Last Name Aabidi

The surname Aabidi is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Middle East. It is derived from the given name 'Abd Allah,' which means "servant of God" in Arabic. In some cases, the name may have been modified due to phonetic changes or transliteration over time. However, it's important to note that surnames can be difficult to trace precisely and their origins can vary between families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Aabidi

The meaning and origin of the last name Aabidi

The surname Aabidi is of Arabic origin, specifically derived from the given name 'Abed', which means servant in Arabic. The suffix "-i" or "-y" indicates patronym, meaning "son of," and in this case, the name Aabidi would translate to "son of Abed." This surname is commonly found among Muslims, particularly within Arab countries, and has also been adopted by some communities in India due to historical trade and migration links with the Middle East. Over time, variations of the spelling may have emerged as a result of transliteration or local dialects, leading to different forms such as Abidi, Abeedi, etc.

Geographical distribution of the last name Aabidi

The surname Aabidi has its origins predominantly from the Indian subcontinent, particularly in regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is commonly associated with the Ismaili Muslim community, a Shia sect that originated from Yemen and later established communities in India, particularly on the western coast. The name Aabidi is also found among other Muslim communities in India but less frequently. Additionally, there are smaller groups of Aabidis who have migrated to other parts of the world, including East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda), as well as North America and Europe, primarily due to migrations for work and education. In these regions, the name has been assimilated into various cultural contexts while retaining its original roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Aabidi

The surname Aabidi has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical periods. Some common spelling variants include Abbidi, Abeedi, Abeedee, Abeedy, Abidi, and Abedee. These variations may stem from different origins or phonetic interpretations of the name. The original Arabic form is likely to be عابدي (Abidi) or a similar variant. It's worth noting that these spelling variations can be found among various ethnic groups, but they are most common among people with Middle Eastern heritage, particularly those from Pakistan, India, and other countries in the region. In English-speaking countries, the name is typically written as Abidi or Aabidi.

Famous people with the last name Aabidi

One notable individual with the last name Aabidi is Farooq Abrar Aabidi, a Pakistani cricketer who played for Karachi Whites in the National One Day Cup. He made his first-class debut in 2014 and later represented Pakistan in an Under-19 tournament. In 2016, he was named as the captain of the Pakistan U-19 cricket team for the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in Bangladesh, where they finished as runners-up. Another prominent figure is Zahid Aabidi, a Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of Cineplex Entertainment, one of the largest film exhibitors in North America. In 2015, he was appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to the entertainment industry and his charitable work.

Genealogical research on the last name Aabidi

The surname Aabidi is of Arabic origin and is predominantly found among communities in North Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria. It is derived from the given name Abd, meaning "servant" or "slave" in Arabic, followed by a patronymic suffix such as -i or -iy, signifying "son of". The Aabidi clan is traditionally associated with the Sanhaja Berber confederacy, one of the major Berber confederacies in North Africa. The family migrated to various parts of the world due to historical events like the French colonization and the subsequent displacement of people from their native lands. Notable figures bearing the surname Aabidi can be found in various professions across different countries, indicating a dispersal and diversification of the clan over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "aabidi"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends