Find out how popular the last name Şimşek is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Şimşek.

Şimşek, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Şimşek surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Şimşek in America

Şimşek is the 95955th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Şimşek surname appeared 190 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Şimşek.

The history of the last name Şimşek

The surname "SIMSEK" is of Turkish origin, tracing its roots back to the Ottoman Empire in the 13th century. It is derived from the Turkish word "şimşek," meaning "lightning bolt" or "thunderbolt," suggesting a possible association with the elements of nature or a person's fiery temperament.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name "SIMSEK" can be found in the Ottoman tax records, known as the "Tapu Tahrir Defterleri," from the late 15th century. These records were meticulously kept to document the names, occupations, and properties of the Empire's subjects for taxation purposes.

During the reign of Sultan Mehmed II (1432-1481), a prominent military commander named Hasan Simsek was noted for his bravery and leadership in the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. His exploits were recorded in the chronicles of the Ottoman court historians, cementing his place in the annals of Turkish history.

In the 17th century, a renowned Ottoman calligrapher named Hafiz Mustafa Simsek gained recognition for his exquisite calligraphic works, which adorned the walls of mosques and palaces throughout the Empire. His masterpieces are still celebrated as prime examples of Islamic calligraphy.

Another notable figure with the surname "SIMSEK" was Fatma Simsek, a pioneering female poet and intellectual who lived in the late 18th century. Her poetry challenged societal norms and advocated for women's rights, earning her both praise and criticism from her contemporaries.

In the 20th century, Mehmet Ali Simsek (1904-1982) was a prominent Turkish diplomat and politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1965 to 1969. His contributions to Turkey's international relations and diplomacy were widely recognized during his lifetime.

The surname "SIMSEK" is also associated with several place names across Turkey, such as Simsek Köyü (Simsek Village) in the province of Sivas and Simsek Mahallesi (Simsek Neighborhood) in the city of Izmir. These place names may have originated from individuals bearing the surname or from geographical features resembling a lightning bolt.

Overall, the surname "SIMSEK" carries a rich history and cultural significance within Turkish society, reflecting the country's Ottoman heritage and the diverse roles its bearers have played throughout the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Şimşek

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Şimşek.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Şimşek was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Şimşek was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Şimşek, please contact us.

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