History and Significance of the Surname Atalai

Introduction

The surname Atalai is a unique and intriguing name that has a rich history and diverse distribution around the world. In this article, we will explore the origins, meaning, and variations of the surname Atalai. We will also delve into its prevalence in different countries, based on available data.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Atalai is believed to have originated from the Basque region of Spain. The name is derived from the Basque word "atala," which means "chapter" or "section." It is possible that the surname Atalai was originally used to denote someone who worked in a bureaucratic or administrative role, perhaps in a church or legal setting.

Variations

Like many surnames, Atalai has undergone various spelling variations over time. Some common variations of the surname include Atala, Atalay, Atale, and Atalic.

Distribution

Based on available data, the surname Atalai is most prevalent in the following countries:

Uganda

In Uganda, the surname Atalai has an incidence rate of 48. It is likely that the name was introduced to Uganda through colonial or missionary influence.

Hungary

In Hungary, the surname Atalai has an incidence rate of 24. It is possible that the name may have been brought to Hungary by immigrants or traders from the Basque region of Spain.

Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, the surname Atalai has an incidence rate of 8. The presence of the surname in this country may be the result of cultural exchange or migration.

Georgia

In Georgia, the surname Atalai has an incidence rate of 5. The name may have been introduced to Georgia through historical connections with Spain or other European countries.

Brazil

In Brazil, the surname Atalai has an incidence rate of 3. The presence of the name in Brazil may be due to immigration or cultural exchange.

Others

In addition to the countries mentioned above, the surname Atalai also has a presence in Cameroon, Israel, Algeria, Spain, India, Ukraine, and Yemen, with incidence rates ranging from 1 to 2.

Overall, the surname Atalai is a fascinating name with a complex history and a diverse distribution around the world. Its origins in the Basque region of Spain, along with its variations and prevalence in different countries, make it a name worth exploring further.