NomOrigine Background

Last Name Djilali

What is the origin of the last name Djilali?

The surname "Djilali" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic name "Jalal," which means "majesty," "nobility," or "glory." This surname is commonly found in North African countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, where the Arabic language and culture have had a significant impact on the region's history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Djilali

The meaning and origin of the last name Djilali

The surname Djilali is of Arabic origin, derived from the given name "Jalal," which means noble, grand, or majestic. It is commonly found among Arabic-speaking populations and has been distributed across North Africa, particularly in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, due to historical Islamic influences. The name gained traction as a surname in the 18th and 19th centuries during the Ottoman Empire's rule, when many people began adopting surnames to distinguish themselves from others in their communities. The Djilali surname represents a proud lineage with roots in the rich Arabic cultural heritage of North Africa.

Geographical distribution of the last name Djilali

The surname Djilali predominantly originates from North Africa, specifically Algeria and Tunisia, where it is commonly found among Arabic-speaking communities. Its distribution is significantly concentrated in these two countries, with the majority of bearers residing in urban areas such as Algiers, Constantine, Oran, and Tunis. In recent times, individuals with this surname have migrated to other parts of the world, most notably France, Belgium, and Canada, where they form significant Djilali communities. The name may also be found sporadically in other countries due to Algerian and Tunisian diaspora populations. In these regions, the Djilali name is a symbol of pride and cultural heritage for many families.

Variants and spellings of the last name Djilali

The surname Djilali can have several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, transliteration, and personal preference. Some common variations include: Djillali, Dzillali, Dzellali, Jillali, Gilali, Gillaoui, Gillou, Jilliau, Jillia, Gilaly, DJilali, DJillali, and DZillali. These variations can be found among individuals of Algerian, Tunisian, Moroccan, or other Arabic-speaking descent. The correct spelling may depend on the specific dialect of Arabic spoken in the region where the surname originated.

Famous people with the last name Djilali

Notable individuals bearing the surname Djilali include:

* Lounis Djilali (born 1946), Algerian professional footballer who played as a defender, known for his time at Stade Rennais and AS Saint-Étienne in France.
* Nadia Djilali (born 1970), French-Algerian actress who has appeared in films such as "Le Harem" and "La Blessure".
* Yacine Djilali (born 1985), Algerian-French football coach and former player, who played as a midfielder for clubs like Nîmes Olympique and Stade Rennais.
* Mourad Djilali (born 1987), French-Algerian professional basketball player who plays for the French team Levallois Basketball.
* Rachid Djillali (born 1950), Algerian political leader and economist, who served as the Prime Minister of Algeria from 2006 to 2008.

Genealogical research on the last name Djilali

The last name Djilali originates from North Africa, specifically Tunisia and Algeria, where it is most commonly found among Arabic-speaking populations. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Jilali," which translates to "noble" or "magnificent" in Arabic. The name Jilali itself is believed to have its roots in the pre-Islamic Berber culture, where it was associated with tribal leaders and chieftains. Over time, as Arabic influence grew, the name became more widely used among the Arab population of North Africa. Djilali and its variations can also be found in other parts of the world due to migration, particularly to France and the United States. Notable figures with this surname include the Algerian politician Mohamed Djilali and the Tunisian-born French actor Mehdi Nebbou.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Djiane (Last name)

surnames > djiane

The last name Djiane is of Sephardic Jewish origin. It is believed to be of North African descent, specifically originating from the Sephardic Jewish community in Morocco. The name...

Djiba (Last name)

surnames > djiba

The last name "Djiba" is of African origin, specifically from the Mandinka ethnic group in West Africa. The name is commonly found in countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, and...

Djie-bi-irie (Last name)

surnames > djie-bi-irie

The last name "djie bi irie" does not have a widely known origin in English or in other languages. It is possible that it may be a rare or unique surname with a specific family his...

Djiena-djomeni (Last name)

surnames > djiena-djomeni

The last name Djiena Djomeni appears to have African origins, possibly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or surrounding regions. Unfortunately, there is limited information...

Djigo (Last name)

surnames > djigo

The last name Djigo is of West African origin, specifically from the Wolof people of Senegal, The Gambia, and Mauritania.

Djigue (Last name)

surnames > djigue

I am unable to find any information on the origin or meaning of the last name "Djigue." It is possible that it is a rare or uncommon surname, or it may have origins in a specific r...

Djihanian (Last name)

surnames > djihanian

The surname "Djihanian" is of Armenian origin. It derives from the Armenian name "Djihan", which means "world" or "universe". The suffix "ian" is very common in Armenian surnames, ...

Djikine (Last name)

surnames > djikine

The last name Djikine does not appear to have a well-known origin or meaning. It is possibly of a Slavic or Central Asian origin, but without more specific information it is diffic...

Djilali berkane (Last name)

surnames > djilali-berkane

The last name Djilali Berkane is of Algerian origin. Djilali is a common Arabic first name, which means "sublime" or "noble." Berkane is a city in northeastern Morocco, and it is p...

Djilani-kobibi (Last name)

surnames > djilani-kobibi

The last name Djilani Kobibi originated from Algeria. Djilani is a common Arabic surname, derived from the given name "Ghulām Djilani", while Kobibi is likely a variation or combi...

Djilo (Last name)

surnames > djilo

The last name "Djilo" is of African origin, specifically from the Mandinka people in West Africa. It is a common surname in countries such as Senegal, Gambia, and Mali. The name ma...

Djimadoum (Last name)

surnames > djimadoum

The last name Djimadoum is of Chadian origin. It is a common surname in Chad, a country located in central Africa. The name likely has its roots in one of the indigenous languages ...

Djimera (Last name)

surnames > djimera

The origin and meaning of the last name "Djimera" is unclear. It does not appear to have a widely known or documented origin or meaning. It is possible that this name could be a va...

Djiofack kaze (Last name)

surnames > djiofack-kaze

The last name Djiofack Kaze is of African origin. It is likely of Cameroonian descent, as it is a common last name in the country.

Djitte (Last name)

surnames > djitte

The last name "Djitte" has its origin in Senegal. It is a common surname among the Mandinka ethnic group in the West African country. The name most likely has a meaning or signific...