Surname Ashkenazy - Meaning and Origin

Ashkenazy: What does the surname Ashkenazy mean?

The last name Ashkenazy is a Jewish name derived from the Hebrew name "Ashkenaz," which is based on the biblical character Ashkenaz, the son of Gomer and grandson of Noah in the Book of Genesis. It is believed that the Ashkenazim, a branch of Ashkenaz, are the ancestors of the Central and Eastern European Jews who were dispersed after the destruction of the Second Temple. Ashkenazy names can be found all over Europe, and in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

The name Ashkenazy originates from two Hebrew words: ‘ashhena’ meaning Germany, and ‘zimah’ meaning thoughts or ideas. This alludes to the travelers or emissaries who came from Germany centuries ago and spread their thoughts and ideas. This migration formed the cultural center known as Ashkenaz, which became the central area for the development of the Hebrew language and Talmudic studies.

Today the name Ashkenazy is a popular one and is connected to a long and varied history filled with innovation, discovery, and exploration. It provides its carriers a connection with several rich and unique cultures from across the world, including the German, Israeli, and Sephardic. For many, having the last name Ashkenazy is a source of pride, a representation of a long Jewish lineage, and an affirmation of the strength and traditions that connect Jews in Central, Eastern, and Eastern European countries to this day.

Ashkenazy: Where does the name Ashkenazy come from?

The last name Ashkenazy is most commonly found in countries of the Former Soviet Union - from Russia to Ukraine to Belarus - as well as in Central and Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary, and Austria. Due to Jewish diaspora, it can also be found in other parts of Europe, as well as in countries around the world with a large Jewish population, such as the USA, Canada, and the UK.

The Ashkenazi Jews are believed to have their roots in the Middle East. They are thought to have migrated eastwards from the Rhineland area of Germany in the 13th century, settling in Eastern Europe - as far east as the Caspian Sea - copying the language and customs of their new homeland.

The Ashkenazim was historically a major component of the Jewish population in Europe. Their influence is still evident in the Modern Hebrew language and culture. Today, there are around 10.5 million Ashkenazi Jews around the world, making up 92.15% of the world's total Jewish population.

The cultural influence of the Ashkenazim speaks to their impact on Jewish life. Their unique customs, traditions, and observances continue to shape Jewish culture. Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and even the Synagogue service are rooted in the customs of the Ashkenazim. Additionally, popular Jewish foods such as gefilte fish, matzah, kugel, and lox have their roots in the Ashkenazi culture. These traditional dishes have been passed down from generation to generation, and can even refer to certain stories or memories associated with them.

Variations of the surname Ashkenazy

Ashkenazy is an Ashkenazic Jewish surname derived from a traditional source, either the Hebrew Bible or Talmudic literature. It is most commonly seen as Askenazi, Askanazy, Askenazy, or Askenazy. The surname has been spelled in various ways over time.

The original form, Ashkenazi, is derived from "Ashkenaz" which is a Biblical reference appearing in Genesis 10:3, as one of the sons of Gomer. It has also been used in rabbinic literature to refer to the people of Germany or Austria, and more generally to refer to Jews of Central or Eastern European origin.

Variations of the surname Ashkenazy include Askanazy, Askenazi, Askenazy, Askenasis, Askenas, Askenase, Aschkenazi, Ashkenazi, and Ashkenazy.

The surname is widely found amongst the Jewish population in Israel, as immigrants and their descendants used Ashkenazy as a surname in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It is also found amongst other descendants of Jewish immigrants from East-European countries, such as Russia, Ukraine or Hungary, as it was a common surname for Jews in the various countries that were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The surname Ashkenazy is also found in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The variations of the surname Askenazy continue to be used to this day, making it an ever-evolving surname that still serves as a reminder of one’s Ashkenazic heritage.

Famous people with the name Ashkenazy

• Vladimir Ashkenazy: Vladimir Davidovich Ashkenazy is a Russian conductor, pianist, and composer. He has served as music director of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London since 2011, and he previously held the same position with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Denmark's Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Europakonzert series.
• Yitzhak Ashkenazi: Yitzhak Ashkenazi was a Polish rabbi and spiritual leader in the 16th century. He is noted for his many works of Jewish scholarship, such as commentaries on sections of the Talmud and responsa. He is also the author of the Machzor Vitry, a liturgical book for the festivals.
• Natan Sharansky: Natan Sharansky is an Israeli politician and activist. He has served in the Knesset from 1996 to 2018, and was formerly the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel. He was born Natan Shcharansky, but changed his surname to Ashkenazy in 1988.
• Arkady Ashkenazy: Arkady Ashkenazy is an Israeli figure skater. He competed for Israel at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, and has won multiple international ice skating competitions.
• Beatrice Ashkenazy: Beatrice Ashkenazy is an Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the founder and CEO of business services provider Blue Ocean Global Wealth, and also supports numerous charities, including Red Cross Australia and UNICEF.

Other surnames

AshkenaziAshkenazie