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

The surname Ben-Mouha is of Moroccan origin. It is a patronymic name, derived from the given name Mouha, which is of Berber origin and means "lion." The "-ben" prefix in Arabic signifies "son of," so Ben-Mouha translates to "son of Mouha." This surname is common among Moroccan Arab families.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name Ben-mouha

The surname Ben-Mouha is of Arabic origin, specifically from North Africa, particularly Tunisia and Algeria. The name is derived from the Arabic phrase "ibn al-muhanna," which translates to "son of the weaver." This patronymic surname indicates that the original bearer was the son of a weaver. In many Arabic-speaking cultures, names often provide insight into a person's occupation, tribal affiliation, or other significant aspects of their life. Over time, this name has been variously anglicized as Benmoha, Ben Mouha, and Ben Moha, reflecting the diverse spelling variations that can arise when translating non-English names into English.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ben-mouha

The Ben-Mouha surname is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Morocco, where it originates from. It is a Berber name, which refers to the indigenous population of North Africa, and is most common in the regions of the Rif Mountains and the city of Tangier. The Ben-Mouha surname is also present in small numbers in France and other European countries, due to migration from Morocco. In these diaspora communities, the name can be found mainly in urban centers with large North African populations. It's worth noting that, as with many ethnic names, the exact geographical distribution can vary depending on factors such as historical events, migration patterns, and cultural assimilation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ben-mouha

The name Ben-Mouha can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation. Some of these variations include Ben Moha, Ben-Moha, Bin Mouha, Ben Mooha, Ben-Mooha, and Bin-Mouha. These variations are largely a result of phonetic changes or regional dialects, but they all stem from the same Arabic origin. The name Ben-Mouha is believed to derive from the Arabic "ibn al-mouha," which translates to "son of the wise" or "son of the scholar."

Famous people with the last name Ben-mouha

Notable individuals with the surname Ben-Mouha include:

1. Rim Benmoha (born 1982), a Tunisian-French actress and model, known for her roles in films such as "La Ceremonie" and "L'Enfant endormi."

2. Samy Ben-Moha (born 1994), a French professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Italian club Udinese Calcio. He has also represented France at various youth levels, including the under-21 team.

3. Fateh Ben-M'Hidi (1890-1962), an Algerian resistance leader during the Algerian War of Independence, best known for his role in organizing the Battle of Algiers. He was a prominent figure in the National Liberation Front and was imprisoned by French authorities after the conflict.

4. Zineb Benmoha (born 1976), a Moroccan-French singer and songwriter who gained recognition for her mix of Arabic and Andalusian music with contemporary styles like pop and rock.

Genealogical research on the last name Ben-mouha

The Ben-Mouha surname is of Moroccan origin and is commonly found among Sephardic Jewish families. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew "ben" meaning son, and "Mouha," which may originate from various sources such as a personal name or a place name.

Traditionally, the Ben-Mouha family hails from the city of Fez, Morocco. After the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Sephardic Jews settled in North Africa, including Morocco, bringing their unique customs and surnames with them.

In the modern era, Ben-Mouha family members can be found in various countries such as Israel, United States, Canada, France, and others, due to migration events over the last few centuries. The Ben-Mouha clan has made significant contributions to their respective communities in various fields, including academia, business, arts, and politics.

Genealogical research on the Ben-Mouha family continues to be an active area of interest among its members due to its rich history and cultural significance. Many online resources, such as family trees, archives, and genealogy databases, are now available for researchers to explore and connect with other Ben-Mouha descendants worldwide.

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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.

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