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Last Name Elkadi

What is the origin of the last name Elkadi?

The surname Elkadi has roots in Arabic-speaking regions, specifically North Africa, such as Algeria and Morocco. The name often appears among Arabic populations due to its meaning, which translates approximately to "leader" or "ruler" in Arabic. This is derived from the Arabic words "al-qādi," meaning judge or ruler. It's important to note that surnames with Arabic origins can have various spellings and forms depending on local dialects, migration patterns, and translation into other languages over time.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Elkadi

The meaning and origin of the last name Elkadi

The surname Elkadi is of Arabic origin and is derived from the Arabic word "al-Qadi," which means judge or jurist. It was traditionally used as a title for Islamic scholars, particularly those who were judges or legal experts. Over time, it evolved into a surname, primarily in North Africa and the Middle East. The Elkadi family is of Berber origin, one of the indigenous populations of North Africa, and their name likely indicates their ancestor's profession as a judge or scholar. The spelling variations such as Alkadi, El-Kadi, or Al-Qadi may occur due to translation errors, transcription mistakes, or regional differences in pronunciation over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Elkadi

The last name Elkadi is predominantly found among Arabic populations, particularly those originating from North Africa and the Middle East. Specifically, it is most common in Morocco and Lebanon, with significant numbers also present in other Arabic-speaking regions such as Algeria, Tunisia, Palestine, and Jordan. Additionally, there are smaller communities of Elkadis found in various Western countries due to migration, primarily in France, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The name is a variant of Al-Qadi, which translates to "the judge" in Arabic, reflecting its historical association with legal and judicial professions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Elkadi

The Elkadi surname has several variations and spellings, reflecting different regional pronunciations and transliteration methods. Here are some common versions:

1. El-Kadi - This is one of the most common variants, where the hyphenated "el" denotes an Arabic definite article similar to "al."
2. Elkady - A simplified spelling of the same name, often seen in English documents and databases.
3. Al-Kadhi - An alternate spelling that follows a different transliteration convention. In this variant, "al" is used instead of "el" to denote the Arabic definite article.
4. Elghady - This variation could stem from local dialects or personal preferences, with "gh" representing a hard "g."
5. Alkadi - Another spelling that uses "Al" as the Arabic definite article instead of "El," often seen in academic or formal contexts.
6. Elqadi - A less common variation, though it maintains the same structure as other Elkadi spellings.
7. Al-Qady - An alternate spelling that follows a different transliteration method and has a slightly different pronunciation.
8. Elkaidi - A variant with a slight modification in spelling. However, this form is less common and may be a typographical error or a misinterpretation of the original name.

Famous people with the last name Elkadi

Among the notable individuals with the last name Elkadi are:

1. Mohamed ElKhatib Elkadi (born 1948), a Sudanese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Sudan from 2004 to 2005, and later as a presidential advisor.

2. Ahmed Elkadi (born 1963), an Egyptian actor known for his roles in numerous films and TV series, such as "El-Moselhy" and "Al-Nasrani."

3. Rania El Kadi (born 1980), a Lebanese singer, songwriter, and actress who has gained popularity with her participation in Arab Idol.

4. Samia Elkadi Wolff (born 1976), an American academic, activist, and writer of Syrian-Palestinian descent. She is a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her research focuses on gender, violence, and peacebuilding in the Middle East.

5. Khaled Elkari (born 1990), a Palestinian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Al-Ahli Club and the Palestine national football team.

Genealogical research on the last name Elkadi

The Elkadi surname is primarily of Arabic origin, specifically from Morocco and Lebanon, although it may also be found among Sephardic Jewish families of North African descent. It derives from the Arabic name 'Al-Qadi,' which translates to 'the judge.' Over time, it has undergone various phonetic transformations as it was passed down generations and migrated to different regions.

In Morocco, Elkadi is relatively common in the cities of Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakech, while in Lebanon it can be found particularly among the Druze community. In the diaspora, significant Elkadi populations are present in France, Canada, the United States, Australia, and Israel. Notable individuals with this surname include Hassan Elkadi, a Moroccan politician, and Samer El-Kadi, a Syrian-Canadian mathematician. Genealogical research on this name often requires tracing immigration records, as well as exploring Arabic and Sephardic Jewish family history databases.

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 : 25 July 2025

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