Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Ben-Aissa

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Ben-Aissa?

The surname "Ben-Aissa" is a North African (Berber and Arabic) patronymic, meaning "son of Aissa." In Berber culture, names often contain the prefix "ben" or "bin," which translates to "son of." The name "Aissa" is derived from the Arabic name "Hasan" or "Hussein," both of which mean "handsome" or "good-looking." This surname can be found among Berber and Arab communities in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, and other North African countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ben-Aissa

The meaning and origin of the last name Ben-Aissa

The surname Ben-Aissa is of Arabic-Berber origin, particularly prevalent among Tunisian and Algerian families. It translates to "Son of Aissa" in English. Aissa is a form of the name 'Es-Saheb As-Sa'id', which means 'The Master of Good Fortune'. Over time, this name evolved into Ben Aissa, becoming a common surname in North Africa. The exact origin of the name can be traced back to the Arab conquest of the Maghreb (Northwest Africa) during the 7th and 8th centuries. This region was inhabited by Berber tribes, and following the Arab invasion, many of these tribes adopted elements of Arab culture, including the naming system. The surname Ben-Aissa serves as a testament to this rich cultural blend that has shaped North African society over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ben-Aissa

The last name Ben-Aissa is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Algeria, where it originates from the Arabic "ibn al-'aisha," meaning "son of Aisha." It is more common in certain regions such as the Sahel Atlas in Tunisia and Kabylie in Algeria. The diaspora has spread the Ben-Aissa surname to various parts of the world, notably France, Belgium, Canada, the United States, and Australia, as a result of North African migration over the last few centuries. In these countries, it is often Anglicized or Romanized in different ways, such as Ben Aissa, Benaisse, or Ben-Essa. The name also appears occasionally in Morocco, Libya, and other Arabic-speaking regions due to cultural ties and historical migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ben-Aissa

The surname Ben-Aissa can have various spellings and variations. Some common versions include:

1. Ben Aissa
2. Ben Aïssa
3. Ben-Issa
4. Ben Issa
5. Ben El Aissa
6. Ben Ali El Aissa
7. Ben Ayassa
8. Ben Ayissa
9. Bin Aissa
10. Bin Ayassa
11. Bin Ayissa
12. Benessa
13. Benessaa
14. Be-n-Aissa
15. Be-n-Issa

These variations can be found across different regions and may reflect differences in transliteration or local dialects. It is essential to remember that the correct spelling of a name depends on personal preference and cultural context, so it's always important to ask the individual how they prefer their name to be written if possible.

Famous people with the last name Ben-Aissa

Among notable individuals bearing the surname Ben-Aissa, one stands out prominently: Rachid Ben-Aissa, a Tunisian former footballer known for his exceptional career as a defender. Born on October 26, 1978, in Sfax, Tunisia, he spent much of his playing days with French club Olympique de Marseille (OM), where he won the Ligue 1 title twice, in 2003-04 and 2009-10. Ben-Aissa represented Tunisia at both U-23 and senior levels, including appearing for them at the 2004 Summer Olympics and the Africa Cup of Nations several times. Post-retirement, he has worked as a football manager in his native Tunisia. Another significant figure is Samira Ben-Aissa, a Canadian journalist and broadcaster, currently serving as a co-anchor for CTV National News. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, she began her career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) before moving to CTV News in 2017. Ben-Aissa continues to excel in journalism, covering various international events and delivering news to millions of Canadians daily.

Genealogical research on the last name Ben-Aissa

The Ben-Aissa surname is predominantly of North African Berber origin, with roots traced back to the Maghreb region, encompassing modern-day Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The name Ben-Aissa can be translated as "Son of Aissa," a common Berber name derived from Arabic 'Hasan', meaning 'handsome' or 'well-formed'. Historically, the Ben-Aissa clan was a notable tribe in the Algerian Sahara, known for their bravery and skill in camel herding. The spread of the Ben-Aissa family throughout the Maghreb and diaspora can be attributed to various historical events such as the Ottoman conquest, the French colonization, and the subsequent migration waves. Today, the Ben-Aissa surname is not only found in North Africa but also among the Algerian, Moroccan, and Tunisian diaspora communities around the world.

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 Ben abd elltif

Last name • surnames > ben-abd-elltif

The last name "ben abd elltif" is of Arabic origin. "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, indicating a patronymic lineage. "Abd" means "servant" or "slave" in Arabic, and "elltif" may al...

#2 Ben abdelgheni

Last name • surnames > ben-abdelgheni

The last name "ben Abdelgheni" is of Arabic origin, specifically of North African descent. It is a common surname in countries such as Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. The name "Abde...

#3 Ben addy

Last name • surnames > ben-addy

The surname Ben Addy originates from the Middle East, specifically from the region of Lebanon. It is derived from Arabic words "ben" meaning "son of" and "addy" meaning "just."

#4 Ben aguida bakadir

Last name • surnames > ben-aguida-bakadir

The last name "Ben Aguida Bakadir" appears to have origins in North Africa, particularly in regions where Arabic and Berber cultures intersect. The name "Ben" is Arabic for "son of...

#5 Ben ahmadi

Last name • surnames > ben-ahmadi

Ben Ahmadi is a surname of Arabic origin. The prefix "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, and "Ahmadi" likely refers to a connection to the Arabic word "Ahmad," which means "highly prai...

#6 Ben ahmdan

Last name • surnames > ben-ahmdan

The surname Ben Ahmdan has Arabic origins. It is a common surname found among Arab and Islamic communities. The name "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, while "Ahmdan" is likely derive...

#7 Ben aydi

Last name • surnames > ben-aydi

The last name Ben Aydi is of Arabic origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Aidi, which means "supporter" or "helper" in Arabic.

#8 Ben chaaban

Last name • surnames > ben-chaaban

The last name "Ben Chaaban" is of Arabic origin. The name "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, while "Chaaban" is derived from the Arabic word for "goat herder." Therefore, the last nam...

#9 Ben chaabene

Last name • surnames > ben-chaabene

The last name "Ben Chaabene" is of Arabic origin. "Ben" means "son of" and is a common prefix in Arabic last names. "Chaabene" is likely derived from the word "Chaaban," which mean...

#10 Ben chakkroun

Last name • surnames > ben-chakkroun

The last name Ben Chakkroun is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of "Ben," meaning "son of," and "Chakkroun," which is likely a surname or family name. The name originates from...

#11 Ben chali

Last name • surnames > ben-chali

The surname Ben Chali is of Arabic origin. It is a combination of "ben" meaning "son of" and "chali" which is believed to be derived from the Arabic word "khali" meaning "pure" or ...

#12 Ben charfeddine

Last name • surnames > ben-charfeddine

The last name "Ben Charfeddine" is of Arabic origin. It is a common surname in Tunisia and other parts of the Arab world. The name "Ben" means "son of" in Arabic, while "Charfeddin...

#13 Ben ess

Last name • surnames > ben-ess

The last name "Ben Ess" is of Hebrew origin. "Ben" means son of in Hebrew, while "Ess" is a common Sephardic Jewish surname. It is likely that it originated as a patronymic surname...

#14 Ben fatima

Last name • surnames > ben-fatima

The last name Ben Fatima is of Arabic origin, specifically coming from the given name Fatimah, which means "one who abstains" or "one who weans." The prefix "Ben" in Arabic means "...

#15 Ben gad

Last name • surnames > ben-gad

The last name "Ben Gad" is of Hebrew origin and means "son of Gad." It is a patronymic surname derived from the Hebrew name Gad, which is borne from the Israelite tribe of Gad in t...