Last Name Jeddou

The surname Jeddou, also spelled as Jeddo, Jedo, or Jeddoo, is believed to have originated from the Maghreb region in North Africa, particularly Algeria and Tunisia. It is a patronymic name derived from the Arabic given name "Jiddu" or "Ghidu," which means "the young one" or "the joyous one." The name was likely brought to other countries by Arab immigrants, especially during the Moorish invasions of Europe in the Middle Ages. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname may have evolved due to various linguistic influences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jeddou

The meaning and origin of the last name Jeddou

The surname Jeddou is of Arabic origin, specifically from North Africa, particularly Tunisia and Algeria. It derives from the Arabic name Jadw or Jiddu, meaning "fortunate" or "lucky." This name was often given to children born during favorable circumstances, such as the end of a drought or the resolution of a conflict. Over time, this name evolved into various spellings, including Jedou, Jeddo, and Jeddow, reflecting the diverse phonetic interpretations and regional variations in Arabic dialects. The surname Jeddou eventually spread beyond North Africa due to migration and is now found among Arabic communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jeddou

The surname Jeddou is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Algeria and Tunisia, reflecting its Arabic origins. This patronymic name derives from the Arabic phrase "Jiddah," meaning "coast" or "seashore." In Algeria, Jeddou is most concentrated in the northwestern regions, such as Oran and Tlemcen, and in the eastern part of the country near Constantine. In Tunisia, the name is more prevalent in the central-eastern region around Sousse, and in the southwest around Gabes. Additionally, there are smaller communities with the Jeddou surname in other Arab countries and among the diaspora in France, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jeddou

The surname Jeddou has several variants and spellings due to transcription errors over time and regional dialects. Some common variations include Jeddoo, Jedoo, Jiddu, Jeudy, and Jedoe. These variations often stem from the original Arabic name "al-Jaddou" which translates to "the descendant of Jadd." It is a North African Arabic surname common among Tunisian and Algerian families. Other variations may arise from assimilation into different cultures, such as French or English, leading to additional spellings like Jeudy or Jedoe. These variations are not uncommon and can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in communities with a connection to North Africa.

Famous people with the last name Jeddou

Notable individuals with the last name Jeddou include:

1. Abdelkader Jeddou (1946-2018), an Algerian politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1973 to 1975 and again from 2002 to 2003.
2. Yasmine Jeddou (born 1988), a Tunisian actress who gained international recognition for her role in the film "A Screaming Man" which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 67th Venice International Film Festival.
3. Firas Jeddou (born 1994), a Lebanese footballer who plays as a forward for Al-Wahda FC in the United Arab Emirates and has represented the Lebanon national team.
4. Samia Jeddou (born 1986), a Moroccan actress and model, known for her roles in various television series and movies across North Africa and the Middle East.
5. Youssef Jeddou (born 1979), a French-Moroccan film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his feature films "Felicita" and "Razzia".

Genealogical research on the last name Jeddou

The surname Jeddou originates from North Africa and is predominantly found among Arabic-speaking communities in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. It is derived from the Arabic name 'Jaddud' which means "ancestor" or "grandfather." Historically, it was a patronymic surname, indicating that the original bearer was a descendant of an individual named Jaddud. The name has been spelled variously over time, including Jeddo, Jedou, and Jeddough. Due to migration patterns, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, people with the surname Jeddou can now be found in various parts of the world, particularly in France, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Genealogical research suggests that many Jeddous originated from the town of Tlemcen in Algeria.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jeddou"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends