Etymology
Some have argued that Safavi is a cognate of the word "Safaviyeh". And that "Safa" is a cognate of the word Sufi.
Safavi is an adjective, created for the name "Safi". Translated to English, "Safavi" would correspond roughly to "Safi-ish" or "Safidian"
"Safavi" is the correct Persian language reference to "Safi", the name of Sheikh Safi-ad-din Ardabili. Similarly we speak of "Edwardian", when making a reference to the era affiliated with king Edward VII. Sheikh Safi's descendants have been going by this name for 770 years. There are numerous bearers of the name "Safavi" thriving in modern day Iran, who claim descent from Sheikh Safi or any of his royal heirs.
Many Safavis can still be found in East Azerbaijan, Ardebil Province and Isfahan Province – the former capital of the Safavid dynasty – and can also be found in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan province. Safavis can also be found all across Iran. Another branch of the family is found in Kashmir.
Read more about this topic: Safavi (surname)
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