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Last Name El-Maimouni

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

The surname "El-Maimouni" is of Arabic origin. It translates to "from Maimona," a place name that appears in Tunisia and Algeria. Historically, many North African people have used names that reference their geographical origins as a part of their identity. The "-i" or "-ii" ending on the surname indicates it belongs to someone from that particular location.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name El-Maimouni

The surname El-Maimouni is of Arabic origin, derived from the name "al-ma'mūnī" which means "the one who is secure or content". This name carries a connotation of peace, tranquility, and security, likely reflecting a time in history when its bearers experienced such conditions. The surname has its roots in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, regions that were heavily influenced by Arab civilization during the Middle Ages. As nomadic Arab tribes settled these regions, they began to adopt local customs and languages, including the practice of taking surnames. Over time, some of these families carrying the name al-ma'mūnī migrated to other parts of the world, bringing their unique cultural heritage and surname with them, making El-Maimouni a globally dispersed name today.

Geographical distribution of the last name El-Maimouni

The last name El-Maimouni is primarily distributed across North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Algeria, with notable concentrations in the cities of Tunis, Sfax, and Algiers. It is also found among the Arab diaspora communities in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and other Western European countries, reflecting historical migration patterns. Additionally, there are smaller populations bearing this surname in Morocco and Libya. The name's distribution reflects the historic ties between these regions and their shared cultural heritage, as well as modern-day global migration trends.

Variants and spellings of the last name El-Maimouni

The surname El-Maimouni exhibits various spelling and pronunciation variations due to transliteration differences and regional dialects. Commonly, it is written as El Maimouni, El Maïmouni, or El-Maïmouni, depending on the transliteration conventions used. In some cases, it may be further simplified to El Maimon or El Maimun, reflecting informal usage or anglicization attempts. It originates from North African Arabic and means "the owner of Maimuna," a female name associated with prosperity and abundance in Islamic culture. The name is predominantly found among families residing in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and France, where it has been transmitted through generations.

Famous people with the last name El-Maimouni

Notable individuals bearing the surname El-Maimouni include:

1. Souleymane El-Maimouni: A professional footballer who played as a midfielder for the Swiss Super League club Grasshopper Club Zürich and the Senegal national team. Born in Switzerland, he represents both his birth country and Senegal at international level due to family ties.

2. Amara El-Maimouni: A French footballer who plays as a midfielder for Stade de Reims in Ligue 1. He has represented France at various youth levels, including the under-20 national team.

3. Karim El Maimouni: A Canadian-Tunisian actor and comedian, best known for his role as Hassan Shakil on CBC's Little Mosque on the Prairie and for starring in the film Barney's Version. He was also a cast member of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart from 2015 to 2016.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and achievements of people bearing the last name El-Maimouni.

Genealogical research on the last name El-Maimouni

The El-Maimouni surname is of Moroccan origin, specifically from the Berber and Arab tribes that inhabited Morocco for centuries. The name is thought to be derived from the Arabic "Al-Ma'mūnī," meaning "The Fortunate One."

Early records show that the El-Maimouni family lived primarily in the Fez region of Morocco, with some branches settling in Marrakesh and other major cities. They were known for their involvement in trade, particularly in textiles and spices during the medieval period. The family's prominence grew throughout the centuries, with members serving as scholars, artisans, and political figures in various roles within Moroccan society.

In the 20th century, some El-Maimouni descendants migrated to other parts of North Africa and Europe, particularly France and Belgium, where they continue to thrive in various professions today. The El-Maimouni name remains relatively uncommon outside of Morocco but is cherished by its bearers as a symbol of their rich cultural heritage.

Last name distribution maps

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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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