Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Ben-lalou

Discover my family history now

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

The surname Ben-Lalou is believed to have originated from North Africa, specifically Algeria and Tunisia. It is a variant of the Arabic name "ibn al-wal" which means "son of the wolf". The name "Ben" is a common Arabic prefix used in North African countries to denote lineage or son of, while "Lalou" may have originated from the Arabic word "al-wal" meaning "the wolf". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname may have evolved as families migrated to different regions.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Ben-lalou

The surname Ben-Lalou is of Moroccan origin, specifically from the Berber tribe known as Ait Benhaddou or Benlala, located near Ouarzazate in the southwest of Morocco. The name is derived from the Arabic language, where "ben" means son and "lalou" refers to a specific tribal leader or clan name. Historically, it was common for Arabic names to be modified when adopted into other languages due to phonetic differences, resulting in variations such as Ben Lalou, Benlalou, or Ben El-Lahou. Over time, this surname has been carried by families who migrated from Morocco to various parts of the world, reflecting its global dispersal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ben-lalou

The surname Ben-Lalou is primarily found within North African communities, particularly among those of Tunisian descent. It originates from the Arabic language and can be translated as "son of the merchant." The name has historically been common in Tunisia, where it is a variant of more traditional Arabic surnames like Ben LLalou or Ibn Al-Lal. However, due to migration, the distribution of this surname has expanded beyond Tunisia. In recent times, members of the Tunisian diaspora have settled in various parts of Europe and North America, leading to a global presence for the Ben-Lalou name. Countries with significant populations carrying this surname include France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ben-lalou

The variant and spelling of the surname Ben-Lalou can appear in several ways due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and personal preference. Some common forms include:

1. Ben Lalou - This is a simplified version, where the hyphen between Ben and Lalou is omitted.
2. Bin Lalou - Another variation that removes the hyphen but uses "Bin" instead of "Ben."
3. Ben El-Lalou - This version uses "El" instead of a hyphen to connect the two parts of the name, reflecting Arabic naming conventions.
4. Bin el Lalou - As with Ben El-Lalou, this variation replaces the hyphen with "el," but uses a lowercase "b" for "Bin."
5. Ben El-Lahlou - A possible misspelling or alternative spelling of the original surname, where "Lalou" is replaced by "Lahlou."
6. Bin el Lahlou - Similar to the previous entry but using "Bin" instead of "Ben," and "Lahlou" as an alternative spelling for "Lalou."

Famous people with the last name Ben-lalou

Ben-Lalou is a relatively uncommon surname, but it has been associated with several notable figures. One of them is Youssef Ben-Youssef Ben-Lalou, a Moroccan diplomat and politician who served as the Ambassador to Spain from 1975 to 1983, and then again from 2006 to 2010. In the world of sports, Khalid Ben-Lalou is a professional soccer player who has played for several clubs in France, including AS Saint-Etienne and FC Metz. On the artistic side, Noura Sidi Ben Lalou is a renowned Moroccan painter known for her colorful and expressive works that often depict women and daily life in her native country. Lastly, Mohamed Ben Lalou is a Moroccan musician who specializes in Gnawa music, a traditional form of music from North Africa.

Genealogical research on the last name Ben-lalou

The Ben-Lalou surname is of Sephardic Jewish origin and is believed to have its roots in the Iberian Peninsula before the Expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. The name may be derived from the Hebrew word "ben" meaning son, combined with a personal name such as Lalou or Lau, which could have various meanings like 'lion cub', 'exalted' or 'wolf'. During the Expulsion, many Sephardic Jews were forced to flee Spain and Portugal, dispersing across the Mediterranean region. Some of the Ben-Lalou family may have migrated to North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, or Italy. In more recent times, the name has been found among Sephardic communities in Israel, the United States, and other countries with significant Jewish populations. Genealogical research on this surname often involves tracing its occurrences across historical records of Sephardic communities and Jewish genealogy databases.

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...