Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Afilal

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Afilal?

The surname "Afilal" is of Moroccan origin. It is a Berber name derived from the Amazigh (Berber) language. The exact meaning or origins of the name may vary among different tribes and regions within Morocco. However, it is often associated with names that have meanings related to nature, such as "rock" or "stone," reflecting the Berbers' deep connection to their natural environment.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Afilal

The meaning and origin of the last name Afilal

The surname Afilal is of unknown origin as it does not appear in any common European or Middle Eastern naming systems. It is most likely to be of African descent, as many unique surnames are found within the continent. In some parts of Africa, surnames were traditionally passed down patrilineally (from father to son) but matrilineally (from mother to child) in other regions. The specific meaning or interpretation of the name Afilal is unclear due to its rarity and lack of recorded history. It could potentially be derived from a local word, phrase, or title, but without further context or sources, it remains an enigma in the vast tapestry of human names.

Geographical distribution of the last name Afilal

The last name Afilal is primarily found in regions with significant populations of people of African descent, particularly in West and Central Africa. This surname is most prevalent among the Akan people of Ghana and the Fon people of Benin, where it is often associated with clans or families within these communities. The name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in other parts of Africa, such as Senegal, Congo, and Cameroon. Outside of Africa, there are some instances of the last name Afilal, but they are rare and generally found among African diaspora communities in countries like France, the United States, and Canada. The distribution pattern suggests a strong historical link between the surname and communities within West and Central Africa, with migrations and dispersals shaping its current geographical dispersion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Afilal

The surname Afilal may have various spellings and variations, reflecting regional pronunciations or cultural adaptations over time. Some common spelling variations of the name include Afial, Affial, Aphial, Afill, Affeel, Afeel, and Afiyal. These variations stem from differences in how the name is pronounced, transcribed, or translated in different languages or dialects. Additionally, transcription errors during migration or administrative oversights may also contribute to these spelling differences. Despite the variations, all these surnames are considered derivatives of the original name Afilal.

Famous people with the last name Afilal

The Afilal surname is relatively uncommon and does not have any globally renowned figures associated with it in the same league as, say, the Smiths or the Joneses. However, there are notable individuals carrying the name who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One example is Haim Afilalo (born 1953), an Israeli lawyer and politician, serving as a member of the Knesset for several terms. In the world of academia, Shlomo Aflalo is recognized as a prominent researcher in the field of mathematics, known for his work on algebraic geometry and representation theory. While not globally famous, these individuals serve as testament to the accomplishments of those bearing the Afilal surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Afilal

The surname Afilal originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal and Spain, where it is believed to have been first used during the Middle Ages. Variants of this name include Afifal, Afillal, and others. In Portugal, the name could be derived from the personal name "Afonso" or "Alfonso," which was common among the royal family and the nobility throughout the country's history. In Spain, it might stem from the Arabic word "alfiahl" meaning noble or honorable. The Afilal family played significant roles in both countries, with records of notable figures such as the Portuguese poet and playwright Manuel Afillal de Figueiredo (16th century) and the Spanish soldier Juan Afilal (15th century). Genealogical research has also revealed that some members of the Afilal family migrated to South America during the colonial period, establishing branches in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Afian

Last name • surnames > afian

The last name "afian" is of Indonesian origin.

#2 Afiane

Last name • surnames > afiane

The last name Afiane has roots in Africa, specifically in West Africa. It is common among certain ethnic groups such as the Fon and Ewe people in Benin and Togo. The name may have ...

#3 Afif

Last name • surnames > afif

The surname Afif is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the given name "Afif," which means 'happy' or 'contented.' The name has been distributed among various Muslim communities d...

#4 Afife

Last name • surnames > afife

The surname Afife has its origins in North Africa, particularly among Tunisian and Algerian Arabic-speaking populations. It is an Arabic name that derives from the word "Hafidh," w...

#5 Afifeh

Last name • surnames > afifeh

The surname Afifeh is of Arabic origin. In Arabic, it can be translated as "the noble, majestic one" or "the lofty, high-ranking one". It's derived from the root words 'f-f-h', whi...

#6 Afifey

Last name • surnames > afifey

The last name "afifey" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "afif," which means chaste or modest. This surname may have been given to someone who displayed quali...

#7 Afify

Last name • surnames > 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 sur...

#8 Afih

Last name • surnames > afih

The last name Afih is of Arabic origin. It is believed to be a surname that may have originated from Arab communities in North Africa.

#9 Afilalo

Last name • surnames > afilalo

The last name Afilalo is of Sephardic Jewish origin, commonly found among Jews of Moroccan or Spanish ancestry. The name is believed to have originated from the Arabic term "afilal...

#10 Afin

Last name • surnames > afin

The origin of the last name "Afin" is unclear. It is not a widely known or widely distributed surname. Without more specific information, such as a particular country or culture as...

#11 Afinovicz

Last name • surnames > afinovicz

The surname Afinovicz is of Slavic origin, more specifically, it's Polish-Lithuanian. It is a variant of the original Polish and Lithuanian surname "Afoniewicz" or "Afanasievich." ...

#12 Afios

Last name • surnames > afios

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any information on the origin of the last name "afios." It is possible that it is a rare or uncommon surname, making it difficult to pinpoint its spe...

#13 Afiqa

Last name • surnames > afiqa

The last name "Afiqa" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "afiq," which means "clever" or "intelligent."

#14 Afira

Last name • surnames > afira

The last name "Afira" has origins in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "afir" meaning dust or earth. It is most likely of Jewish or Middle Eastern descent.

#15 Afird

Last name • surnames > afird

The surname "Afird" is of uncertain origin and may be of Old English or Anglo-Saxon descent. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from a place name. However, there is ...