyunlu - Meaning and Origin

Karakoyunlu: What does the surname Karakoyunlu mean?

The last name Karakoyunlu is an ethnic Turkish surname and historically refers to a dynasty of Turkish people from the Karakoyunlu tribe. This powerful group of people traced their origins to the Cimmerians, an ancient people who lived in the Transcaucasus region 2000 years ago.

Their name originates from the combination of the Turkic and Mongolian words for “black” (kar) and “lamb” (qoyun). In the thirteenth century, the Karakoyunlu became one of the most powerful Turkic dynasties in the region and its territories extended from western Iran to modern-day Turkey. Notable members of this tribe included Mu’in al-Din Suleyman, who is known as the “Father of the Turks”, and Sultan Ahmed al-Karakoyunlu, who ruled the region around Kirkuk during the 15th century.

The Karakoyunlu are also known for their military tactics, which were skilled enough to counter the attacks of the Timurids and Safavids, as well as the Ottomans. This tribe’s legacy of perseverance and strength can still be seen in the Karakoyunlu name which is still a common surname throughout the region.

Today, the Karakoyunlu name is an important part of Turkish culture, embodying the strength and courage of this ancient Turkic tribe. The name still shines brightly among the people of Turkey, reflecting a deep-rooted history of strength and resilience that has been passed down from generations. Karakoyunlu is a symbol of the proud people of this region whose legacy of strength and bravery has endured the test of time.

Karakoyunlu: Where does the name Karakoyunlu come from?

The last name Karakoyunlu is a very ancient name, meaning “son of the Black Sheep”. It is common among people of Turkic descent, mainly from the former Ottoman Empire. Today, those bearing this name can mainly be found in Turkey, Macedonia, and Serbia, as well as some other countries in southeastern Europe.

It is thought that the Karakoyunlu surnames originated in ancient Persia, and were adopted by some nomadic Turkic tribes. Many of these tribes eventually settled in the western parts of present-day Turkey, forming the basis of the Karakoyunlu lineage. This lineage then expanded to the Balkans, bringing the name there.

Today, Karakoyunlu is a fairly common surname among the Balkan-Turks of Macedonia and Serbia. In Turkey, the name is found throughout the country, with higher concentrations in the eastern region of the country.

Overall, the Karakoyunlu last name is still very common among the people of the former Ottoman Empire. It is particularly widespread in Turkey, as well as in some other countries in southeastern Europe. The name is a reminder of the nomadic heritage of the Turkic peoples, and is a source of pride and identity for those who bear it.

Variations of the surname Karakoyunlu

The Karakoyunlu or Kara Koyunlu, meaning 'Black Sheep', is a prominent Turkmen tribe in Turkey. The original Turkic spelling is 'Qara Qooyunlu' and the accent is on the first 'Qo'. In English the 'K' is frequently replaced by the 'C', making it 'Cara Caunlu'. It is also written 'Karaquyunlu', 'Qaraquyunlu', and 'Qara Qoyunlu' in various languages.

The surname can have many variants, including 'Qarakoyunlu', 'Qaraquyunlu', 'Karakoyunluv', 'Karaquyunlu', 'Karakoyanlu', 'Karakoyonlu', 'Karaquyun', 'Qaraqoyanlov', 'Qaraqonlu', 'Qaraquunslu', 'Qaraquonlu', 'Karaxoyonlu', 'Karaquaynlu', 'Karaqoykinlu', 'Karakaynlu', and 'Karakoyonov'.

There are also other surnames derived from the same origin, such as 'Karaqaya', 'Karaxa', 'Karakay', 'Karaqole', 'Karakayev', 'Karakoyun', 'Karaqayev', 'Karadona', 'Karaqayeva', 'Karadalo', 'Karakayaeva', 'Karaqakov', 'Karadonov', and 'Karakayko'.

The Karakoyunlu tribal root is also found in various other surnames such as 'Karakozu', 'Karakayush', 'Karakus', 'Karakoni', 'Karakonia', 'Karaqayam', 'Karakoci', 'Karakulov', 'Karakolov', 'Karakayat', 'Karaqol', 'Karakol', and 'Karaqayev'. These are mostly Turkic or Azerbaijani in origin.

Overall, the Karakoyunlu tribe and its derived surnames show great diversity across various countries and regions originating from Central Asia and the Caucasus. The historical migrations, exchange of languages, and inter-ethnic marriage have helped shape the present-day versions of the surname.

Famous people with the name Karakoyunlu

• Sam Karakoyunlu: Turkish-American artist and filmmaker.
• Darben Karakoyunlu: Turkish singer and actor.
• Adem Karakoyunlu: Turkish-Cypriot-American actor and theater director.
• Biber Karakoyunlu: Turkish actor, director, screenwriter, and painter.
• Turgut Karakoyunlu: Turkish general and governor.
• Ayhan Karakoyunlu: Turkish business executive.
• Yasar Karakoyunlu: Turkish historian.
• Murat Karakoyunlu: Turkish politician.
• Çiğdem Karakoyunlu: Turkish doctor and academic.
• Orhan Karakoyunlu: Turkish general and politician.
• Enver Karakoyunlu: Turkish former professional basketball player.
• Murat Karakoyunlu: Turkish football goalkeeper.
• Zafer Karakoyunlu: Turkish football midfielder.
• Can Karakoyunlu: Turkish basketball player.
• Ersin Karakoyunlu: Turkish actor.
• Ali Karakoyunlu: Turkish actor.
• Erdem Karakoyunlu: Turkish basketball player.
• Melis Karakoyunlu: Turkish actress.
• Sezer Karakoyunlu: Turkish singer.
• Ahmet Karakoyunlu: Turkish singer and musician.

Other surnames

Karakoyun