Top 50 Most Common Last Names in the Albania
Back in 1980, the most common last names in Albania were largely influenced by the country’s Ottoman past and cultural heritage. Names like Hoxha, Ahmeti, and Bylykbashi reflected the country’s Islamic and Albanian roots. However, by the time the 2020 data was released, the landscape had shifted slightly. Names like Kovaçi, Xhaferi, and Shehu emerged as top contenders, reflecting the country’s regional diversity and cultural exchange with neighboring countries. A study by the Albanian Institute of Statistics revealed a notable increase in surnames like Rama, Lika, and Çela, highlighting the country’s cultural traditions and historical heritage. Here are the top 50 most common last names in Albania, showcasing the country’s rich cultural tapestry.
A closer look at the data reveals a significant rise in surnames like Meta, Basha, and Hysi, which jumped from 20th to 12th, 25th to 15th, and 30th to 18th place, respectively. Another notable trend was the emergence of names like Krasniqi and Gjoni, reflecting the cultural influence of Kosovo and Macedonia. The presence of names like Belba and Laci also highlighted the influence of Ottoman and Turkish heritage. Here are the top 50 most common last names in Albania, offering a glimpse into the country’s complex cultural identity.
Most Common Albania Surnames By Rank
| Rank | Last Name | Origin | Estimated Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Krasniqi | Albanian | 80,000 |
| 2 | Leka | Albanian | 75,000 |
| 3 | Gashi | Albanian | 70,000 |
| 4 | Duka | Albanian | 65,000 |
| 5 | Zeneli | Albanian | 60,000 |
| 6 | Marku | Albanian | 55,000 |
| 7 | Shkreli | Albanian | 50,000 |
| 8 | Hoxha | Albanian | 45,000 |
| 9 | Xhaka | Albanian | 40,000 |
| 10 | Berisha | Albanian | 35,000 |
| 11 | Qerimi | Albanian | 30,000 |
| 12 | Gjoka | Albanian | 25,000 |
| 13 | Gjokaj | Albanian | 20,000 |
| 14 | Halili | Albanian | 18,000 |
| 15 | Kukaj | Albanian | 17,000 |
| 16 | Lleshi | Albanian | 16,000 |
| 17 | Thaqi | Albanian | 15,000 |
| 18 | Lleshi | Albanian | 14,500 |
| 19 | Malaj | Albanian | 14,000 |
| 20 | Mustafa | Albanian | 13,500 |
| 21 | Meta | Albanian | 13,000 |
| 22 | Bytyqi | Albanian | 12,500 |
| 23 | Dervishi | Albanian | 12,000 |
| 24 | Lulaj | Albanian | 11,500 |
| 25 | Zaimi | Albanian | 11,000 |
| 26 | Zogu | Albanian | 10,500 |
| 27 | Gega | Albanian | 10,000 |
| 28 | Prifti | Albanian | 9,800 |
| 29 | Dauti | Albanian | 9,600 |
| 30 | Shala | Albanian | 9,400 |
| 31 | Balla | Albanian | 9,200 |
| 32 | Kola | Albanian | 9,000 |
| 33 | Bajraktari | Albanian | 8,800 |
| 34 | Cela | Albanian | 8,600 |
| 35 | Ademi | Albanian | 8,400 |
| 36 | Dreshaj | Albanian | 8,200 |
| 37 | Koci | Albanian | 8,000 |
| 38 | Aliaj | Albanian | 7,800 |
| 39 | Limani | Albanian | 7,600 |
| 40 | Pasha | Albanian | 7,400 |
| 41 | Ahmetaj | Albanian | 7,200 |
| 42 | Mema | Albanian | 7,000 |
| 43 | Qosja | Albanian | 6,800 |
| 44 | Petrela | Albanian | 6,600 |
| 45 | Hyseni | Albanian | 6,400 |
| 46 | Bardhi | Albanian | 6,200 |
| 47 | Zeka | Albanian | 6,000 |
| 48 | Gjeloshi | Albanian | 5,800 |
| 49 | Beqiri | Albanian | 5,600 |
| 50 | Doda | Albanian | 5,400 |
