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Last Name Essaadi

What is the origin of the last name Essaadi?

The surname Essaadi is of Moroccan origin and is associated with the Arabic tribe of Aït Essaid or Banu Sa'id, a powerful Berber confederation from the High Atlas region. The name translates to "the sons of Sa'id" in Arabic. This tribe played an important role in Moroccan history, particularly during the Alawite dynasty, where several rulers were descendants of this tribal confederation. The surname Essaadi may have been adopted by individuals from these tribes or their descendants as a way to mark their lineage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Essaadi

The meaning and origin of the last name Essaadi

The surname Essaadi is of Arabic origin, specifically from Morocco. It derives from the Arabic phrase "Ash-Sha'id" or "Al-Sha'idi," which means "the descendant of Sha'i." Sha'i was a prominent tribal leader in the Rif Mountains of Morocco during the Middle Ages, and his descendants came to be known by this surname. The Essaadi dynasty, which ruled the sultanate of Morocco from 1859 to 1960, also claimed descent from Sha'i, further popularizing the name in North Africa. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied slightly due to linguistic and regional differences, but Essaadi remains a common surname among Moroccan Arabs today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Essaadi

The Essaadi surname is primarily found in North Africa, predominantly within Morocco. It originates from the Berber tribe of Ait Essaâdi, located in the Rif Mountains region in the north-east of Morocco. Historically, the Ait Essaâdi tribe has played a significant role in the political and social structures of the region. The name Essaadi is also found in Algeria, with some possible migrations from neighboring Morocco over time. In diaspora communities, particularly those originating from North Africa, the Essaadi surname can be found across various countries such as France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, reflecting migration patterns throughout the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Essaadi

The surname Essaadi has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and the linguistic differences across regions. Some common variations include: Essaddi, Essadie, Essady, Essadiou, and Al-Essaadi. These variations may arise due to phonetic changes during translation or transcription into different languages, as well as regional dialects. It is also not uncommon for people with the same name to spell it differently, especially when immigrating to countries where their surname is romanized in various ways. The name Essaadi likely originates from the Arabic language and means "descendants of Es Saadi," a historical Moroccan dynasty that ruled Marrakesh from 1554 to 1659, known for its patronage of the arts and architecture.

Famous people with the last name Essaadi

Notable individuals bearing the last name Essaadi include:

1. Ahmed Essaadi (1926-2003), a Moroccan writer and poet who wrote extensively on the history, culture, and literature of his native country. His works include "The Splendid City" and "The Wind of the Desert."

2. Driss Essaadi (born 1967), a prominent Moroccan footballer who played as a defender for both national and club teams. He represented Morocco in two FIFA World Cups and won multiple domestic titles with Raja Casablanca.

3. Said Essaadi (1932-2016), a Moroccan diplomat who served as the ambassador to several countries, including France, Belgium, Egypt, and Qatar. He was also Morocco's permanent representative to UNESCO.

4. Mohammed El Essaadi (born 1985), a Moroccan footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for KAC Kenitra and the Moroccan national team. He has participated in several African Cup of Nations tournaments.

Genealogical research on the last name Essaadi

The Essaadi dynasty is a Moroccan royal lineage that originated from the city of Taroudant in the Souss region. The founder of the dynasty, Moulay Ali El-Arsaadi, was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his grandson Hasan bin Ali. He established himself as ruler of Taroudant in the late 16th century. Over time, the Essaadi expanded their control over southern Morocco and in the early 20th century, one of its members, Moulay El-Hassan, ascended to the throne of Morocco as Sultan Mohammed V. The Essaadi dynasty continues to play a significant role in Moroccan politics and history. In terms of genealogy, the Essaadi are part of the wider Sanhaja Berber confederation and claim descent from the Maghrawa tribe.

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 : 28 July 2025

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