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Moroccan last names are a true reflection of the country’s culture, heritage, history, and evolving identity. They represent the diverse heritage of Morocco inspired and influenced by Arabic, Berber, Jewish, and European cultures. These Moroccan family names tell a story of the great ancestors who dared to explore. Many Moroccan names are patronymic surnames, and also a mix of habitational surnames indicating the descent of an individual. Moroccan last names are a mirror of the long history, the indigenous traditions, and the imported elements over the centuries. Let us explore this beautiful North African country’s vast cavern of knowledge and wisdom.
Key Pointers
- Many Moroccan surnames have roots in Arabic, Maghrebi, and Berber.
- Names that begin with the prefix ‘Ben’ are patronymic surnames.
- Judeo-Spanish surnames make up a small percentage of last names in Morocco.
- Moroccan surnames can help identify a person’s place of origin or tribe.
Common Moroccan Last Names
These last names help form the basic mosaic of Moroccan culture and history. From Abergel to Touzani, these surnames are a story of lineage, resilience, and familial pride.
1. Abergel
A Judeo-Spanish surname that finds its roots in Moroccan Arabic, Abergel carries a distinctive meaning of ‘one-legged’ or ‘one-footed.’ It can also be spelled as Abergele, Abargil, Abergil, Abourgil, and Abourgal.
2. Abourouphael
An Arabic surname that is common in the regions of Morocco, Lebanon, Algeria, and Tunisia, Abourouphael means ‘father of rouphael.’
3. Adlani
Adlani is a predominantly Moroccan surname and it comes from the given name Adlène. In Arabic, the name means ‘to act justly’ or simply ‘justice’ or ‘fairness.’ Another spelling of Adlani is El Adlani.
4. Ait
A common surname found in the region of Morocco and coming from the deep woods of Estonia, Ait is an ornamental surname that means ‘granary’ or ‘outbuilding.’
5. Akebdani
Akebdani is a Moroccan-Rifian surname used as a locative surname for someone who comes from the town of Dar El Kebdani. It can also be spelled as Kebdani or Lkebdani.
6. Alaoui
A name with royal ties, Alaoui is a surname derived from the given Arabic name Ali. It can also be spelled as El Alaoui, Alawi, and Allaoui. It means ‘lofty’ or ‘sublime.’ As mentioned, it is a name borne by royals, Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui is a Moroccan diplomat and ambassador of Morocco to the United States.
7. Amine
Amine is a Maghrebi-Arabic surname taken from the first name Amin. It is derived from an Arabic word that can be translated as ‘truthful.’ The sixth Abbasid caliph bore the name Amin.
8. Amrani
A Maghrebi last name that is quite popular in Morocco and Algeria, Amrani is taken from the given name Imran and means ‘exalted nation.’ Amrani can also be spelled as Imrani or Omrani. Israeli diplomat and Israeli ambassador to Greece, Yossi Amrani bears the surname.
9. Aziz
An Arabic and Urdu surname taken from the first name Aziz, it can also be spelled as Azeez or Eziz. It comes from an Arabic word that can be translated as ‘to be powerful’ or ‘to be cherished.’ Aziz is one of the many names of Allah. The surname is borne by the 17th Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz.
10. Bel
A French surname that was used as a nickname for a handsome man, Bel can also be used ironically for someone who is not handsome. Matthias Bel was the founder of Hungarian geographic science and was also known as the ‘Great Ornament of Hungary.’
11. Ben
Ben is usually used as a prefix in names since it comes from the Arabic ‘bn’ or ‘ibn.’ The surname translates to ‘son of’ or ‘offspring,’ and is seen in Maghrebi names such as Benali or Ben Amor.
12. Benali
Benali is a patronymic surname that can be spelled as Ben Ali or Ben-Ali. It means ‘son of Ali,’ and is borne by Zine El Abidine Ben Ali or Ben Ali, the second president of Tunisia.
13. Benchekroun
The Benchekroun family name is a converted surname with Jewish roots. It is usually a name born by a family of scholars. Siham Benchekroun is a Moroccan novelist and poet who also works as a physician and psychotherapist. Her work focuses on the status of Moroccan women.
14. Benfarès
Benfarès is an Arab-Maghrebi patronymic surname that means ‘son of Farès.’ It is a popular Algerian and Moroccan surname that can also be spelled as Ben Fares or Benfares.
15. Benkirane
Predominantly a Moroccan surname taken from a nickname or an occupation. It comes from two Arabic elements, ‘bn’ and ‘kīrān,’ when combined meaning ‘son of forging.’ It is possibly a surname given to a blacksmith or a metalworker. Abdelilah Benkirane was the Prime Minister of Morocco from 2011 to 2017.
16. Ben Larbi
An Arabic-Maghrebi patronymic surname that is commonly found in Tunisia and Morocco, Ben Larbi can also be spelled as Benlarbi. It means ‘son of Larbi.’ Mohamed Firas Ben Larbi, a Tunisian footballer plays for his country at the senior international level.
17. Bennani
With roots in Hebrew, Bennani may be a Maghrebi-Arabic surname and it means ‘my son.’ It is the surname of a Jewish family that converted to Islam. A surname borne by the first female politician of Morocco, Zineb Benani.
18. Bennis
A Dutch patronymic surname that comes from the personal name Benne or Bernhard, Bennis means ‘Benne’s son’ and was also used as a name for someone who was a member of the Baptist religious sect in the Netherlands. Mohammed Bennis, a bearer of the surname, is one of the pioneers of modern Arabic poetry.
19. Berrada
Although the meaning is unclear, Berrada is a popular Moroccan surname. It is a name borne by Mohammed Berrada, one of Morocco’s most prominent authors in the contemporary world.
20. Chakir
Chakir is derived from the given name Shakir and means ‘thankful’ in Arabic. The name is borne by Moroccan judoka, Aziza Chakir, a bronze medalist at the African Games and a four-time medalist at the African Judo Championships.
21. Chaoui
Surnames may travel from one place to another as in this case. Chaoui is the name of a Berber ethnic group in Algeria. Since Algeria and Morocco share a border, it may be possible that this name seeped its way into Moroccan culture and became a popular last name.
22. Chraibi
Although the exact origin and meaning of Chraibi is unknown, it is borne by Rochdi Chraibi, a senior member of the royal cabinet of King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Did you know?23. Daoudi
One of the common surnames in the Middle East and Northern parts of Africa, Daoudi is probably a surname that comes from the Biblical King David since he is known as Dawud or Daoud in Arabic countries. It can be assumed that Daoudi means ‘descended from Daoud.’
24. Drissi
Drissi is a surname with enigmatic roots and connotations. It is borne by Tomy Drissi, an American professional stock and sports car racing driver. He was named the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am Series Champion in 2009.
25. El Alaoui
Taken from a given name, El Alaoui is a Maghrebi-Arabic surname. In Arabic, the name translates to ‘the Alaoui.’ It is borne by the senior royal official or the Chamberlain of King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
26. El Amrani
El Amrani is a predominant Moroccan surname derived from the given name Imran. It can also be spelled as El-Amrani or Elamrani and it means ‘the Amrani.’ Moroccan tennis player, Reda El Amrani is one notable bearer of the surname. He was ranked world no. 160 in 2010.
27. El Hassan
A North African surname that is common among Sudanese families, El Hassan can be spelled as El-Hassan or Elhassan. It comes from the Arabic word ‘hasuna,’ which can be translated as ‘to be good’ or ‘to be beautiful.’ It is a name borne by the regal Princess Sarvath El Hassan, the wife of Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan.
28. El Idrissi
Also spelled as Elidrissi or Idrissi, El Idrissi is a Maghrebi-Arabic surname. It is a common surname in Morocco and it means ‘the Idrissi.’ Swiss-Moroccan athlete, Cédric El-Idrissi is a former 400m hurdles runner. He was a part of the Swiss team that set a new national record in the 4×400m relay at the 2004 World Indoor Championships.
29. Filali
A distinct Moroccan surname with Arabic roots, Filali is connected to the region of Tafilalt in Morocco. It can be assumed that Filali is used as a locative surname. The surname is borne by the first Tunisian minister of agriculture. Mustapha Filali, after their independence.
30. Hajji
Hajji is used as an Arabic surname and a title for someone who completed the Hajj to Mecca. It can be transliterated as Haji, Hadji, or Hacı. Hajji was a last name shared by the minister of defense of Kenya, Mohamed Yusuf Haji.
31. Hamdaoui
The name is also found as El Hamdaoui and is considered to be a Maghrebi surname. It translates to ‘relating to Hamid’ or ‘relating to Hamad.’ The last name is popular in the world of sports. A few notable bearers are professional footballers Mounir El Hamdaoui, Mo Hamdaoui, and Khalid Hamdaoui, to name a few.
32. Hanae
The Moroccan respelling of the Arabic given name Hana or Hanaa. It means ‘bliss’ or ‘happiness’ in Arabic.
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33. Hassan
A common surname found in Persian, Urdu, and Arabic families. It is derived from the given name Hassan, which means ‘improver’ or ‘beautifier.’ It is the name of the crown prince of Morocco, Moulay Hassan Ali bin Mohammed.
34. Hassani
Taken from the given name Hassan, it can also be spelled as Hasani. This surname can be found in Swahili, Arabic, and Persian communities. In Arabic, the surname means ‘beautifier’ or ‘improver.’ Samya Hassani is a Moroccan professional football player who represented her country’s national team.
35. Idrissi
A common Moroccan surname, Idrissi is taken from the first name Idriss. It can be spelled as Idrisi or El Idrissi, and it means ‘interpreter.’ Mariah Idrissi made a name for herself in the fashion industry for being one of the first Muslim hijab-wearing models. She became the face of ‘modest fashion.’
36. Jalal
The surname is found in Arabic, Urdu, and Bengali families. Jalal is taken from the given name with the same spelling and it means ‘greatness.’ Farida Jalal is one of the renowned actresses with the surname who won numerous awards for her long career in the Indian entertainment industry.
37. Jaouhari
Jaouhari is a common Moroccan surname that can be spelled as Jawhari or El Jaouhari. It is derived from the Arabic word ‘jawhar,’ which means ‘essence,’ ‘gem,’ or ‘jewel.’
38. Kamal
With roots in a given name, Kamal means ‘perfection’ and is common in Bengali, Urdu, and Arabic. Mustafa Kamal BS was a Bangladeshi freedom fighter who was awarded the Bir Sreshtho posthumously.
39. Karim
An Arabic surname taken from the given name Karim and it means ‘to be generous’ or ‘noble.’ In Islam, this is one of the 99 names of Allah. One of the co-founders of YouTube shares the surname, Jawed Karim, who is also the first person to upload a video on the site.
40. Kissami
Kissami is a notable Moroccan surname that comes from the Idrisid dynasty. It can also be written as Kasmi, Kasimi, and Kassimi and means ‘descendants of Qasim.’
41. Laayouni
Predominantly a Moroccan surname, Laayouni is used as a locative surname for someone who comes from the city of Laayoune. Zoubida Laayouni, a Moroccan athlete who won over eight medals in the African Championships in Athletics shares the surname.
42. Lahlou
A renowned and popular Moroccan family name and considered to be the first elite of Morocco. The exact meaning of the name is unknown but it carries Arabic roots. Benyounés Lahlou is one of the notable figures with the surname. He is a Moroccan runner who placed 7th in the 4 x 400 m relay at the World Championships in 1991.
43. Malki
Commonly used as a reference for someone related to the name Malek. It is a Muslim-Maghrebi surname and David Malki is one known bearer. He is famous for his webcomic Wondermark. The comic has been nominated and won several awards over the years.
44. Mansouri
If you are particularly looking for Muslim last names or surnames, then we have one for you here. Mansouri is a Muslim surname common in Iraq and Maghreb. It is a name given to someone related to Mansour. Mansouri may be a patronymic surname. The name is borne by the royal dignitary, Mohamed Yassine Mansouri, who previously served as the director of Morocco’s external intelligence agency, the General Directorate for Studies and Documentation (DGED) under King Mohammed VI.
45. Marrakchi
Found as a locative surname predominantly in Morocco, Marrakchi is given to someone from the city of Marrakesh. Laila Marrakchi, a Moroccan filmmaker known for her controversial film, Marock, bears the surname.
46. Mohamed
Taken from the given name Muhammad, it means ‘praised’ or ‘commendable.’ Amina Chawahir Mohamed Jibril is the immediate former cabinet secretary for sports, heritage, and culture in Kenya.
47. Moujahid
Commonly used as a reference to the member of a liberation army in Muslim countries, predominantly Moroccan. Moujahid means ‘one who is laboring’ or ‘one who is in distress.’ Danish singer and songwriter, Anis Basim Moujahid shares the surname.
48. Naciri
Naciri is an extremely popular surname in Morocco. It is taken from the given name Nacir or Nasir. It can also be spelled as Nasiri, Naceri, or Nassir. Mohammad Naciri is a prominent Moroccan man. He is the chief of staff for UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
49. Naji
Found as an Arabic and a Persian last name, Naji is taken from the first name Naaji. It means ‘saved’ and was borne by Kamal Naji, a Palestinian politician. He was the deputy representative of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in Lebanon.
50. Rachidi
A common surname in Muslim households. Rachidi is given to someone who is a descendant of or someone who is related to Rashid. The exact meaning of the surname is uncertain. Moroccan journalist and director of Al Jazeera in Morocco, Hassan Rachidi shares the name.
51. Regragui
One of the most common surnames in Morocco is Regragui. Although the meaning and origin of Regragui are uncertain, it is also found as Regrague or Rakraki. Moroccan theatre, TV, and film actress, Nezha Regragui, holds the name.
52. Saber
A common Arabic and Persian surname, Saber is a spelling variant of the given name Sabir. It means ‘enduring,’ ‘patient,’ and ‘steadfast.’
53. Said
Also spelled as Sa’id and Saeed, Said can be found in Urdu, Somali, and Arabic communities. It is taken from the given name Sa’id and means ‘happy’ or ‘lucky.’ A name borne by a man in power, Abdelmadjid Sidi Said has been the president of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) for 27 years.
54. Saidi
Another surname taken from the given name Sa’id, Saidi carries joyful connotations such as ‘happy’ and ‘lucky.’ Thierry Saïdi is a French canoeist who won eight medals at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships over the years 1989 to 1997.
55. Salhi
Salhi is an Arabic-Maghrebi last name with roots in the given name with the same spelling. It means ‘virtuous’ and is borne by the General Secretary of the Palestinian People’s Party, Bassam as-Salhi.
56. Sbai
A distinct Moroccan surname associated with the Idrissid Moorish tribe of the Oulad Bou Sbaa in Morocco, Sbai’s meaning remains a mystery. Abderrahmane Sbai held the name of the minister delegate to the head of government who was in charge of the National Defense Administration.
57. Tahiri
An Alabanian, Maghrebi, and Persian surname with roots in the Arabic given name Tahir. It could mean ‘virtuous,’ ‘pure,’ or ‘chaste.’ Dashamir Tahiri, a member of the Parliament of Albania, representing the Party for Justice, Integration, and Unity, is the bearer of the name.
58. Talbi
A surname with enigmatic roots and meaning, Talbi is associated with Alaa Talbi. He is popular as a human rights activist who fights for migration and marginalization, and human and women’s rights.
59. Targuisti
Predominantly a Moroccan locative surname, Targuisti is given to someone who comes from the town of Targuist. Specifically, Targuisti is a Riffian last name.
60. Touzani
Touzani is a common Moroccan surname but the connotations associated with the name are not certain. Soufiane Touzani is a sensation in the contemporary world. He is a Dutch-Moroccan freestyle footballer who performed football tricks online. His videos reached football legends like Thierry Henry, Neymar, and Robin van Persie.
Popular Moroccan Last Names
Moroccan surnames have traveled far and wide reaching different corners of the world. These last names are borne by various prominent figures with different achievements and accomplishments.
61.Abdo
Either taken from the given name Abduh or used as a nickname, Abdo was one of the names of Muhammad and it comes from the Arabic word ‘abduh,’ meaning ‘slave’ or ‘servant.’ As a given name, it carries a similar connotation of ‘his servant.’ The 51st president of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez carries the name.
62.Abid
Abid is a surname inspired by a first name with the same spelling. It is common in Persian, Arabic, and Urdu families. As a Persian surname, it carries the connotation of ‘flame,’ whereas as an Arabic name, it means ‘admirer’ or ‘worshiper.’ Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali, former minister of state for power in Pakistan, is the bearer of the name.
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63.Ahmed
With a plethora of spelling variants, Ahmed is known as a Muslim surname. It comes from the given name Ahmad and it means ‘most commendable’ or ‘most worthy.’ The fifth president of India, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, was one notable figure with the name.
64.Alami
The name is often seen and used in a religious context. It is an Arabic surname commonly used by the people of Maghrebi. It means ‘learned,’ ‘knowing,’ or ‘education.’ Alami can also be written as El Alami. One of the prominent Moroccans with the name is Abu al-Hassan Ali ibn Moussa ibn Rashid al-Alami, the founder of the city of Chefchaouen in Morocco.
65.Ali
surname borne by one of the greatest boxers the world has ever known. Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. The Arabic surname comes from the given name Ali and it means ‘lofty’ or ‘sublime.’
66.Ayoub
It is common for Arabic surnames to be taken from given names, Ayoub is no different. It comes from the name Ayyub, the Arabic form of Job, a Biblical name. It means ‘persecuted’ or ‘hated.’ Nawal Michelle Ayoub Valderrama, the title holder of Miss Earth Lebanon 2014, is one popular bearer of the surname.
67.Azizi
Commonly found in Maghrebi and Persian households, Azizi is a surname derived from the given name Aziz. It means ‘powerful,’ ‘beloved,’ or ‘respected.’ It can also be spelled as Aziz or Azzizi. The name is held by Mohammad Iqbal Azizi, a Pashtun politician in Afghanistan who served as the governor of Laghman.
68.Bakkali
Although the etymology and meaning of the surname remain hazy, the name is proudly held by Moroccan runner, Soufiane El Bakkali. He was the 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion in the 3000 m steeplechase.
69.Belhaj
Even though the origins and significance of the surname are unclear, Belhaj is a name borne by the former Algerian vice president of the Islamic Salvation Front, Ali Benhadj.
70.Benbrahim
Benbrahim is also written as Ben Brahim or Ben-Brahim. It is a popular surname in Morocco and Algeria. It means ‘son of Brahim,’ known as the poet of Marrakech during the first part of the 20th century, El Houari Mohammed Ben Brahim Assarraj wrote poems about the last sultan of Morocco, Mohammed V, and his opponent El Glaoui.
71.Benjelloun
The exact root of the name is unknown but it is assumed to be of Sephardic origin. It is also a common Maghrebi-Arabic surname that has no known meaning. Billionaire businessman and co-founder of the BMCE Bank and Bank of Africa, Othman Benjelloun shares the surname.
72.Benmoussa
A patronymic surname with its roots in Arabic, Benmoussa means ‘son of Moussa.’ David Bensoussan, an author and the former president of the Communauté Sépharade Unifiée du Québec or United Sefardic Community of Quebec, bears the name.
73.Bennouna
Bennouna is a patronymic surname that is a combination of the Arabic word ‘bin’ for ‘son’ and the given name Nouna. However, it can also have the connotation of ‘whale,’ ‘big fish,’ ‘saber,’ or ‘sword.’ Bennouna is also an Arabic name for a type of melon. The first Moroccan delegate at the United Nations and founder of the Maghreb Arab Press Agency, Mehdi Bennouna, bore the name.
74.Bensaïd
Found as an Arabic-Maghrebi and Judeo-Spanish surname, Bensaïd is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Saïd.’ Samira Abdelrazak Bensaïd, a Moroccan-Egyptian singer, known for her songs in the Egyptian Arabic genre bears the name.
75.Benslimane
A patronymic surname that means ‘son of Slimane,’ Benslimane is predominantly found in Algerian and Moroccan households. Tunisian former footballer Mahdi Ben Slimane is a holder of the last name.
76.Cherkaoui
There are no known origins or meanings for the surname. However, it can be a popular transliteration of Charkaoui. A name borne by one of the former leaders of Morocco, Taieb Cherkaoui was the minister of interior of Morocco in the years between 2010 and 2012.
77.Choukri
One of the popular surnames in Morocco that carries a wonderful connotation of ‘thanking.’ It can be written as Shukry, Choukry, and Chokri. Moroccan novelist and author, Mohamed Choukri, is known for his autobiography For Bread Alone.
78.Fathi
Fathi is a surname taken from the first name that means ‘conqueror.’ The former speaker of the People’s Assembly of Egypt, Ahmad Fathi Sorour, bears the name.
79.Hakim
An Arabic surname that comes from the eponymous first name, Hakim means ‘wise’ and is popular as one of the 99 names of Allah. Hakim is commonly used in Arabic communities to denote someone who is a practitioner of herbal medicine or Eastern medicine.
80.Hamdi
Taken from the given name with the same spelling, Hamdi is an Arabic surname that means ‘praiseworthy’ or ‘praise.’ A popular Egyptian composer during the 60s and 70s, Baligh Hamdi was known for working with many notable Arab singers, including Warda, an Algerian singer.
81.Hilali
Also sometimes written as Al Hilali, the surname has its roots in Arabic and it translates to ‘of those who are devoted to Islamic law or tradition.’ The name is borne by the first woman Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, Musarrat Hilali.
82.Ismaili
An Albanian, Persian, and Arabic surname that comes from Ismaili or Ishmael, Ismaili is a Hebrew name. The name carries the connotation of ‘God will hear.’ Beninese poet, fiction writer, essayist, and playwright, Rashidah Ismaili, bears the name. He received numerous awards throughout his lifetime.
83.Kabbaj
The etymology and meaning of Kabbaj are yet to be determined. However, the surname can be found as al-Kabbaj or el-Kabbaj too. The sole female member of the Moroccan Supreme Council of Religious Knowledge, Fatima al-Kabbaj, was a notable bearer of the surname.
84.Kadiri
Predominantly a Muslim surname and can be associated with the name Kadir or Qadir, Kadiri could mean ‘powerful,’ ‘mighty,’ or ‘capable.’ It is a surname borne by Nigerian actress, screenwriter, and film producer. She won the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Actress of the Year in 2015 and the City People Movie Award for Best Actress of the Year in 2018.
85.Khalil
Khalil is a surname taken from a given name that means ‘friend.’ This amiable surname is borne by Faisal Khalil Sebait Mubarak Al-Junaibi, an Emirati footballer who plays for the UAE national football team.
86.Lamrani
An Arabic-Maghrebi surname that can also be written as El Amrani, Elamrani, or El-Amrani. One of the most famous bearers of the surname was Mohammed Karim Lamrani, the Prime Minister of Morocco who served for three separate terms.
87.Lazrak
A name popular in Moroccan-Arabic households, Lazrak is derived from the Arabic phrase ‘al ʾazraq,’ which translates to ‘the blue one.’ Ali Lazrak, a Dutch politician who served in the House of Representatives from the Socialist Party was a prominent figure with the surname.
88.Lotfi
Lotfi is a surname commonly found in Iran, Maghrebi, and Egypt. It is the spelling variant of Lufti, a name with uncertain connotations. It is also an Italian patronymic surname that comes from the given name Lotto. Ali Lotfi Ibrahim Mostafa Swidan is an Egyptian goalkeeper for ZED in the Egyptian Premier League.
89.Loukili
The exact origin and meaning of Loukili are yet to be determined. However, the name is borne by Moroccan novelist, Mohsine Loukili, who won awards, including the Ghassan Kanafani Award for Narration.
90.Messaoudi
Messaoudi is also spelled as Mesaoudi and it comes from the given name Mas’ud. It is an Arabic-Maghrebi surname and it means ‘lucky.’ Ahmed El Messaoudi, a Moroccan footballer who represents his country internationally is one of the bearers of the surname.
Quick fact91.Mounir
An Arabic surname used both by Egyptians and the Maghrebis, Mounir comes from the given name Munir and means ‘bright’ or ‘shining.’ As a testimony to his name, Mohamed Mounir is a famous Egyptian singer and actor whose career spans four decades. His album Earth Peace was awarded the Peace Award from CNN.
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92.Moussaoui
A surname that reverberates the impact of the Biblical character of Moses, Moussaoui can be spelled as Mousaoui, Moussawi, or El Moussaoui. It comes from the given name Musa. The Moussaoui family refers to the descendants of Moses.
93.Ouazzani
Locative surnames may not be too popular in Morocco, but Ouazzani is one of the few. It is taken from a place called Ouazzane, a town in northern Morocco. Ouazzani can be spelled as Wazzani or El Ouazzani. French actress Sabrina Ouazani is known for her roles in Games of Love and Chance and The Hook Up Plan.
94.Rachid
The name comes from a given name with the same spelling. It is a popular surname in North Africa that means ‘rightly-guided.’ The second in line to the Moroccan throne, Prince Moulay Rachid of Morocco is the holder of the name.
95.Radi
An Arabic surname taken from the eponymous surname, Radi means ‘satisfied’ or ‘pleased.’ Shia scholar and poet, Al-Sharif al-Radi, was one of the prominent figures with the name. He is known for his book Nahj al-Balagha.
96.Rami
As a Muslim surname, Rami comes from the given name with the same spelling that means ‘archer.’ Egyptian poet, songwriter, and translator, Ahmed Rami held the name. He was given the title of ‘Poet of the Youth.’
97.Saadi
A popular surname in the Middle East and Southern India, Saadi comes from an Arabic word that means ‘happy’ or ‘fortunate.’ Mohamed Obaid Hindi Al-Saadi, an Omani sprinter represented his country in the World Championships in 2017.
98.Sabir
A common surname among Urdu and Persian families, Sabir comes from the eponymous given name that means ‘patient,’ ‘enduring,’ and ‘steadfast.’ During the 12th century, the name was borne by the royal Persian poet, Shihabuddin Sharaful-udaba Sabir.
99.Sabri
An Arabic surname that is derived from the given name with the same spelling, Sabri means ‘patient’ in Arabic and is borne by Nazli Sabri, the first queen consort of Egypt.
100.Sadik
An Arabic and Bengali surname that is taken from the name Sadiq. It means ‘true,’ ‘loyal,’ or ‘sincere.’ Moroccan middle-distance runner, Sadik Mikhou, competed from Bahrain at the 2017 World Championships and won a gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2017. However, he bears the name as a given name.
101.Salmi
The surname Salmi finds its roots in Finland, especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is derived from the word ‘salmi,’ which means ‘a strait’ in the Finnish language. Albert Salmi is known for his role as Smerdjakov in the film The Brothers Karamazov.
102.Slimani
Slimani is an Arabic surname derived from the given name Sulayman. Popular in the Middle East and North Africa, it can also be spelled as Suleimani and Slimane. It means ‘peaceful’ or ‘good.’ Chico Slimani is a Welsh singer of Moroccan descent, who took part in the 2005 in UK’s The X Factor among many others.
103.Talhaoui
Popular as an Algerian and Moroccan surname, Talhaoui comes from the given name Talha. It means ‘fruit-bearing tree.’ Swedish singer and songwriter, Lorine Zineb Nora Talhaoui, commonly referred to as Loreen, is the prominent individual with the name. She won the Eurovision Song Contest twice.
104.Tazi
The origin and meaning of Tazi is a mystery. But the surname belonged to Abdelhadi Tazi, former Moroccan ambassador in various countries, scholar, writer, and historian.
105.Yassine
An Arabic last name found in the Middle East and North Africa and is derived from the root verb ‘yasana’ meaning ‘one who prospers.’ It is a common surname among people of Arab descent across the world. Ismail Yassine was an Egyptian comedian known for his slapstick humor and was often compared to Charlie Chaplin.
106.Zaki
Taken from the given name Zaki, it means ‘pure,’ Zaki can also be written as Zaky. Among the many notable people with the last name, Egyptian actress Mona Zaki is known for her impeccable acting and talent.
107.Ziani
Ziani is a popular last name with multiple yet distinct roots. Taken from the Arabic language from the given name Zayyan, Ziani means ‘beautiful,’ ‘handsome,’ or ‘nice.’ It also finds its roots in the Italian language denoting someone who hails from Ziano in Italy. Pietro Ziani, the 42nd Doge of Venice in the early 1200s is one notable person with the name.
108.Zouhair
A popular surname found in Morocco, Zouhair is taken from the personal name Zuhayr. It means ‘to shine,’ ‘to be radiant,’ or ‘to give light.’ The goalkeeper of the Morocco women’s national team, Assia Zouhair bears the name.
Rare Moroccan Last Names
These lesser-known gems are also a part of the Moroccan identity and culture. Many of these surnames come from Arabic, Maghrebi, and Berber.
109.Abou
Abou is possibly a surname with Arabic origins and a spelling variant of Abu. It is perceived as a patronymic surname since Abou translates to ‘father of.’
Trivia110.Achraf
A Muslim surname that is taken from a personal name and it carries the connotations of ‘most honorable’ or ‘most distinguished.’ The name is borne as a given name by Achraf Hakimi Mouh, a professional footballer who plays for the Moroccan national team.
111.Al-Abbasi
A surname with Arabic roots, it comes from the given name Abbas, which means ‘lion.’ Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the military government, Brigadier General Mohammad Daoud Al-Abbasi bore the name.
112.Allali
An Arabic-Maghrebi surname that is a diminutive of Abd Allah, Allali is commonly seen in the regions of Morocco and Algeria. It means ‘servant of Allah.’
113.Ameziane
Ameziane is a spelling variant of Meziane, a given name. It is found in Northern African and Berber communities. It carries an adorable meaning of ‘young’ or ‘little.’ Ahmed Ameziane, a Moroccan politician and former minister of youth and sports, is a holder of the name.
114.Anas
A name that carries an air of affability, Anas is an Arabic surname taken from a given name that means ‘friendliness.’ Anas Sarwar, the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, bears the name as a given name.
115.Arousi
Arousi is a Yeminite Jewish or Arabic surname that could mean ‘bridal,’ ‘groom,’ or ‘relating to a wedding.’ Other spelling variants include A’rousi, Aroussi, Arrusi, Arusi, and El-Arousi. Tunisian author and politician, Mohammed Al-Arousi Al-Mutawi bears the surname. He won the Tunis Municipality Award twice.
116.Atif
Inspired by the Persian and Urdu first name Atif, it carries the connotation of ‘affection’ or ‘kindness.’ Atif is also spelled as Atef or Atiph. Mohammad Atif Ali, an Emirati former international cricketer played for the United Arab Emirates national team.
117.Awayaɣer
A Berber last name that is also spelled as Ouriaghli in Arabic. It is a Moroccan-Rifian surname that comes from the tribe name of Ait Wayagher.
118.Azzouzi
A surname with no exact meaning or origin, however, it is borne by Mohamed Azzedine Azzouzi, an Algerian middle-distance runner who won a bronze medal at the 1971 Mediterranean Games in the 800m.
119.Bouali
Although the beginning and meaning of Bouali are yet to be determined, it is the last name of an impressive Algerian woman. Hassiba Ben Bouali was the leader and a fighter in the Algerian Independence War.
120.Bouaziz
An Arabic-Maghrebi and Judeo-Spanish surname, Bouaziz is a patronymic surname that means ‘father of Aziz.’ Riadh Ben-Khemais Bouazizi is a Tunisian former football player who scored 83 caps for the Tunisia national team. He played in the World Cup of 1998 and 2002.
121.Boutaleb
Boutaleb is an Arabic-Marghrebi surname transcribed from the Arabic phrase ‘abū ṭālib,’ meaning ‘father of Talib.’ Ex-inspector of the Royal Moroccan Air Force, General Ahmed Boutaleb bears the surname.
122.Chaib
The meaning and origin of Chaib remain unclear. A notable bearer of the surname is Ichrak Chaib, an Algerian boxer who won two gold medals in the African Championships in 2022 and 2023.
123.Charif
An Arabic surname that is more commonly seen as Sharif or Sherif, Charid carries the connotations of ‘highborn,’ ‘noble,’ and ‘honorable.’ This surname is used as a way to denote someone who is a descendant of the prophet Muhammad.
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124.Chihab
Chihab is a Maghrebi surname more commonly seen in the regions of Lebanon and Syria. It is a surname that is used by both Muslims and Christians and it comes from the given name Shihāb, which means ‘meteor’ or ‘bright star.’
125.Elamrani
The name finds its roots in the given name of Imran. It is a popular surname among Muslims. The name can also be spelled as El-Amrani.
126.Fadel
Fadel finds its roots in the given name Fadil, which means ‘generous’ in Arabic. Pronounced as FA-deel, famous people with the last name Fadel include Kuwaiti footballer Hussain Fadel and American journalist Leila Fadel.
127.Farid
A multicultural surname that finds its presence across various languages including Bengali, Persian, Urdu, and Arabic, Farid has other forms such as Fareed and Ferid. It is taken from the given name Farid, which means ‘unique’ or ‘precious.’ It is the name of Punjabi Sufi saint Baba Farid, the Arab poet Ibn Al-Farid and the Swedish politician Jasmin Farid.
128.Farkhani
The name is the Arabic-Maghrebi spelling of the surname, while the Rifian form is spelled as Farxani. It is a locative surname given to someone who comes from the town of Farkhana in Morocco.
129.Fassi
The Fassis are an elite family that persevered through the years. It is a name borne by people who were from Fez. The name can also be spelled as El-Fassi or Al Fassi. The origin of the family name is Arabic.
130.Gharbi
Derived from a nickname and taken from the Arabic word ‘gharb,’ Gharbi means ‘west’ or ‘occident.’ It translates to ‘westerner’ or ‘a person from the west.’ In Tunisia, the name is borne by someone from Algeria or Morocco. Ismaël Gharbi Álvarez is a professional football player with the name. He has represented both France and Spain at youth international level.
131.Habib
A widely popular surname across Arab and Asian countries, Habib has other forms including Habeeb and Habibi. It is derived from the given name Habib, which means ‘beloved’ or ‘darling’. Famous personalities include Colombian Beauty pageant contestant, Juliana Habib, English cricket player, Aftab Habib, and Indian historian, Irfan Habib.
132.Habibi
The Persian and Arabic surname is derived from the given name Habib, which means ‘beloved’ in Arabic. Alfian Habibi an Indonesian footballer, Emam-Ali Habibi an Iranian freestyle wrestler, Paul Habibi an American real estate entrepreneur and academic and Natavan Habibi an Azerbaijani singer and actress are some of the many famous people sharing the last name Habibi.
133.Haddad
An Arabic occupational surname mixed with Persian roots. Other known forms of the surname include Hadad, Hadodo, and al-Haddad. The surname means ‘blacksmith’ or ‘ironsmith’ in Arabic. Women’s rights advocate Mariam El-Haddad, Palestinian Journalist and activist Mona El-Haddad, and scientist Sari El-Haddad are a few famous bearers.
134.Hadj
Predominantly an Arabic-Maghrebi surname that refers to the Islamic hajj to Mecca. Hadj means ‘pilgrim’ and it can be spelled as Hadji or Hajj. The father of Algerian nationalism, Ahmed Ben Messali Hadj was a prominent figure who shared the name.
135.Halim
The surname is derived from the given name Halim, which means ‘patient’ or ‘tolerant.’ Famous personalities include Asma Halim, an Egyptian writer and journalist, and Mustafa Ahmed Ben Halim, the former Prime Minister of Libya.
136.Hatim
Taken from the given name Hatim, it means ‘determined.’ Pronounced as HA-teem, it also means ‘decisive.’
137.Houari
The exact root and meaning of the surname are yet to be determined. But it is a surname borne by the Algerian imam, Sidi El Houari, who is also the patron saint of the city of Oran in Algeria.
138.Jaafar
Jaafar is an Arabic surname derived from the given name Jaafar, which means ‘stream.’ It can also mean ‘little creek.’ Malay politician, Onn Jaafar and Raja Jaafar, the crown prince of Perak Darul Ridzuan are some notable people with the last name Jaafar.
139.Jamali
The surname finds its usage across Persian, Arabic, and Urdu. It is derived from the given name Jamal, which means ‘beauty’ in Arabic. Its other forms are Jamal and Jamli. It can also mean beautiful,’ ‘blessed,’ and ‘graceful.’ Zafarullah Khan Jamali, former Prime Minister of Pakistan held the name.
140.Kharbouch
The exact origin of the name is unknown. However, the last name is borne by the legendary singer, rapper, and songwriter Karim Kharbouch who is popularly known by his stage name French Montana.
141.Khattabi
Although the origin and the connotation of the surname Khattabi remain uncertain, it is a name borne by Moroccan long-distance runner, Elarbi Khattabi. He won a gold medal in the World Road Relay Championships in 1994.
142.Lakhdar
A surname that is commonly seen in Northern Africa, it is usually written as al-Akhdar but sometimes shortened to simply Lakhdar. It comes from an Arabic word meaning ‘green.’ Tunisian politician and secretary-general of the Democratic Patriots’ Movement, Ziad Lakhdhar bears the name.
143.Madani
The Arabic surname is used as a locative surname for someone who hails from the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. The meaning of Medina translates to ‘city’ in Arabic. Some famous people bearing the last name Madani include Algerian volleyball player Narimène Madani and religious leader and Indian politician Mahmood Madani.
144.Mahmoudi
The Arabic and Persian surname comes from the given name Mahmoud, which means ‘praised’ or ‘praiseworthy.’ Other forms of the surname are Mahmoud, Mahmoodi, and Mahmudi. Baghdadi Ali Mahmudi, a politician who served as deputy prime minister to Prime Minister Shukri Ghanem, is a notable figure with the surname.
145.Majid
The surname Majid finds its usage across Arabic, Urdu, and Bengali. The surname comes from the given name Majid, which means ‘glorious.’ Other forms of the last name are Majeed, Mazid, and Mejid. Some famous people with the last name include actress Aveen Majid and actress Laura Majid.
146.Meftah
The exact origin of the Meftah is unknown. The last name is borne by famous personalities like Mohamed Rabie Meftah, an Algerian footballer, and Abdellatif Meftah a French long-distance runner.
147.Mernissi
Mernissi is a spelling variant of the Arab-Maghrebi surname Marnissi. One of the most famous bearers of the last name was Fatema Mernissi, a Moroccan feminist writer and sociologist.
148.Mkerref
A rare but modern Berber last name, Mkerref’s meaning remains elusive but the bearers of the surname are known to have Riffian roots.
149.Mokhtar
Mokhtar comes from the given name Mukhtar and it means ‘the chosen one.’ Other forms of the surname include Mukhtar, Mohtar, Muhtar, and Moukhtar. Famous people include Egyptian footballer Mokhtar Mokhtar and Dutch Moroccan footballer Youness Mokhtar.
150.Riad
The name is taken from the given name Riad, which means ‘meadows’ or ‘gardens.’ Notable people with the last name Riad include Wael Riad an Egyptian footballer and Tomas Riad a Swedish linguist.
151.Saadaoui
The surname finds its roots in Arabic and means ‘relating to Sa’d.’ Sa’d means ‘fortune’ or ‘good luck.’ Its other forms include Saâdaoui, Sadaoui, and Saadawi. Mohamed Saadaoui is a Tunisian freestyle wrestler with the name.
152.Safi
Originating from different languages like Pashto, Afghan, Urdu, and Arabic, Safi is also known or written as Safee. It is derived from the given name Safi which means ‘pure.’ Some famous people with the last name include Wadih El Safi, a Lebanese singer and French actor Alaa Safi.
153.Seddiki
Seddiki is the Maghrebi cognate of the given name Siddiqui. It is more commonly found in Algeria rather than Morocco. It means ‘truthful,’ ‘true,’ or ‘veracious.’
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154.Zahraoui
Originating from Arabic, Zahraoui means ‘related to Zahra.’ Its other form is Zahrawi. One of the greatest surgeons of the Middle Ages, Abū al-Qāsim Khalaf ibn al-‘Abbās al-Zahrāwī, bears the surname.
155.Zerhouni
The last name finds its roots in Arabic-Maghrebi, Northern African, and Berber. It could possibly refer to the Zerhoun mountain in Morocco. Its other form is Zerhuni. Some famous Zerhounis are Moroccan footballer Naoufel Zerhouni and Algerian politician Yazid Zerhouni.
Unique Moroccan Surnames
Jews are a minority group in the land of Morocco making Moroccan-Jewish surnames unique. While many Arabic surnames are patronymic, these surnames carry meanings such as lamb, porter, and dye seller.
156.Abecassis
A mix of Hebrew and Arabic, Abecassis is a Judeo-Spanish surname that means ‘father storyteller’ or ‘narrator father.’ It was initially used as a title for community leaders and rabbis. British racing driver and co-founder of the HWM Formula One team, George Edgar Abecassis was one famous bearer of the surname.
157.Aflalo
Aflalo is a Jewish surname found in cities like Morocco and Algeria. It comes from the Arabic word ‘aflal,’ which means ‘desert.’ Miss Sweden 2000, Anne Valerie Aflalo is a famous individual with this surname.
158.Alfasi
In Arabic, the surname is used as a locative title. Alfasi translates to ‘from Fez.’ It can also be written as Al-Fassi or Al-Fasi. Malika al-Fassi was a Moroccan writer and nationalist. She is known as the only woman who signed the Proclamation of Independence of Morocco in 1944.
159.Alouch
Possibly a spelling variant of the North African surname Lellouche, Alouch can also be written as Lellouch, Lelouch, Alloush, Allouch, and Allouche. With Arabic roots, the name means ‘lamb.’
160.Alsheikh
Alsheikh is an Arabic surname that is commonly found as Al-Sheikh or Al-Shaykh. Although the meaning of the name remains unknown, it is the name of Palestinian politician, Hussein al-Sheikh, who is serving as the secretary general of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization.
161.Amar
A multi-linguistic surname derived from the Germanic personal name Ademar is Amar. In French, it means ‘noble and famous.’ In Muslim and Jewish communities, Amar is a spelling variant of Ammar. It can mean ‘pious,’ ‘long-lived,’ or ‘builder mason.’ David Amar, a Moroccan businessman and leader of the Moroccan Jewish community, and Yosef “Jo” Amar, a Moroccan-Israeli singer and pioneer of the Mizrahi genre, are a few notable names.
162.Amoyal
A North African surname Amoyal can be found among Jewish people in Morocco and Algeria. It can also be written as Moyal, Amouyal, and Mouyal. French violinist and artistic director of the Conservatory of Lausanne, Pierre Amoyal is a notable figure with the name. He is the owner of the famed “Kochanski” Stradivarius violin.
163.Assouline
A Sephardi surname Assouline has origins in Berber and is borrowed from an Arabic surname. The meaning of the name is yet to be determined. However, the name is held by David Assouline, a member of the Senate of France.
164.Attal
An occupational surname with Judeo-Spanish origins, Attal comes from the Arabic word attal meaning ‘porter’ or ‘carrier.’ One notable figure with the name is Gabriel Nissim Attal de Couriss, the current prime minister of France.
165.Attias
Attias is a French surname with unknown meanings. It is a surname borne by the second wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Cécilia Attias.
166.Ayache
The surname has no clear origins or meanings but it has spelling variants such as Ayyash, Ayash, or Ayach. French computer scientist Nicholas Ayache is one noble bearer of the name.
167.Azagury
A Moroccan surname with elusive meanings, Azagury is borne by Elie Azagur who is considered Morocco’s first modernist architect.
168.Azeroual
The exact origin of this surname is uncertain, however, it can possibly be translated as a surname that is connected to the Zeroual tribe. It could also mean ‘pant maker,’ ‘colorful,’ ‘dye maker,’ or ‘blue eyes.’
169.Azoulay
A Sephardi Jewish surname that can also be spelled as Azoulai, Azulai or Azulay. This surname is considered to be an acronym of a Hebrew phrase that indicates biblical restriction on who a Kohen cannot marry. It may also have priestly associations. Audrey Azoulay was the 11th director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is currently the minister of culture in France.
170.Ben Ezra
Ben Ezra is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Ezra.’ It is also written as Benezra. Isaac ben Ezra was the name of a 10th century rabbi.
171.Ben Naim
With roots in Hebrew, Ben Naim is a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Naim’ or ‘pleasant son.’ It can also be written as Benaim, Bennaim, and Ben-Naim.
172.Ben Simon
A Hebrew surname that is also found as Ben-Simon or Bensimon, it is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Simon’ or ‘son of Shimon.’ Israeli journalist and politician, Daniel Ben-Simon is one prominent individual with the surname.
173.Ben-Shabbat
The exact origin of the name remains unclear but there is a possibility that Ben-Shabbat is a shortened form of Ben-Shabbethai. Commonly used as a Hebrew patronymic surname, it means ‘son of Shabbethai.’
174.Benacerraf
Benacerraf is a surname with uncertain meaning and origin. It is also written as Ben-Aseraf. It probably is a patronymic surname owing to the prefix ‘ben.’ Venezuelan director of Moroccan Jewish descent, Margot Benacerraf is a popular female filmmaker. She has won awards such as the National Prize of Cinema in 1995, the Order of the Italian Government, the Bernardo O’Higgins Order of the Government of Chile.
175.Benchetrit
A French surname with no definite meaning, it is borne by Moroccan tennis player, Elliot Benchetrit. He formerly represented France and later represented Morocco.
176.Bendahan
The exact root and meaning of the surname is uncertain, however, it could mean ‘dye seller.’ It is possibly a Jewish surname and it was borne by the second Venezuelan woman to attain a medical degree in the country, Sara Rosa M. Bendahan.
177.Bendayan
Bendayan can also be written as Ben Dayan. It is a Hebrew patronymic surname and it means ‘son of Dayan.’ Canadian politician Rachel Bendayan is a notable woman with the surname.
178.Benhamou
A surname that is found in the Maghreb, Behamou is a patronymic surname and it means ‘son of Hayyim’ or ‘son of Mohammed.’ Behamou is more common in Jewish households. French politician Daphna Poznanski-Benhamou represented the French residents overseas in the National Assembly 2012-13.
179.Benichou
A common surname in Algeria with possible Berber roots is Benichou. However, some claim that it is a Hebrew surname with Biblical connections. World champion of boxing, 1989, Fabrice Benichou, is one famous bearer of the name.
180.Benzaquen
Benzaquen is a Judeo-Spanish surname that comes from the name Ben Zaken. It is a name commonly associated with Sephardi Jews. It is also written as Benzaquén or Benzaken. A famous person with the last name was Leon Benzaquen, the personal doctor of King Mohammed V of Morocco and the first Moroccan Jewish minister.
181.Botbol
A literal surname and was once among the popular surnames in Morocco during the 19th century, Botbol means ‘father of the bath’ or ‘purification in a ritual bath.’
182.Coriat
Coriat is found as a habitational Spanish surname and an occupational Italian surname. In Spanish, the name comes from the region of Coria in Cáceres province or Coria del Río in Seville province. As an Italian surname, it is used for someone who works as a barber.
183.Dahan
A Jewish occupational surname given to someone who is employed as a painter or a seller of oils. It is taken from the Arabic word ‘duhn,’ which means ‘grease,’ ‘fat,’ or ‘oil.’
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184.Douib
A respelling of the German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) surname Daub, Douib can also be spelled as Douibe. The meaning of the surname is uncertain and there is no well-known individual with the surname.
185.Eizenkot
The name is more commonly found as Eisenkot. One notable bearer of the surname is Israeli general and politician, Gadi Eisenkot. Eizenkot is probably a spelling variant of Azenkot, a Berber surname that means ‘deer.’
186.Elbaz
Elbaz is an Arabic surname taken from the given name Albaz, which means ‘falconer.’ It may have been used as an occupational surname. Its other forms are Albaz, El-Baz, and Al-Baz. David Elbaz, a famous French astrophysicist and author bears the Elbaz surname.
187.Elharar
The Jewish surname Elharar is traditionally associated with Moroccan Jews. It comes from the Judeo-Moroccan Arabic word ‘harar,’ which means ‘liberate.’ The name Elharar means ‘the liberators’ in Moroccan Arabic. Karine Elharrar is a popular Israeli lawyer and politician bearing the surname.
188.Elkayam
The last name originates in Hebrew and can be spelled as El Kayam and El-Kayam. It carries a powerful meaning of ‘God exists.’ Popular Israeli football player, Eliran Elkayam bears the Elkayam family name.
189.Gabbay
The origins and meaning of the surname Gabbay are unknown, however, some famous personalities bearing the last name Gabbay are Avi Gabbay, an Israeli politician, Dov Gabbay a British mathematical logician and computer scientist, and Hamid Gabbay an Iranian-born American architect.
190.Illouz
Probably borrowed from an Arabic surname with uncertain meanings, it is a surname shared by Eva Illouz, the first woman president of the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design.
191.Kadosh
The surname finds its roots in Hebrew and can be written as Cadosh. Kadosh means ‘holy,’ ‘sacred,’ and ‘blessed’ in Hebrew. Roi Cohen Kadosh is a famous Israeli-British cognitive neuroscientist bearing the surname.
192.Lasri
A surname with elusive origins and meanings, Lasri can also be spelled as Lasry. It is held by Hicham Lasri, a creative individual who is involved in directing and producing films, writing and drawing comics, and screenwriting.
193.Mazini
It comprises different connotations, taken from the Arabic word ‘mazīn,’ Mazini means ‘decorated’ or ‘adorned.’ It could also mean ‘rain cloud’ if taken from the Arabic word ‘mazin.’ It can also be spelled as El Mazini.
194.Mbarek
Mbarek is a Berber surname and it comes from a given name. It is the Moroccan Tachelhit variant of Mubarak, which means ‘lucky’ or ‘blessed.’ Former ambassador of Tunisia to Belgium and minister of economy and commerce, Slaheddine Ben Mbarek, proudly bore the name.
195.Sarfati
A Hebrew surname that means ‘French,’ Sarfati was used as a locative surname to refer to the Biblical place called Tzarfat. Other spellings of Sarfati are Sarfatti, Sarphati, Serfaty, Sarfate, Sarfaty, Sarfity, Zarfati, Tsarfati, Tsarfaty, Tzarfati, and Serfati. Sonia Sarfati is a French author and journalist bearing the last name.
196.Sebag
The origins of the surname are not known, however, the last name is borne by several famous personalities like Jean-Claude Sebag, a French lawyer and politician; Marie Sebag, a French chess player; Roy Sebag an Israeli-Canadian investor and author; and Uri Sebag an Israeli politician.
197.Shriki
Shriki can be considered a locative Sephardi surname that is taken from the fortress municipality of Xèrica in Spain. It carries a distinctive meaning of ‘oriental’ or ‘Easterner.’ The name is also written as Cheriqui, Cheriki, Chriqui, Chrequi, Chreki, Sreki, and Sriki. Shlomo Shriki, an Israeli artist and painter was one of the notable creative individuals with the name.
198.Siboni
Probably a surname with Italian and Germanic roots, Siboni may have been used as a patronymic surname denoting someone who was the ‘son of Sibonio or Sibone.’ It may take on its meaning from the Germanic elements of ‘sige’ and ‘wulf,’ which translates to ‘victorious wolf.’ Known for riding five editions of the Tour de France and seven editions of the Giro d’Italia, Italian former racing cyclist, Marcello Siboni, bears the name.
199.Zeitoun
A Maghrebi cognate of the given name Zitouni. With roots in Arabic, the surname means ‘olive.’ It can also be spelled as Zeytoun, Zaytoun, Zeitun, Zitouna, Zitouni, and Zaitoun. It is a name borne by the former director of the Syrian general security directorate and adviser of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Mohammed Dib Zaitoun.
200.Zouaoui
The surname is a distinct title given to someone of the Igawawen Kabyle tribe. The connotation of the name is unknown, but it could have been taken from the name of a massif in Kabylie, Algeria. Qatari national team’s handball player, Anis Zouaoui shares the name. He won a gold medal in the Asian Championship in 2018 and 2020.
201.Zoubir
A surname taken from the personal name Zubair, Zoubir is commonly seen in Algeria and Morocco. The surname means ‘iron’ and it can be spelled as Zubir, Zubair, and Zubayr. Amina Zoubir, an Algerian contemporary artist, filmmaker, and performer, bears the name. She won the Varenne FIGRA France in 2013.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the specific naming conventions or traditions in Morocco and how are Moroccan last names structured?
Moroccan last names can be extremely long because they are a combination of an individual’s personal name, father’s name, and in some cases, the grandfather’s name, followed by the family name. The personal and paternal name is connected by the word ‘ibn’ for sons or ‘bint’ for daughters. Because Moroccans follow Arabic naming conventions, the last name reflects an individual’s familial connection or geographical origin. Usually, the family name begins with the prefix ‘Al’ or ‘El,’ which translates to ‘from.’ One example is al-Filali, meaning ‘from Filali.’
2. What are the common prefixes or suffixes in Moroccan last names?
The common prefixes in Moroccan surnames are ‘el’ or ‘al,’ meaning ‘from.’ With patronymic surnames, it is common to see the prefix ‘ben,’ meaning ‘son of.’ However, it is less noticeable when it comes to suffixes because of the diversity of Moroccan surnames.
3. What are some Moroccan last names that reveal tribal or regional affiliations?
While many Moroccan surnames are patronymic, there are a few that can help identify where a person is from or what tribe they belong to. A few examples of habitational or locative surnames are Akebdani, Laayouni, and Marrakchi. While surnames that indicate one’s tribe are Sbai, Azeroual, and Zouaoui.
4. How can one trace the origin of a Moroccan last name?
Tracing any surname involves in-depth research on the etymology of the name, the geographical associations, and the genealogical connections. Since Moroccan last names often carry straightforward meanings or a specific region, it can help search for family records.
5. What role do Moroccan last names play in identity and heritage?
Moroccan last names indicate a person’s lineage, tribal affiliation, geographic origin, or profession and link individuals to their ancestral roots. These names often carry historical significance, with some tracing back to centuries-old dynasties and showing Arab, Berber, or Andalusian influences. They provide valuable insights into Moroccan society and its diverse cultural heritage.
Moroccan last names are not just mere labels, they are the threads that weave the fabric of Moroccan identity. In a world that is constantly changing, these Moroccan family names are like bridges that take you back to your roots. Knowing one’s lineage can get your feet on the ground and strengthen the bond of communities. With each surname, celebrate the past and take inspiration from the ancestors and embark on an exciting future.
Infographic: Charming Moroccan Last Names
Moroccan surnames are exceptional at distinguishing a person’s genealogy. Many last names are patronymic, meaning the lineage is primarily traced through the male line. Moroccan surnames are often derived from Arabic words, phrases, and personal names. Check out this infographic on these compelling Moroccan surnames.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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