Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Kh

The surname Khan has deep historical roots, primarily associated with the Mongolian and Turkic languages, where it means "leader" or "ruler." The name first emerged in the 13th century, notably during the rise of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan, who united various tribes and established a vast empire across Asia and Europe. Over time, the title "Khan" became a mark of nobility and authority, adopted by various leaders and military commanders in Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia.

The surname Khrushchev has its historical roots in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine, where it is believed to have originated. The name is derived from the Russian word "khrushch," which means "cricket" or "grasshopper," suggesting a possible connection to nature or a specific geographical feature.

The surname Khomeini has its historical roots in Iran, particularly associated with the prominent clerical family of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who played a pivotal role in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The name itself is derived from the town of Khomein in central Iran, where the Khomeini family originated.

The surname Khoury has its roots in the Arabic language, deriving from the word "khour," which means "priest" or "clergyman." Historically, the name is associated with Christian communities in the Middle East, particularly among the Maronite and Greek Orthodox populations in Lebanon and surrounding regions. The surname first appeared in historical records during the medieval period, when many families adopted surnames based on their occupations, social roles, or religious affiliations.

The surname Khayyam has its roots in Persian culture, deriving from the Arabic word "khayyam," which means "tent maker." Historically, this surname is most famously associated with the 11th-century Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer Omar Khayyam, who is renowned for his contributions to literature and science, particularly his work "Rubaiyat." The name likely emerged in the context of the medieval Islamic world, where artisans and craftsmen often adopted surnames that reflected their trades or professions. As such, the surname Khayyam may have originally indicated a family lineage of tent makers, a common occupation in nomadic cultures, particularly in the Middle East and Central Asia. Culturally, the surname Khayyam has variations in spelling and pronunciation across different regions, particularly in areas influenced by Persian and Arabic languages.

The surname Khokhlov has its roots in Russia, deriving from the word "khokhl," which historically referred to a person with a distinctive hairstyle, particularly a tuft of hair left unshorn on the head, a style associated with certain ethnic groups in the region. The name is believed to have emerged in the 16th century, primarily in the central and southern parts of Russia.

The surname Kharitonov has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly within Russian and Slavic cultures. It is derived from the given name Khariton, which itself is derived from the Greek name Chariton, meaning "grace" or "kindness." The surname likely emerged in the medieval period, when patronymic naming conventions were common, indicating lineage or descent.

The surname Khalil has its roots in Arabic, deriving from the word "khalīl," which means "friend" or "companion." Historically, it is believed to have first appeared in the Arabian Peninsula, with its usage spreading across the Middle East and North Africa. The name is often associated with Islamic culture, particularly due to its connection to the figure of Ibrahim (Abraham), who is referred to as "Khalil Allah," meaning "Friend of God." Over time, the surname has been linked to various occupations, including those of scholars, merchants, and religious leaders, reflecting the social roles of its bearers in their communities.

The surname Khadafy, often associated with the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has its roots in the Arabic language and culture. The name is believed to derive from the Arabic word "khadif," which can mean "to cover" or "to conceal," reflecting a possible connection to traits of protection or secrecy.

The surname Kharchenko has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly within Ukrainian and Russian contexts. It is derived from the word "kharch," which means "food" or "nourishment" in Ukrainian, suggesting that the name may have originally been associated with individuals involved in food production or trade, such as farmers or merchants.

The surname Khanna has its roots in the Indian subcontinent, particularly among the Punjabi and Hindu communities. Historically, it is believed to have originated from the word "Khan," which denotes a noble or leader, often associated with Muslim rulers and warriors.

The surname Kharlamov has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly within Slavic cultures, and is derived from the given name "Kharlam," which is a variant of "Harlam," itself stemming from the Greek name "Charalampos," meaning "to shine brightly" or "to be radiant." The surname likely first appeared in Russia and surrounding regions, with historical records indicating its presence as early as the 16th century. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Kharlamov may have been associated with various occupations, including farming and trade, reflecting the agrarian and mercantile lifestyles prevalent in these areas.

The surname Khalid has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "khalid," which means "eternal" or "immortal." Historically, it is associated with the early Islamic period, particularly linked to the prominent figure of Khalid ibn al-Walid, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and a renowned military commander known for his strategic prowess in the early Islamic conquests during the 7th century. The name has been used as both a given name and a surname, reflecting the cultural significance of the individual it is associated with.

The surname Khouri has its roots in the Arabic language, deriving from the word "khoury," which means "priest" or "clergyman." Historically, it is associated with Christian communities in the Middle East, particularly among the Maronite Christians of Lebanon. The surname likely emerged during the medieval period, when religious titles became common as identifiers for families involved in ecclesiastical roles.

The surname Khudyakov has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly within Russian and Ukrainian contexts. Historically, it is derived from the word "khudoy," which translates to "thin" or "slender" in Russian.

The surname Khayat has its roots in the Arabic language, where it is derived from the word "khayyat," meaning "tailor." Historically, this surname can be traced back to various regions in the Middle East, particularly in countries like Lebanon and Syria, where it first appeared among communities engaged in textile and garment production. Over time, the surname became associated with craftsmanship and trade, reflecting the social roles of those who bore it.

The surname Khomenko has its roots in Eastern Europe, particularly within Ukrainian and Russian contexts. It is derived from the diminutive form of the name "Khom," which is associated with the word "kham," meaning "to be humble" or "to be meek." The surname likely emerged in the 17th or 18th century, a period marked by significant social and political changes in the region.

The surname Khanh has its roots in Vietnam, where it is derived from the Vietnamese word "khánh," which means "celebration" or "joy." Historically, the surname can be traced back to the early periods of Vietnamese history, particularly during the Ly and Tran dynasties (11th to 14th centuries), when surnames began to be formally adopted. The name is often associated with individuals who held roles in the community that brought happiness or prosperity, such as merchants, scholars, or local leaders.

The surname Khait has its roots in Eastern European and Central Asian cultures, particularly among Jewish communities. Historically, it is believed to have originated from the Yiddish word "khait," which translates to "wool," indicating a possible connection to the wool trade or textile industry.

The surname Khachatryan has its roots in Armenia, deriving from the Armenian given name Khachatur, which means "cross-bearer" or "one who carries the cross." This name is historically significant in the context of Armenian Christianity, reflecting the deep religious heritage of the Armenian people, who were the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. The surname Khachatryan likely emerged in the medieval period, as surnames became more common in the region, often reflecting the occupations, social roles, or geographical features associated with the bearers.