Last Name Difallah

The surname "Difallah" is of Arabic origin. In Arabic, the name translates to "from the tall (or high) place". This name, like many Arabic names, often carries a meaning or refers to a geographical location or physical characteristic. The spelling and pronunciation may vary depending on regional dialects and translation conventions when transcribing from Arabic to Latin script.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Difallah

The meaning and origin of the last name Difallah

The surname Difallah is of Arabic origin, specifically from North Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria. It derives from the Arabic phrase "Daf Allah," which translates to "seal of God." This name was often given to individuals who were considered as having a special relationship with God, or whose birth was seen as a sign from God. Over time, this name has been romanized and spelled in various ways across different regions and cultures. Today, the Difallah surname can be found among Arabic-speaking communities, particularly those of North African descent, but also among diaspora populations around the world. The meaning of the name, "Daf Allah," serves as a reminder of its historical and cultural significance for many who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Difallah

The surname Difallah is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in the region of Niger and its neighboring countries. A significant concentration of this family name can be observed in Niger, where it is one of the more common last names among certain ethnic groups such as the Zarma (or Songhai) and Hausa. The Difallah name can also be found in smaller numbers in nearby countries like Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns within West Africa, as well as cultural and linguistic similarities among the ethnic groups that bear this name. Despite its concentration in West Africa, there are also Difallah families residing in other parts of the world, particularly in France, due to the French colonial influence in the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Difallah

The last name Difallah has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include: Difallah, Difalla, DeFalley, Defalle, De Falah, De Fallah, De Folla, and De Volla. These variations are mainly found among Arabic-speaking communities where the name originates. It is also worth noting that the name may be spelled differently depending on the specific dialect of Arabic used in different regions. For instance, in Maghrebi Arabic, which is spoken in North Africa, the name might be written as ديفلاح or دي فلاح, while in Levantine Arabic it could be spelled as ديفالة or دي فالة. These variations highlight the multicultural heritage and diverse linguistic background of those bearing this name.

Famous people with the last name Difallah

The Difallah family is notable for several significant figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Lakhdar Brahimi, a prominent Algerian diplomat who served as the United Nations Special Representative for Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also the UN's personal representative for Cyprus and the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Central African Republic and Chad. Another well-known figure is Yassine Dufallah, a professional footballer who played for clubs like AS Nancy and FC Metz in France. In the academic world, Abderrahmane Difallah, an Algerian mathematician, made significant contributions to the field of combinatorics. Notably, he proved the Difallah-Pouzet conjecture, which was a longstanding open problem in graph theory.

Genealogical research on the last name Difallah

The surname Difallah originates from North Africa, specifically Tunisia and Algeria. It is a variation of the Arabic name "Da'fallah," which translates to "the one who comes from the fallah (peasant) class." This social class in traditional Arab societies was primarily engaged in farming and agricultural work. The name has been traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was relatively common among peasants due to their significant role in agriculture. As people migrated from these regions, the spelling of the surname has evolved over time, with variations such as Dafallah, Daffallah, and Duffalah appearing. Today, individuals bearing this name can be found across the world, particularly in countries with a history of North African immigration, such as France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "difallah"
• 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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