Mirza (name)

Mirza(/ˈmɜːrzə/or/mɪərˈzɑː/;Persian:میرزا)is a multi-ethnic name ofPersianorigin. It is used as a surname or prefix to identify patriarchal lineage. It is derived from the termMirzadeh(میرزادہ,lit.'son of the master').
It is  a historical royal and noble title,denoting the rank of aroyal prince,high nobleman,distinguished military commander,or a scholar.Specifically, it was used as a title by (and today signifies patriarchal lineage to) the variousPersian Empires, theNogai Horde,ShirvanshahsandCircassiansof the European Caucasus, theMughals / Mogulsof the Indian Subcontinent. It was also a title bestowed upon members of the highest aristocracies inTatarstates, such as theKhanatesofKazanandAstrakhan.
The original titleMīrzāorMerzāhis derived from the Persian termMīrzādehwhich literally means 'child of the Mīr' or 'child of the ruler'.Mīrzādehin turn consists of the Arabic titleAmīr(English:Emir), meaning 'commander' and thePersiansuffix-zādeh(ـزاده, meaning 'son of' or 'lineage of').Due tovowel harmonyinTurkic languages, the alternative pronunciationMorza(pluralmorzalar; derived fromPersian) is also used.
Mirzafirst emerged during the 15th century as an appellative term for members of theTimurid dynasty, adopted in deference to their progenitor, the Central Asian conquerorTimur, who usedAmiras his principal title.During the earlyTimurid period,Mirzapreceded a prince's given name, therefore adhering to the Persian fashion, though subsequently the Turkish style was adopted, with the title instead being placed after.This was continued by later rulers such as theAq Qoyunlus,Safavids,OttomansandMughals.
Originally restricted to only kings and princes,the title eventually spread among other social groups, though only the former could have it placed after their given name.During the 16th century, the Safavids conferred it upon high-rankingvizierssuch asMirza Shah HosseinandMirza Ata-Allah Isfahani.By theQajar period, the title simply marked a person as a clerk or a literate man of consequence.Writing in 1828,Frederic Shoberlrecords that "as a prefix to the name, it may be assumed by, or conferred on any person. It is right, however, to observe, that none but well-educated men, or such as follow respectable professions, or hold honourable posts, take the title ofMirza."
Three consecutivetitularkings ofShirvan, of theShirvanshahDynasty (present-dayAzerbaijan), adopted the title as well following the death ofGurban Ali.
The hereditary title of Mirza was adopted by the nobility class of theCircassians.Idar of Kabardia, also known as "Mirza Haydar Temruk Bey", was the great-grandson of Prince Inal – Sultan of Egypt the founder of the "Temruk dynasty" of the Kabardian princes, known in Russia as the "Cherkassky" a Circassian princely family.
Circassian nobility with the name Mirza include:
Princely Issues:
UnderCatherine the Great, empress ofRussia, the Mirzas gained equal rights with theRussian nobilitydue to their extreme wealth. Abdul Mirza was given the titlePrinceYusupov, and his descendant PrinceFelix YusupovmarriedPrincess Irina Alexandrovna of Russia, the only niece of TsarNicholas II.
The title Mirza was borne by an imperial prince. It was adopted as part of ones name, implying relationship to the Mongol dynasties like theMughal dynasty(the ImperialHouse of Timur).In the traditional naming sequence of the Indian royal families, the title can be placed both before the name and after it, such as PrinceMirza Mughalor PrinceKamran Mirza. PrinceKhusrau Mirzawas the grandson of EmperorBabur(BaburMirza), son of EmperorJahangirand a brother of EmperorShah Jahan. EmperorAkbar Shah IIwas known as PrinceMirza Akbarbefore his coronation. EmperorBaburtook the imperial title ofBadshahon 6 March 1508, before which he used the titleMirza.
The archaic Bengali form ofMirzawasMridhainBengalandBihar.
Originally being adversaries and opponents to the Mughal Emperors, the titleMirzawas also adopted by theMuslim Rajputsof Northern India.Many of the Rajput imperial families were descendants of ancient warriors, who strategically formed blood alliances withMughalaristocracy. The Rajputs were rulers ofprincely statescomprising vast territories of Northern India, including thePunjab Region,KashmirandRajasthan. Inter-marriage between Mughal aristocracy and Rajput aristocracy became very common and various factions of Rajput kingdoms embraced theIslamicfaith, giving rise to the term "Muslim Rajputs".Rajput rulers were also granted the titleMirzaon account of being high-ranked commanders in the Mughal military.The meaning ofMirza(Persian origin)is identical to the meaning ofRajput(Sanskrit Origin).