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Last Name El-tokhy

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

The surname El-Tokhy has its origins in Egypt and is typically an Arabic name. The "el" or "al" prefix is a common element in many Arabic names and often signifies a connection to a particular tribe or lineage. "El-Tokhy" may be derived from the Arabic word "toqah" which means "scissors," suggesting that it could have been an occupational name for a blacksmith or a tailor who used scissors in their work. However, precise origins can vary based on specific family histories and further research might provide more detailed information.

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

The meaning and origin of the last name El-tokhy

The surname El-Tokhy, also spelled Al-Tokhy or El Tokhi, is an Egyptian name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "al-takhy," which translates to "the weaver" in English. This surname likely originated as a profession-based name for individuals who were weavers or worked with fabrics in some capacity. As with many Arabic names, it often has a religious connotation, as the Prophet Muhammad's companion, Al-Tokhy bin Amr al-Khudri, is well-known in Islamic history. The surname El-Tokhy can be found among Egyptians and Arabic communities worldwide due to migration and diaspora over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name El-tokhy

The surname El-Tokhy has its origins in Egypt and is predominantly found among the Egyptian Arab population. It is derived from the Arabic name "Abu al-Takhi" meaning "father of the eagle." In terms of geographical distribution, a significant number of people with this last name reside primarily in Egypt, particularly in urban centers such as Cairo, Alexandria, and Giza. Additionally, there is a noticeable diaspora community of El-Tokhys in various parts of the world due to migration, with notable populations in North America (United States and Canada), Europe (France, Germany, and United Kingdom), and Australia. These communities often maintain cultural and social ties with their Egyptian roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name El-tokhy

The surname El-Tokhy can be found with various spellings and variants, primarily due to differences in transcription and transliteration from Arabic. Some common variations include Al-Tokhy, El Tokhi, Al Tokhi, El-Tokhy, and El Tokhi. These variations result from differences in the use of hyphens, capitalization, or alternative spellings of the Arabic letter "ال" (alif) and "ط" (ta' marbuta). It is important to note that the surname is of Egyptian origin and is derived from the Arabic name 'Abd Al-Tokhy, meaning "servant of the wise."

Famous people with the last name El-tokhy

El-Tokhy is a surname of Egyptian origin that has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Ahmed El-Tokhy, an Egyptian diplomat who served as Egypt's Ambassador to France from 2007 to 2014. In academia, Hany El-Tokhy is a recognized name. He is a professor of Engineering at the American University in Cairo and has made significant contributions to the field of control systems. In literature, Amal El-Mohtar, born Amal El-Tokhy, is a prominent Jordanian-Egyptian Canadian writer who won the Hugo Award for Best Novelette in 2018 and has been a finalist for several other prestigious awards. Lastly, Hesham El-Tokhy, an Egyptian-Canadian geologist, is known for his work on the geology of the Sahara Desert. These individuals are testaments to the intellectual and diplomatic prowess associated with the El-Tokhy surname.

Genealogical research on the last name El-tokhy

The last name El-Tokhy is primarily found within Egyptian communities, with origins tracing back to the Ottoman Empire. This surname derives from the Arabic word "al-Tukhi," which translates to "the painter" or "the artist." Historically, the El-Tokhys were often artisans or craftsmen in various fields, such as pottery, metalwork, and painting. The name has been recorded since the 17th century in Egypt and has remained a common surname among the Egyptian-Arab population. Notable figures with this last name include Ahmed El Tokhy, an Egyptian engineer and inventor, and Amr el-Tokhy, an Egyptian author and journalist.

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 : 30 July 2025

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