The surname Zaimi has its origins in the Ottoman Empire, specifically within the regions that today comprise Albania and Kosovo. The name is derived from the Turkish word "zaim," which referred to a type of feudal lord or landowner within the Ottoman feudal system. The zaim was responsible for the administration of a particular portion of land and collected taxes from the peasants, which were then passed on to the central Ottoman administration.

Earliest recorded instances of the surname appear in Ottoman tax registers and land records (tahrir defters) from the 15th century. These documents often listed local leaders and landholders, among whom the Zaimis were prominent. The usage of the term and the associated surname spread through the Ottoman administrative divisions, particularly in the Balkans.

One of the earliest known individuals bearing the surname Zaimi was Mehmet Bey Zaimi, a notable landowner in the region of Northern Albania, around the late 16th century. His contributions to local politics and economy have been documented in regional records.

A prominent historical figure bearing the surname was Ali Pasha Zaimi (1704–1779), an influential figure in the region of Gjakova in Kosovo. With substantial political clout, Ali Pasha Zaimi played a significant role during a period of significant local unrest and shifting loyalties within the Ottoman-controlled territories.

Another notable individual was Sulejman Zaimi, an 18th-century administrator based in the Shkodra region of Albania. Records from 1755 highlight his services as a local governor, dealing with agrarian issues and the collection of revenues.

In more cultural contexts, one finds the example of Agim Zaimi (1915–1980), an Albanian writer and historian who made significant contributions to the preservation of Albanian oral traditions and history. Agim's works often explored the historical complexities of the region, providing a valuable ethnic and cultural perspective.

Lastly, Luan Zaimi (born 1943), a 20th-century Albanian political figure, became pivotal in modernizing agricultural policies in post-World War II Albania. His policies reflected an intricate understanding of the region's feudal past, making considerable progress in land distribution and agricultural reforms.

The Zaimi surname, arising from its historical and socio-political roots in the Ottoman administration, exemplifies the evolution from feudal roles to prominent historical and cultural contributions, marking its enduring legacy in the Balkan regions.