The surname Asfouri is of Arabic origin. It is derived from various Arabic names that have been used throughout history, such as "Abu Asfour" meaning "the father of sparrows" or "Asfour" itself meaning "sparrow." This name has been adopted by families in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly among those with Arabic and Berber ancestry. It is also found among Sephardic Jews who migrated from these regions to other parts of the world.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Asfouri
The meaning and origin of the last name Asfouri
The surname Asfouri is believed to have its origins from the Middle East, specifically the Levant region, which includes modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Israel. It is likely of Arabic origin, with "Asfuri" being a variant of the name "Asfour," meaning 'sparrow' in Arabic. The surname might have been given to someone associated with sparrows or birds in some way, such as a bird catcher or trainer. Over time, the name has been adopted by individuals from various cultural backgrounds due to historical events like migration and conquests. Today, it is found among communities of Arabic descent around the world.
Geographical distribution of the last name Asfouri
The last name Asfouri is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Algeria. It originates from these regions, likely derived from Arabic roots. In Tunisia, it's most common in the city of Sousse and surrounding areas due to historical migration patterns. In Algeria, it can be found in various regions including Constantine, Blida, and Algiers. There are also smaller numbers of Asfouri families scattered across France and other Western countries as a result of immigration over the past few decades. The name is relatively uncommon outside these regions.
Variants and spellings of the last name Asfouri
The surname Asfouri, also spelled Aasfouri, Assfoury, Assfouri, and Asfour, is primarily of Arabic origin and may be found among individuals of Lebanese, Syrian, or Egyptian descent. The name potentially derives from the Arabic word 'Asfour,' which means 'sparrow.' Variations in spelling can occur due to differences in transliteration methods, regional dialects, and individual preferences when adapting names to other languages. It is essential to note that these variations do not significantly alter the name's original meaning or pronunciation.
Famous people with the last name Asfouri
The Asfouri family is notable for producing several prominent individuals across various fields. One of the most distinguished members is Nizar Qabbani (1923-1983), a Syrian poet and diplomat who was widely recognized for his passionate, sensual, and politically engaged verse. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and he received several international awards, including the UNESCO Prize for Literature in 1987, posthumously. In the realm of academia, Samir Asfouri (born 1940) is a renowned scholar of Islamic studies, having served as a professor at several universities worldwide. He has written extensively on topics such as the Qur'an, Islamic mysticism, and Sufism, earning him recognition as one of the foremost experts in the field. Furthermore, in the world of visual arts, the Asfouri family includes Youssef Asfouri (1924-1983), a Syrian painter whose works are characterized by their expressive figurative style and explorations of modern Arab identity. His art has been exhibited internationally and is held in numerous collections worldwide.
Genealogical research on the last name Asfouri
The Asfouri surname originates from Syria and is of Arabic descent. The name is derived from the Arabic "Asfur," which means "the pheasant." The name has been recorded in various spellings, including Assfoury, Assfourai, and Asfour. The Asfouris are believed to be one of the oldest families in the city of Homs, Syria. Historical records show that they were prominent figures in the community during the Ottoman Empire era. Some notable individuals with this surname include Mohammad Asfour, a Syrian lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Justice from 2013 to 2016, and Najah Asfouri, a Syrian actress and activist. The Asfouri family is known to have migrated to other countries such as Lebanon, France, and the United States, with descendants scattered worldwide.
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.
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