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Last Name El-Jilali

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

The surname "El-Jilali" is of Moroccan origin. It derives from the Arabic language and can be translated as "The Ornate," referring to someone who has an exquisite or beautiful appearance. This name, like many in North Africa, combines a personal name with the Arabic suffix "-i" or "-y" which indicates lineage or descent.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name El-Jilali

The surname El-Jilali is of Moroccan Arabic origin. It translates to "The Marvelous" or "The Wonderful" in English. The name is derived from the Arabic word "al-jilāli," which means "the jewelry" or "the gems." This surname might have been given to someone who was adorned with precious jewels, or to a craftsman known for creating beautiful jewelry. The El-Jilali family name is primarily found in Morocco and North Africa, but due to migration, it can also be found in various parts of the world. It serves as a testament to the rich cultural history and tradition of the region.

Geographical distribution of the last name El-Jilali

The last name El-Jilali is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly Morocco, where it originates from Arabic-speaking regions. It is also present in significant numbers among the Moroccan diaspora residing in France, Spain, Belgium, and other European countries due to historical migrations. Additionally, some families carrying the El-Jilali surname can be found in the United States, Canada, and various other parts of the world where Moroccans have immigrated or established communities. This name is a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco, showcasing its Arab, Berber, and Saharan influences.

Variants and spellings of the last name El-Jilali

The surname El-Jilali can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variants include Aljilali, Aljelali, Algilaly, Aljilaly, and Aljilaliy. Other possible variations could be El Jelali, El Ghelali, or even Gilali, depending on the specific dialect and orthography used. It's important to note that these spellings may not necessarily reflect a specific individual's preferred spelling but rather the way the name has been transcribed or transliterated into the Latin alphabet. In Arabic, the name االجلالي (Al-Jilālī) is most commonly written.

Famous people with the last name El-Jilali

Notable individuals with the last name El-Jilali include:

1. Reda El-Jilaly (born 1967), a British television presenter and former professional boxer, who was a finalist on The Apprentice UK in 2008.

2. Rachid El-Jilali (1942–2023), a Moroccan political leader and sociologist, who served as the Prime Minister of Morocco from 1995 to 1997.

3. Fahd El-Jilaly (born 1968), a British television personality and convicted sex offender, known for appearing on Big Brother UK in 2004.

4. Hicham El Guerrouj (El-Jilali is an alternate spelling), a Moroccan long-distance runner who won two gold medals at the 2004 Olympics and holds several world records.

Genealogical research on the last name El-Jilali

The El-Jilali surname originates from Morocco and is primarily found among the Berber tribes, particularly the Aït Ourir, Aït Attab, and Beni Mguild. The name translates to "the owner of the date palm grove" in Arabic, reflecting its agricultural origins. Historically, these tribes lived in the High Atlas Mountains and were known for their skilled craftsmanship, particularly in ceramics and metalwork. The El-Jilali family is believed to have migrated from the Atlas region to other parts of Morocco and North Africa over time, with significant populations found in cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez today. Notable figures bearing the El-Jilali name include Moroccan artist Mohammed El Jilali and the late Moroccan politician Abderrahmane El-Jilali.

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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 : 13 June 2025

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