Last Name Afify

The surname Afify is of Arabic origin. It derives from the given name "Abu Afifi," which means "the father of the wise." In some cases, it may also be a variant spelling of the surname "Abufafi" or "Abo-Afifi," both of which have similar meanings and origins. The name became a hereditary surname as families came to be known by their patriarch's given name over generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Afify

The meaning and origin of the last name Afify

The surname Afify is an Arabic name, derived from the Arabic word "al-Afifi," which means "the one who achieves what is desired" or "completes a task." This name is primarily found among Arabic speakers, particularly in Egypt, where it has been used as a surname and given name for centuries. The name Afify can be traced back to the medieval period when personal names started to evolve into family names. Due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges, individuals with the surname Afify can now be found worldwide, predominantly among the Arabic diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Afify

The surname Afify is predominantly found in Egypt, particularly in and around Cairo, the capital city, and Alexandria, the country's largest seaport. It is also common in other parts of North Africa, such as Libya and Sudan, due to historical migrations and cultural ties between these countries. However, its usage extends beyond this region, with smaller populations found among the Egyptian diaspora living in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. The name's popularity can be attributed to its Arabic origins, specifically derived from the given name 'Abd al-Fattah', meaning 'Servant of al-Fattah (the Conqueror)'.

Variants and spellings of the last name Afify

The surname Afify can have various spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include:

1. Afeefy: This spelling is based on the Arabic pronunciation, where 'a' represents a long 'a' sound and 'eef' represents 'af'.
2. Afeifi: Another variant based on the Arabic pronunciation but using 'i' instead of 'y' at the end.
3. Afifie: This spelling maintains the 'i' but uses 'ie' instead of 'y'.
4. Affify: An English-based spelling, where 'ff' represents a single 'f' sound.
5. Afeefi: A variant that replaces 'y' with 'i'.
6. Afifiy: Yet another variation, this time using 'y' instead of 'ie' at the end.
7. Affifyy: Similar to the previous one but maintains the English-based spelling with 'y' instead of 'i'.

These are some common variations and spellings of the surname Afify, each reflecting slight differences in pronunciation or translation.

Famous people with the last name Afify

Ahmed Afify, an Egyptian film director and screenwriter, is one of the notable figures with the surname Afify. Born in 1947, he has made significant contributions to Egyptian cinema over several decades. His most acclaimed works include "Al-Hob zahma" (1986) and "Wara' al-Nil" (1994), which have received numerous awards both domestically and internationally. Another notable figure is Rania Al-Afify, an Egyptian actress who gained fame for her role in the television series "Al-Kabouria" (2016). She has also starred in various films such as "Wara' al-Nil" (1994) and "Ana Harami" (2018). Lastly, Khaled Afify, a prominent Egyptian actor, is recognized for his performances in numerous films and series. He gained international recognition through his role in the television series "The Blue Elephant" (2009). These individuals have contributed significantly to various fields such as film, theatre, and television in Egypt.

Genealogical research on the last name Afify

The surname Afify is primarily associated with Egypt and has roots in Arabic culture. The name derives from the Arabic word "Ahfaf," which means honest or sincere. The Afif family can be traced back to medieval Egypt, particularly during the Fatimid Caliphate (909-1171 AD). One notable figure from this period was Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, a caliph who reigned during the late 10th and early 11th centuries, whose descendants bear the surname Afifi. In modern times, the name has been common among Egyptian Christians as well as Muslims. Notable figures with the last name Afify include Ahmed Afifi, an Egyptian diplomat and politician who served as Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1964 to 1970, and Youssef Afify, a professional football player who represented Egypt in international competitions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "afify"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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