What is the origin of the last name Bouakaz?

The surname Bouakaz is of African origin, specifically from West Africa, particularly countries like Burkina Faso and Mali. It's a variant of the Bokassa name, which has its roots among the ethnic groups in these regions, such as the Mossi and Peul (Fula) people. The name often denotes a warrior or a leader within these communities.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Bouakaz

The meaning and origin of the last name Bouakaz

The surname Bouakaz is of Berber origin, specifically from the Kabyle people, who inhabit the mountainous region of Algeria known as Kabylie. The name is derived from the Berber language and translates to "son of Akaz." Akaz was a personal name, with the addition of "bou" or "abou," meaning "son of," transforming it into a surname. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, the Bouakaz surname can now be found in various parts of North Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world where Kabyle people have settled. It is important to note that many Berber surnames, like Bouakaz, have been altered or simplified over generations due to phonetic changes, transliteration, and assimilation into different cultures and languages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bouakaz

The Bouakaz surname is predominantly found in West Africa, particularly in countries like Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. This indicates a probable origin from these regions where the ethnic group, the Akan or Mossi people, reside. Smaller concentrations of individuals bearing this name can also be found in neighboring countries such as Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The distribution is relatively dense within urban areas in these countries, reflecting the urbanization trend among many West African populations. Diaspora communities in France, Belgium, and other Western nations with significant West African immigrant populations may also have individuals with this surname, although the density is significantly lower compared to its native West African regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bouakaz

The surname Bouakaz has several variations and spellings. Here are some examples:

1. Boakaz - This is one of the most common variants found in French and English transcriptions.
2. Boacaz, Bocaz - These variations might be encountered in phonetic transliterations or typographical errors.
3. Boukaaz, Boucaz - These spellings, with an 'ou' instead of an 'o', are common in Arabic and Berber transcriptions.
4. Boukass, Boukatz - These variations might arise from a phonetic interpretation of the original name or regional dialect differences.
5. Bakaz, Bacaz - These spellings may occur due to errors during translation or data entry.
6. Boozak, Boosak, Boosaq - These are possible variants influenced by the cultural and linguistic context in which the name is used.

Famous people with the last name Bouakaz

The Bouakaz surname is predominantly associated with individuals from West Africa, particularly the Ivory Coast and Senegal. One notable figure is Mamadou Bouakaz, a professional footballer who played as a winger for clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille in France. He represented the Ivory Coast national team and was known for his speed and skill on the pitch. Another prominent figure with this surname is Abdoulaye Bouakaz, a French artist and illustrator born in Senegal. His work spans various mediums, including graphic novels, animation, and children's literature. Notably, he illustrated the popular comic book series "Aya de Yopougon." These two individuals exemplify the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Bouakaz family lineage.

Genealogical research on the last name Bouakaz

The surname Bouakaz is of Moroccan origin, specifically from the Berber tribe, Ghomara. Its etymology can be traced back to the Arabic word "abu 'akz," meaning "father of the copper" or "the one who sells copper." This suggests that the early Bouakaz ancestors may have been involved in the trade of copper, a valuable resource during ancient times. The Ghomara tribe inhabits the coastal regions of northern Morocco and has a rich cultural history that dates back to pre-Islamic times. Over time, many members of this tribe emigrated from Morocco, settling in various parts of the world, particularly France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, and the United States. The Bouakaz family tree includes notable figures such as Ahmed Boukharbouch, a prominent Moroccan politician and former Minister of Health, and Yassine Bouzrou, a French-Moroccan professional basketball player who has played in various French and Italian leagues. Today, the Bouakaz surname continues to be widely distributed across the globe, with numerous branches and lineages that share a common ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

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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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