20 Interesting Muslim Surnames Derived from “Emir,” with Meanings & Origin

Muslim Surnames Derived from Emir

In Islamic history, the title Emir (أمير), also spelled as Amir or Ameer, holds a position of immense significance. It traditionally referred to a ruler, leader, or military commander appointed to govern a province or lead an army under Islamic governance. Even today, Muslim surnames Derived from Emir persist across Arab, Persian, Central Asian, Turkish, and South Asian Muslim communities.

Here’s a comprehensive list of Muslim surnames derived from Emir, along with their meanings, origins, and Arabic script.

Surname	Meaning	Arabic
Emirzada	Son of the Emir	أمیر زاده
Al-Emiri	Belonging to the Emir	الإميري
Emiroglu	Son of Emir (Turkish)	أمير اوغلو
Emirzai	Descendant of Emir	امیر زئی
Emirbek	Noble Emir	أمیر بك
Emirov	Son of the Emir	اميروف
Al-Amiri	Of the Amir/Emir	الأميري
Emirchi	Keeper of the Emir’s Palace	امیرچی
Emirani	From the land of Emir	امیراني
Emirhan	Khan of the Emirs	أمیر خان
Emiruddin	Faith of the Emir	أمیر الدين
Emirali	Emir of Ali’s lineage	أمیر علي
Amirzada	Son of the Leader	أمير زاده
Emirbey	Lord of the Emir	أمير بك
Emirkhan	King of Emirs	أمير خان
Emirghazi	Conqueror Emir	أمير غازي
Emirullah	Servant of Allah’s Emir	أمير الله
Emirshah	King Emir	أمير شاه
Al-Emara	From the House of Emir	الإمارة
Emirzadah	Descendant of Emir	أمير زاده

Muslim Surnames Derived from Emir

1. Emirzada (أمیر زاده) – This Persian-origin surname combines Emir (Leader) and Zada (Son of), meaning “Son of the Emir”. It was traditionally used by families directly descended from military commanders, governors, or regional rulers under Islamic empires.
2. Al-Emiri (الإميري) – This surname means “Belonging to the Emir” or “Of the Emir’s House”. It is commonly found among Arab families in the Gulf, Yemen, and North Africa. Families carrying this surname often have royal or administrative lineage.
3. Emiroglu (أمير اوغلو) – This surname originates from Turkey and combines Emir (Ruler) with Oglu (Son of), meaning “Son of the Emir”. It was widely used among families of Ottoman military commanders or noblemen.
4. Emirzai (امیر زئی) – Zai is a Pashto word meaning “descendant of”. Hence, Emirzai means “Descendant of the Emir”. This surname is particularly popular among Pashtun, Afghan, and Baloch tribes.
5. Emirbek (أمیر بك) – Bek (بك) is a Turkic title meaning “Lord” or “High-ranking officer”. Hence, Emirbek denotes a noble ruler with Emir status, primarily found in Central Asia, Turkey, and the Caucasus.
6. Emirov (اميروف) – The suffix “-ov” is common among Azerbaijanis, Uzbeks, Tatars, and Dagestanis, signifying “Son of”. Emirov, therefore, means “Son of the Emir”.
7. Al-Amiri (الأميري) – This is a commonly used surname in the Arabian Peninsula, meaning “Of the Emir”. It often denotes direct family ties to rulers or high-ranking individuals.
8. Emirchi (امیرچی) – Originating from Persia, this surname translates to “Guardian of the Emir’s Palace” or “Caretaker of the Royal Court”. Families with this surname often held administrative or service-based roles in royal courts.
9. Emirani (امیراني) – This surname simply means “From the land of the Emir” and is widely used in Persia, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
10. Emirhan (أمیر خان) – Combining Emir (Ruler) with Khan (King/Leader), Emirhan signifies “Supreme Leader of the Emirate”. This surname is prevalent in Turkey, Central Asia, and the Subcontinent.
11. Emiruddin (أمیر الدين) – Literally meaning “Faith of the Emir”, this surname reflects religious and spiritual leadership. Families carrying this surname were often Islamic scholars, imams, or religious leaders.
12. Amirzada (أمير زاده) – Similar to Emirzada, this surname denotes “Son of the Emir” and is most common in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.
13. Emirbey (أمير بك) – This combines Emir (Leader) and Bey (Lord), denoting a regional leader, nobleman, or influential person during the Ottoman era.
14. Emirghazi (أمير غازي) – Derived from Ghazis (Warriors), this surname means “The Conquering Emir”. Families with this surname likely descended from military commanders who led conquests.
15. Emirullah (أمير الله) – This religiously inclined surname translates to “Emir of Allah”, symbolizing a servant or leader under divine guidance.
16. Emirshah (أمير شاه) – Shah (King) and Emir (Leader) combine to form Emirshah, meaning “King of the Emirs”. This surname was historically held by ruling families or tribal leaders.
17. Al-Emara (الإمارة) – Meaning “Of the Emirate”, this surname denotes direct lineage to a ruling Emirate family.
18. Emirzadah (أمير زاده) – Another version of Emirzada, this surname remains popular in Afghanistan, Iran, and parts of South Asia.

Muslim Surnames Derived from Emir

Muslim surnames derived from Emir (أمير) carry deep historical and cultural significance in the Islamic world. They symbolize leadership, governance, and nobility, connecting families to military commanders, rulers, or religious authorities. Today, many of these surnames continue to preserve the legacy of Muslim leadership, reminding the world of the rich Islamic heritage.

---

Read: Muslim Surnames with the Prefix “Al ” and Their Significance