Last Name Idris

The last name "Idris" is of Arabic origin and is derived from the given name Idris, which was the Arabic form of the name Enoch in Islamic tradition. Enoch was a figure mentioned in the Old Testament and the Quran as a prophet and ancestor of Noah. The last name Idris is commonly found among Arabic-speaking populations in the Middle East and North Africa.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Idris

The meaning and origin of the last name Idris

The surname Idris is of Arabic origin, derived from the given name Idris, which means "interpreter" or "studious" in Arabic. It is believed to have originated from the name of the prophet Idris, who is mentioned in Islamic and Judeo-Christian scriptures. The surname Idris is commonly found among Arabic-speaking populations, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. It is also present in other regions as a result of migration and diaspora. Individuals with the surname Idris are often associated with qualities such as intelligence, wisdom, and a strong sense of purpose, reflecting the meaning of the name itself. The surname has likely been passed down through generations, serving as a link to the ancestral roots and cultural heritage of those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Idris

The surname Idris is most commonly found in countries with significant Arabic and Islamic populations. It is a common last name in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Egypt. In Indonesia, the name Idris is often associated with the Minangkabau ethnic group in West Sumatra. In Malaysia, the name is predominantly found among the Malay population. In Nigeria, the name Idris is common among the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups in the northern region of the country. In Egypt, the surname Idris is often associated with individuals of Arab descent. Additionally, individuals with the last name Idris can also be found in countries with significant Muslim populations such as Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Idris

Idris is a surname that may have several variations and spellings, depending on the region or language. Some common variations include Idriss, Edris, Idrees, and Edrees. These variations are often seen in different parts of the world where the name is used. In addition, the surname may also be spelled as Eddris, Ederis, or Eidris in certain communities. The spelling of Idris may also be influenced by transliteration from languages with different alphabets such as Arabic or Amharic. Despite these variations in spelling, the surname Idris typically originates from Arabic and means "interpreter" or "guide." It is a popular surname in countries with significant Arab or Muslim populations, such as Egypt, Nigeria, and Indonesia.

Famous people with the last name Idris

One famous person with the last name Idris is Idris Elba, a British actor known for his roles in films such as "Beasts of No Nation," "Thor," and "Pacific Rim." Elba has won numerous awards for his acting, including a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition to his work in film, Elba is also a successful DJ and musician, having released several EPs and singles. Another well-known individual with the last name Idris is Idris Muhammad, an American jazz drummer who played on countless classic albums by artists like John Coltrane, Lou Donaldson, and Pharoah Sanders. Muhammad is highly respected in the jazz community for his innovative style and technical proficiency on the drums.

Genealogical research on the last name Idris

The surname Idris has its origins in Arabic and is derived from the given name Idris, which means "interpreter" or "teacher." It is believed to have been passed down through generations from ancestors who held prominent roles as scholars or religious leaders. The name is commonly found among families of Middle Eastern and North African descent, particularly in countries such as Egypt, Morocco, and Mali. The genealogical research of the surname Idris reveals a rich history of individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through education, spirituality, and leadership. Through the study of family records, lineage charts, and historical documents, researchers can trace the lineage of the Idris family and explore the diverse heritage of this ancient surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Idris"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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