Barlas (surname)

The surname Barlas is of Turkic origin, associated with a prominent Central Asian tribe that played a significant role in the history of the Mongol Empire and its successor states. The Barlas were a Mongol tribe of Turkicized origin.

The tribe is most famously linked to Timur (Tamerlane), the founder of the Timurid Empire, who claimed descent from the Barlas. This connection lent considerable prestige to individuals and families bearing the name.

The surname Barlas, therefore, signifies a connection to this historical and cultural heritage. Individuals with the surname may have ancestral ties to Central Asia, particularly to the regions encompassing modern-day Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and surrounding areas.

The name is found today among populations with historical connections to Central Asia, including in South Asia (particularly Pakistan and India) and among diaspora communities worldwide. The specific meaning of the tribal name "Barlas" is debated, but generally understood to relate to concepts of bravery, leadership, or prominence.