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Last Name El-Bakkali

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What is the origin of the last name El-Bakkali?

The surname El-Bakkali is of Arabic origin. In Arabic, "El" is a prefix used to denote tribal or noble ancestry, while "Bakkali" means "the one who sells grains". It's a common surname among people of Moroccan and Algerian descent. The name may have been passed down from generation to generation or bestowed upon an individual based on their occupation, as was the tradition in some Arab societies.

Learn more about the origin of the last name El-Bakkali

The meaning and origin of the last name El-Bakkali

The surname El-Bakkali is of Arabic origin, primarily found among families with North African roots, particularly those from Morocco and Algeria. The name can be translated to "the guardian" or "keeper of the henna" in English. Historically, in Arabic cultures, henna was not only a cosmetic but also held symbolic importance during religious celebrations and rites of passage. As a patronymic surname, El-Bakkali indicates that an individual comes from a family where the original bearer of the name served as a caretaker of the henna supplies or had some association with this significant cultural practice. Over time, this traditional role became hereditary, leading to the emergence of the El-Bakkali surname among certain Arabic communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name El-Bakkali

The surname El-Bakkali has its origins primarily in Morocco, North Africa, and is predominantly found among Arabic-speaking communities. It is a relatively common name within the Berber and Arab populations of Morocco, particularly in urban areas such as Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fez, and Meknes. However, there are also significant diaspora communities of people bearing this last name across Europe, North America, and other parts of the world, particularly France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, and the United States, which are largely a result of emigration from Morocco in the late 20th century. While the name is not as widespread outside of these regions, it continues to be found among Moroccan immigrant communities in various countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name El-Bakkali

The surname El-Bakkali has several variations and spellings, reflecting its Moroccan origin. Some common variations include El Bakkali, Elbakkali, Al-Bakkali, El Bakkal, Elbakkal, El Baqqali, Elbaqali, and El Bekkali. The name derives from the Arabic language, where "El" is a prefix meaning "the" or "God's," and "Bakkali" is a more specific name, possibly referring to someone who was wise or intelligent. It is essential to note that the correct spelling of any particular individual's name should be based on their personal preference or the way it has been traditionally written in their family.

Famous people with the last name El-Bakkali

Notable individuals with the last name El-Bakkali include:

1. Amine El-Khadraoui (Belgium): A professional footballer who plays as a winger for Belgian Pro League club KV Mechelen and the Morocco national team.

2. Chakib El-Hijji (Canada): A former football player, coach, and sportscaster. He is best known for his role in coaching the Canadian men's national soccer team from 1988 to 1996.

3. Hassan El-Hajjami (Sweden): A Swedish politician who served as a member of the Riksdag, Sweden's parliament, between 2002 and 2014.

4. Hicham El Guerrouj (Morocco): A retired Moroccan middle-distance runner and Olympian. He is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the current world record holder in the 1500 meters and two-mile events.

5. Khalid El-Aga (Canada): A professor of computer science at Concordia University, Montreal. He has made significant contributions to the field of database systems.

6. Leila el-Houri (Egypt): An Egyptian-American artist known for her work in painting, sculpture, and installation art. She is based in New York City.

These individuals have achieved success in various fields, including sports, politics, academia, and the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name El-Bakkali

The surname El-Bakkali is of Moroccan origin, stemming from the Arabic term "El Bakkal", which means "the butcher". This lineage is predominantly found within the Berber and Arab tribes of Morocco. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name dates back to the 16th century in the city of Fez, where a notable member, Al-Hajj El-Bakkali, was a prominent religious scholar and leader. The family tree then branches out across various regions of Morocco, with many members making significant contributions to their communities as scholars, artists, and traders. Notable modern day El-Bakkalis include Hicham El Bokkili, a professional footballer, and Abdelfattah El-Bakkali, a mathematician and academic. The lineage continues to thrive globally with a significant diaspora in Europe and North America.

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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