Iranian Surname Project Receives Grant from Persian Heritage Foundation

 In a meaningful step toward preserving and celebrating cultural identity, three international researchers have been awarded a grant by the Persian Heritage Foundation for their pioneering Iranian Surname Project. 

Led by JD candidate Cameron Azimi (USA), alongside Dr. Eugen Schochenmaier (Germany) and Dr. Fatemeh Akbari (Austria), this initiative aims to map and decode the rich tapestry of Iranian family names within the United States diaspora.

Why This Project Matters Now

At its heart, the Iranian Surname Project is more than an academic exercise - it’s a timely response to the growing need for cultural continuity and understanding in an increasingly globalized world. For many Iranian-Americans, surnames are not just identifiers but living artifacts of history, carrying within them echoes of ancestral villages, professions, and stories that span continents and generations.

The need for such a project is particularly urgent today. As the Iranian diaspora in the U.S. continues to grow and evolve, younger generations often find themselves at a crossroads between their American upbringing and their Persian heritage. Surnames, especially those formalized only a century ago in Iran, can become cryptic links to a past that feels distant. This project seeks to translate those links, offering clarity and connection where there might otherwise be disconnect.

More Than a List - A Living Archive

Rather than simply cataloging names, the project will build a tailored, user-friendly online database designed specifically for the Iranian-American community. It will explore the meanings, origins, and fascinating variations of surnames - acknowledging the different spellings that have emerged through immigration, personal choice, and the challenges of transliterating Persian into the Latin alphabet.

In doing so, it addresses a practical need: helping families navigate official documents, preserve oral histories, and foster a deeper sense of belonging. It also serves as a vital resource for educators, historians, and anyone interested in the dynamic interplay of migration, language, and identity.

A Unifying Lens in a Multicultural Landscape

At a broader level, the Iranian Surname Project contributes to the rich mosaic of American multiculturalism. By studying how names adapt, endure, and gain new significance in a new homeland, the project illuminates the universal story of immigrant integration while honoring the unique narrative of the Iranian community.

The Persian Heritage Foundation’s support recognizes that preserving cultural heritage is not about looking backward, but about building bridges - between generations, between identities, and between Iran and America. This grant is an investment in memory, understanding, and the stories that connect us all.

We look forward to seeing the invaluable resource that emerges from this important work - one that will undoubtedly enrich the Iranian-American community and broaden our collective appreciation for the power of a name.