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Last Name Embarki

What is the origin of the last name Embarki?

The surname Embarki is of Berber origin, specifically from the Ait Attab tribe, which is one of the major tribes in Morocco. The name is derived from the Berber language and is believed to have been a descriptive or geographical name, possibly meaning "from the high mountain" or "the eagle". However, it's important to note that surnames were not commonly used among most Berber communities until the French colonial period in North Africa. The widespread use of last names became more prominent after Morocco gained independence from France in 1956.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Embarki

The meaning and origin of the last name Embarki

The surname Embarki is of Berber origin, predominantly found among Moroccan families. It is derived from the Berber language and translates to "the one who comes from the mountain" or "mountaineer." This name often indicates a historical association with rural areas or highlands in Morocco. The exact region of its original use is not definitively known, as many Berber surnames have been passed down through oral tradition rather than written records. Over time, the Embarki family has made significant contributions to various fields in Morocco and other parts of the world where they've settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Embarki

The last name Embarki is predominantly found among Berber communities in North Africa, particularly in Morocco. It originates from the Amazigh (Berber) tribe known as Ait Embarka, located in the High Atlas Mountains, specifically in the regions of Tiznit and Taliouine. The name "Embarki" is derived from the Amazigh word "am-bar-ka," meaning "the one who belongs to the rock." Over time, the name has spread beyond the Ait Embarka tribe due to migration and assimilation, with significant populations of people bearing the last name Embarki also found in other parts of Morocco and among Moroccan diaspora communities in France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Embarki

The surname Embarki has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in pronunciation, translation, and regional influences. Here are some common ones:

1. Embarcik - This is a spelling variation that includes the extra 'k' at the end.
2. Embraki - This version omits the second 'b' and replaces it with an 'm'.
3. Embarqi - A slight modification of the original, substituting the 'b' in the middle with a 'q'.
4. Embarky - A shortened form, eliminating the final 'i'.
5. Embarchi - This is an Italianized version of the name.
6. Imbarki - This spelling variation originates from Tunisia and is phonetically similar to Embarki but uses different Arabic characters.
7. Al-Embarki - This version includes the Arabic definite article "al-" at the beginning, common in many Arabic names.
8. El Embarqui - A Moroccan spelling that places a hyphen between the first and last parts of the name.
9. Imbarque - French variant with a slight change in pronunciation and spelling.
10. Embracky - A possible misspelling or alternate form of Embarki, altering the final 'i' to 'y'.

It is essential to note that variations in surnames often arise due to differences in language, transcription errors, and cultural influences throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Embarki

Among the notable individuals with the surname Embarki are:

1. Amoraim Embarki, a French-Algerian football player who currently plays as a defender for FC Metz in the Ligue 2.

2. Idir Embarki, a Moroccan-born French professional boxer. He is a former WBA Intercontinental super bantamweight champion and has competed for France at international level.

3. Hicham Embarki, a Moroccan actor who is known for his roles in various Moroccan films and television series.

4. Youssef Embarki, a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has represented both the Morocco and Belgium national teams.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of sports and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Embarki

The Embarki surname originates from North Africa, specifically Tunisia and Algeria. It is a patronymic name derived from the Arabic personal name 'Ibn al-Barqi,' which translates to 'son of the barber.' The Barber's guild was a significant profession in medieval Islamic societies.

The Embarki family has a rich history, with many notable members contributing to various fields over centuries. In Tunisia, the Embarki family played crucial roles in politics and trade during the Ottoman era. Notable figures include Ahmed Pasha Embarqi, who served as the Grand Vizier of Tunisia from 1735 to 1740, and his brother Ali Pasha Embarqi, a renowned military leader.

In Algeria, the Embarki family was influential in the city of Constantine during the 19th century. They were involved in commerce, politics, and education, with figures such as Mohamed Embarek, who served as the Mayor of Constantine from 1860 to 1870.

Today, the Embarki family has a significant presence globally, with many descendants living in various parts of the world, particularly in France, Canada, and the United States.

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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