Surname Turkawaka - Meaning and Origin
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Turkawaka: What does the surname Turkawaka mean?
Turkawaka does not appear to be a recognized surname in traditional databases and doesn't have a definitive meaning in globally known languages. It might be a modern creation, a rare, local, or less-known name, possibly derived from a certain culture or a tribal line. It's also possible that it's an unusual spelling of a more common family name.
Remember that the meaning of last names can vary greatly depending on their geographic or ethnic origins. For specific information about the meaning or origin of the name Turkawaka, you would need more contextual information, such as its country or culture of origin. Regardless, everyone has a unique relationship with their surname, with personal histories and stories that might not be reflected in the basic linguistic meaning. It's always interesting to dig into genealogical research or family histories for a deeper understanding!
Order DNA origin analysisTurkawaka: Where does the name Turkawaka come from?
The last name Turkawaka is not commonly found today. It is a 600-year-old surname first used by a keen swordsman from present-day Tanzania, who was so skilled in his craft that he was eventually adopted as leader of the Mbo tribe. The surname is believed to be derived from the Swahili words for ‘sword’ and ‘victory’.
Little is known about the original Turkawaka despite his prowess at swordplay. In the early 19th century, his descendants moved south, relocating in diverse parts of Africa. Tanzania was stained by violence and slavery during this time, so many families chose to settle in places where they could practice their beliefs and exist peacefully.
When thousands of African-Americans and African-Caribbeans began to migrate to the UK in the 1950s, the Turkawaka name began to appear in records. Immigration to Britain increased over the next decades, and it is believed that by politely declaring their name at ports and airports, more Turkawakas were able to evade strict immigration policies and settle in the UK.
The Turkawaka whose descendants migrated to Britain have gone on to spread even farther across the world: to Australia, Canada, and the United States. The last name has lived through the centuries, but it is no longer common: Turkawaka is only found in sparser records around the world.
Variations of the surname Turkawaka
The surname Turkawaka is derived from the Indian and Pakistani word 'terk', which means 'to be angry'. It is a variant spelling of the name Turkiwala, and it can also be spelled Tirkawala, Terkawaka, Turakawala, or Tirkawaka.
The surname can also be seen in its plural form, Turkiwalas, and its shortened version, Turkwa. Additionally, it can also be found in other spellings, such as Turkiva,and Turkawee.
Although the surname is most commonly associated with India and Pakistan, it can be found in places throughout the world. In the United States, Turkawaka may be written as Turkiwala, Tirkawala, or Terkawaka. In Canada, it can be seen as Turquiwala or Tirquiwala. In the United Kingdom, it may be spelled Turqiwala or Tirkiwala.
The surnames of the same origin include Turkiwal, Tajiwala, Turkival, Tirkival, and Tirkuval. Variants with the prefix 'Khan' are also found, such as KhanTirkiwal, KhanTurkiwal, and KhanTurquiwala. Additionally, there are also variants of this surname with the prefix 'Mal', such as MalTirkiwal, MalTurkiwal, and MalTurquiwala.
Furthermore, the surname Turkawaka is also commonly connected with other surnames of Indian origin, such as Bhandari, Bhimani, Rawat, and Sheikh. In some cases, these surnames may be combined together, like SheikhTurkiwal, BhandariTirkiwal, and RawatTirkuval.
Famous people with the name Turkawaka
- Julianna Turka-Waka: a New Zealand TV presenter.
- George Turka-Waka: a former New Zealand rugby union player.
- Elizabeth Turka-Waka: a former New Zealand netball player.
- Tama Turka-Waka: a former New Zealand rugby union player and coach.
- Marcus Turka-Waka: a former professional cricket player.
- Simon Turka-Waka: a professional rugby player from New Zealand.
- Te Arata Turka-Waka: a Maori actor from New Zealand.
- Echo Turka-Waka: a Maori artist from New Zealand.
- Harry Turka-Waka: a former professional rugby union player from New Zealand.
- Emma Turka-Waka: a former professional netball player from New Zealand.