Last Name Idrissa

The last name "Idrissa" is of West African origin, particularly from the Wolof ethnic group in Senegal. It is a common given name in several West African countries, including Senegal, Mali, and Niger. "Idrissa" is derived from the Arabic name "Idris," which is believed to be the Arabic form of the Hebrew name "Enoch." Enoch is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, making the name "Idrissa" historically significant in Muslim-majority countries in Africa.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Idrissa

The meaning and origin of the last name Idrissa

Idrissa is a surname of West African origin, specifically from the Fulani ethnic group. The name is derived from the Arabic name "Idris," which means "interpreter" or "studious" in Arabic. It is believed to be a variation of the name Idris, who was a prophet and messenger in Islamic tradition. The surname Idressa is commonly found in countries such as Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Niger, where the Fulani people have a significant presence. The surname may have been adopted by individuals as a way to honor their Islamic heritage or as a mark of cultural identity. Despite its origins in Arabic, the surname Idressa has become a distinct and common surname among the Fulani people and their descendants in West Africa.

Geographical distribution of the last name Idrissa

The last name Idrissa is most commonly found in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. It is a common surname among the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups in those regions. Additionally, Idrissa can also be found in other countries in the region such as Chad and Burkina Faso. Due to the historical connections and ethnic migrations within the region, the surname Idrissa may also be found in other parts of Africa, such as Senegal and Mali. Outside of Africa, the surname Idrissa is less common but may be found in countries with significant African immigrant populations, such as France or the United States. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Idrissa is primarily concentrated in West Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Idrissa

The last name Idrissa may have several variations and spellings, depending on the region and culture. Some possible variations include Idrissah, Idrise, Idrees, Idrissi, and Idris. These variations often result from different transliterations of the name from Arabic or other languages into English or other alphabets. Additionally, the surname may also be spelled with different diacritical marks or accents, such as Idríssa or Ídrissà, depending on the preferred accentuation. The name Idrissa originates from Arabic and is often associated with the Islamic world, particularly regions where Arabic is spoken. Despite the different spellings and variations, the name Idrissa typically carries similar meanings and connotations related to Islamic and Arab cultures, representing names of prominence, such as "highly esteemed" or "one who is well versed."

Famous people with the last name Idrissa

One famous person with the last name Idrissa is Idrissa Akuna Elba, known professionally as Idris Elba. He is a British actor, producer, musician, and DJ who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Elba is best known for his role as DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, as well as his portrayal of drug lord Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire. He has also starred in blockbuster films such as Thor, Pacific Rim, and Beasts of No Nation. In addition to his successful acting career, Elba is also a talented musician, having released several EPs and singles as a DJ under the name "Big Driis". Overall, Idris Elba is a multifaceted talent who has garnered critical acclaim and a large fan base for his work in the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Idrissa

The last name Idrissa is believed to have originated from West Africa, particularly from countries such as Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. The name possibly has its roots in the Fulani language, with "Idrissa" possibly being a variation of the Arabic name "Idris", which means "interpreter" or "studious". The Idrissa family may have descended from a prominent figure or a respected individual within the community, explaining the adoption of the name as a surname. Over time, the Idrissa family may have migrated to other parts of Africa or even to other continents, spreading their name and legacy. Genealogical research on the last name Idrissa may reveal connections to various tribes, clans, or lineages within the region, shedding light on the ancestral origins and history of individuals bearing this surname.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "idrissa"
• 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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