Sjafri is a family name or last name usualy from Indonesia but it is also in other countries you can see the distribution from this link. As first name Sjafri is predominantly used for boys in Indonesia, particulary from etnicty of Minangkabau in Bukittingi region of West Sumatra Indonesia 1
The Last Name use in Indonesia
Indonesia, a country with over 17,000 islands and more than 1,300 ethnic groups, has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This diversity is reflected in the naming conventions across the archipelago. The use of last names, or surnames, in Indonesia has evolved significantly over time, influenced by various cultural, historical, and colonial factors.
Early Naming Conventions
In many parts of Indonesia, particularly among the Javanese, traditional naming conventions did not include the use of surnames. Individuals were often known by a single given name, which could be accompanied by a title or honorific. For example, a man might be addressed as “Pak” (Mr.) followed by his given name, while a woman might be addressed as “Bu” (Mrs./Ms.) followed by her given name 2.
Influence of Dutch Colonial Rule
The introduction of surnames in Indonesia can be traced back to the Dutch colonial era, which began in the early 17th century. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) required individuals to adopt surnames for administrative purposes. This led to the adoption of Western-style family names, often added to traditional Indonesian given names 3.
Ethnic and Cultural Diversity
Indonesia’s ethnic diversity has also played a significant role in the use of surnames. For example, the Batak people of North Sumatra have a strong tradition of using clan names, known as “marga.” These clan names are passed down patrilineally and are an important part of Batak identity. Similarly, the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra use matrilineal clan names, reflecting their matrilineal society 4.
Modern Trends and Practices
In contemporary Indonesia, the use of surnames varies widely. Some ethnic groups, such as the Javanese, still commonly use single names without surnames. However, in urban areas and among certain professional and social circles, the use of surnames has become more prevalent. This is partly due to the influence of Western naming conventions and the practicalities of modern administrative systems 5.