Last Name Idri

The last name "Idri" is of Berber origin, a group indigenous to North Africa, primarily Morocco and Algeria. It is derived from Arabic words meaning 'water spring' or 'source', reflecting the geographical features often found in regions inhabited by the Berbers. In Morocco, the name Idri can be found among various Berber tribes, such as the Aït Idris and Aït Iddir, who are predominantly located in the Rif Mountains. The specific origin of a particular individual with the surname "Idri" may vary depending on their familial history and region of ancestry within North Africa.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Idri

The meaning and origin of the last name Idri

The surname Idri is of Arabic origin, stemming from the Middle Eastern region where it is commonly found among Arabic-speaking communities. The name Idri is believed to have been derived from the Arabic word 'Idrīs', which means "one who guides or leads". It is a patronymic surname, meaning it was initially used as a given name and then passed down through generations with the addition of 'ibn' (son of) or 'bin' (son of) in Arabic. The name has several variations across different languages and cultures due to historical migrations and assimilation, such as Idrees, Idris, or Eidris. It is most prevalent among populations in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia where it remains a common surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Idri

The surname Idri is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria, where it originates from Arabic-speaking regions. It's also present to a lesser extent in other parts of the Maghreb, such as Tunisia and Libya. Additionally, there are pockets of individuals with the surname Idri in France, Spain, and Belgium, reflecting historical migration patterns from North Africa to these countries. In recent years, some members of the Idri diaspora have also settled in other parts of the world, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. The distribution of this name therefore spans across various regions, with a concentration in the Arab World and its diaspora communities around the globe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Idri

The surname Idri has several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common spelling variations include: Idrissi, Idrisi, Idrissy, Idrasy, Idrees, Idreos, Ideris, Idrisz, Idriszo, Idrizzi, Idriz, Idrize, Idrizzia, and Idrissa. These differences in spelling may be due to regional dialects, phonetic variations, or transliteration from other scripts. For instance, the name Idrisi is found predominantly among Arabic speakers, while Idrissi could be more common in Berber-speaking communities. Similarly, Idrees might be prevalent in South Asian cultures that have adopted Persian naming traditions. It's essential to consider cultural and historical contexts when examining surnames like Idri.

Famous people with the last name Idri

Notable individuals with the surname Idri include:

1. Moulay Hassan Id Rida Alaoui Al-Idrissi (also known as Sultan Mohammed V) – The King of Morocco from 1961 to 1999, he was a key figure in the country's independence from France and Spain.

2. Idrissa Ouedraogo – A Burkinabé film director, considered one of Africa's leading contemporary filmmakers. His most famous work is the 1992 film "Yam Daabo."

3. Idri Muesee – A British-Somali actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "The Last Kingdom," "Vanity Fair," and "Inkheart."

4. Ahmed Idries – An Egyptian sports journalist and television presenter, known for his work on beIN Sports and Al Jazeera Sport. He has covered multiple Olympic Games and World Cups.

5. Idrissa Gueye – A Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the Senegal national team. He represented Senegal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Idri

The origin of the surname Idri can be traced back to North Africa, specifically Morocco and Algeria, where it is a common Berber patronymic derived from the Berber personal name Idris or 'Idaras'. This name has Islamic roots, being the Arabized form of the Berber name Ait El-Haddou, meaning "the family of Haddou," a popular Berber saint. The Idri clan is traditionally associated with the Aït Iddir tribe in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. Over time, as members of this tribe migrated or were displaced, the Idri surname spread across North Africa and beyond, reaching Spain, France, and other parts of Europe through migration waves from the 16th century onwards. In Europe, variations of the name include Adry, Idrier, Idrissi, and others, reflecting regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Idri"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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