Last Name Fakhoury

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fakhoury

The meaning and origin of the last name Fakhoury

The surname Fakhoury is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Levant region which includes modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The name derives from the Arabic word "fakhur" meaning proud or dignified. It is a common surname among individuals who trace their roots to these areas. Over time, the spelling may have been anglicized to various forms such as Fakheri, Fahoury, and Fokhoury due to cultural assimilation and migration. The name signifies a strong sense of pride or dignity, reflecting the characteristics attributed to its bearers by their ancestors.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fakhoury

The surname Fakhoury is primarily concentrated in the Middle East, particularly within Lebanon and Syria, due to its Arabic origins. It is also found among the Lebanese diaspora in various parts of the world, such as North America, Australia, and Europe, where many Lebanese immigrants settled during the 20th century. In North America, significant populations of individuals bearing the Fakhoury name can be found in countries like Canada and the United States, particularly in cities with large Arabic communities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Detroit. In Europe, London, Paris, and Berlin are among the cities where the last name Fakhoury is present.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fakhoury

The surname Fakhoury can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Fekri, Feikhi, Fakhry, and Phukery. These variations are derived from the Arabic name فخري (Fakhrī), which means noble or proud. Another spelling, often found among Lebanese diaspora communities, is Fahoury or Fahouri, stemming from a phonetic adaptation of the original Arabic name to French pronunciation and then English transliteration. It's important to note that while these variations share similar roots, they may still be pronounced differently depending on the regional dialect and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Fakhoury

Notable individuals with the last name Fakhoury include:

1. Nizar J. Fakhoury - A renowned Syrian-American materials scientist who was awarded the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Research Prize for his contributions to the field of advanced materials.

2. Elias Fakhoury - A Lebanese businessman and founder of the company MENA Art Dynamics, which focuses on promoting Middle Eastern art globally.

3. Nadim Fakhouri - A Syrian-American computer scientist known for his work in the areas of artificial intelligence and computer graphics. He was a researcher at Apple Inc.

4. Rami Fakhoury - A Lebanese-born American attorney who is the founder of the Law Offices of Rami Fakhoury, one of the top technology law firms in the United States.

5. Georges Fakhry (also spelled Fakhoury) - A prominent Lebanese politician and economist who served as the Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as science, business, politics, and art, further illustrating the global reach and diversity of people sharing the last name Fakhoury.

Genealogical research on the last name Fakhoury

The surname Fakhoury, of Arabic origin, is predominantly found among populations of Lebanese and Syrian descent. It is derived from the Arabic word "fakhuri" which means "owner of horses." Historically, the name may have been given to someone who owned or was associated with horses, such as a breeder, trainer, or rider.

The Fakhoury family can be traced back to the 16th century in Lebanon and Syria. Notable figures bearing this surname include the Ottoman-era politician Yusuf Fakhr Eddine Al Khalil (1802-1858), who served as the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, and Najib Fakhoury (born 1936), a Syrian-Lebanese singer, composer, and actor.

The geographical distribution of the surname includes countries with significant populations of Lebanese and Syrian descent, such as Lebanon, Syria, France, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. As with many Arabic names, variations in spelling, such as Fakhery, Fakhuri, or Fakhourie, may be encountered due to transliteration and transcription errors over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Fakhoury"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 23 July 2025