Last Name Diab

The last name Diab (also spelled Diaa, Dia, Diabb, etc.) is primarily of Arabic and North African origin, derived from the Arabic word "dī'āb" which means "greedy for money." It is a common surname among Arabic-speaking communities in North Africa, particularly in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. The name may also be found among Arab diaspora populations in other parts of the world. The use of family names or surnames became more widespread in Islamic societies during the Ottoman Empire period (1300-1922).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Diab

The meaning and origin of the last name Diab

The surname Diab is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Middle Eastern region, where it is quite common. In Arabic, "Diab" translates to "sweet", which may have been given as a nickname for someone with a sweet disposition or who had a sweet tooth. Alternatively, in certain historical contexts, Diab could also be a variant of the name Dhi-Abu 'l-A'war, meaning "son of the father of the lion". Over time, many Arabic names have been adopted and adapted by different cultures due to migration, conquest, or trade. The spread of this surname can be seen in various countries with significant Arabic influence, such as North Africa, the Levant, and parts of Spain (Andalusia).

Geographical distribution of the last name Diab

The surname Diab is predominantly found in Arabic-speaking regions, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. It is most common among populations of Arab, Berber, and Jewish descent in countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, and Palestine. Additionally, significant numbers of people with the surname Diab can be found in France, due to immigration from these regions over centuries. The name also appears among Arab communities in other parts of the world, such as Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the Gulf States. In the United States, Canada, Australia, and some European countries, individuals with the surname Diab are often descendants of immigrants from these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Diab

The surname Diab, which is of Arabic origin, has various spellings and versions across different regions and languages. Some common variations include: Di'eb, Diabe, Diaa, Diah, Deeb, Dieb, and Jaber (which may originate from the same root). These variations can result from transliteration differences, regional dialects, or individual preferences. For example, in French-speaking areas, the name may be spelled as Diabé, while in English-speaking regions it is more commonly found as Diab. In Arabic, the name is typically written as دياب (Dīāb) or its extended form بن دياب (Bin Dīāb). It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a different family lineage, but rather differences in spelling and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Diab

Notable individuals with the last name Diab include Ahmed Hussen (Canadian politician), who served as Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship from 2017 to 2021. He is also a former Somali refugee. In the field of academia, there is Albert Diab, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, known for his research on sleep disorders and cognitive neuroscience. In the world of sports, Hicham El Guerrouj (whose last name is sometimes spelled as Diab), is a retired Moroccan long-distance runner, considered one of the greatest athletes in history due to his success in the 1500 meters and the mile events. Lastly, in the realm of technology, Rami Diab is the co-founder and CEO of Mesh Systems, a company specializing in Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.

Genealogical research on the last name Diab

The last name Diab originates from the Middle East, particularly North Africa and the Arab world. It is a patronymic surname derived from the Arabic male given name "Abd Allah," meaning servant or slave of God (Allah). Variations in spelling, such as Dia, Diabat, and Al-Diab, can be found due to transliteration and regional dialects.

The Diab family is most prominently associated with Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. The name has been traced back to the 13th century in Arabic records. In Lebanon, the village of Aaraydiyyeh is home to a significant number of Diab families who have lived there for centuries.

Diaspora communities of Diabs are found worldwide due to historical events such as the Ottoman rule and the Lebanese Civil War. Today, significant Diab populations reside in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and France, maintaining their cultural roots while contributing to their adopted societies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Diab"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 14 June 2025

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