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Last Name Abdelkader

What is the origin of the last name Abdelkader?

The surname Abdelkader is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Islamic name Abd al-Kādir, which means "servant of the powerful or invincible one." This name is commonly associated with Al-Kādirel-Kabīr (the Great) who was a famous 9th-century Berber scholar and saint revered among Arabs and Berbers in North Africa. The name was popularized further by Emir Abd el-Kader, a 19th-century leader who resisted French colonial expansion in Algeria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Abdelkader

The meaning and origin of the last name Abdelkader

The surname Abdelkader is of Arabic origin, primarily found among people of Middle Eastern and North African descent. The name is derived from the Arabic title "Abu-al-Qādir" (Father of the Sufficient One) or "Abū al-Qādir ʿAbd al-Kāder" (Servant of the Sufficient One), combined with a patronymic "ibn" (son of) or "bin" in some cases. Over time, this complex name has been simplified to Abdelkader, Abdel-Kader, or Abdul Qader. The name is notable for being shared by Emir Abdelkader, an influential Algerian leader who resisted French colonial rule in the 19th century and became a symbol of Algerian resistance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Abdelkader

The surname Abdelkader has its roots in Arabic-speaking regions, primarily North Africa, specifically Algeria and Morocco. It is a common name among communities of Arab and Berber descent. Over the years, due to migration, this surname can also be found in various parts of the world where these populations have settled, such as France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. In Algeria, Abdelkader is one of the most popular family names. In Morocco, it ranks among the top 100 most common surnames. Globally, individuals with the last name Abdelkader form a diverse diaspora with significant presence in Europe and North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Abdelkader

The last name Abdelkader has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of these variations include Abdul Kadir, Abdul Qadir, Abd-el-Kader, Abdel Kadir, Abdelkadir, Abdelqader, Abd al-Qadir, and Abd el-Kader. These variations originate from the Arabic name عبد القادر, which translates to "servant of the powerful (or capable) one". This name is common among Muslims, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. It is associated with various historical figures such as Emir Abd el-Kader, a prominent 19th-century Algerian leader who fought against French colonial rule.

Famous people with the last name Abdelkader

Mohammed Abdelkader, a renowned figure in the field of computer science, is widely recognized for his contributions to artificial intelligence and data mining. He is a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has published numerous papers on these topics. Another notable individual with the last name Abdelkader is Mahiedine Abdelkader, a professional footballer who played for several clubs in France and Belgium, including Olympique de Marseille and Standard Liège. In addition, Moustafa Abdelkader, a former member of Algeria's national athletics team, holds the record for the longest jump in Africa with 8.37 meters. Furthermore, Houari Abdelkader, a historian and scholar, has written extensively on Algerian history and culture, particularly focusing on the colonial period.

Genealogical research on the last name Abdelkader

The last name Abdelkader originates from North Africa, specifically from Arabic-speaking regions like Algeria and Morocco. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Abd al-Qādir, meaning "servant of the powerful or invincible one." The name has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, such as Emir Abdelkader (1808-1883), an influential Algerian leader during the French conquest, and Ahmad Zarruq Abdelkader (1794–1858), a Moroccan Sufi scholar. In the modern era, variations of the name can be found in various countries with significant Arabic-speaking populations, including France, Canada, and the United States, due to migrations from North Africa in the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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