Last Name Jilali

The surname Jilali is primarily of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic male given name "Jilal", meaning "eternal beauty" or "glory". This name has been adopted as a surname by individuals of Arabic descent, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. Over time, the name has spread to other regions due to migration, assimilation, and historical events.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jilali

The meaning and origin of the last name Jilali

The surname Jilali is primarily of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic name "Jalal," which means majesty, grandeur, or splendor. This name has been traditionally used among Arabic and Muslim communities. The surname Jilali can also be found among North African families, particularly those of Moroccan descent, due to the historical influence of Arabic culture in the region. Over time, as families emigrated from North Africa, the surname Jilali spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and the Americas. Today, it is a common name among individuals of Arabic or Muslim heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jilali

The surname Jilali is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Morocco and Algeria, due to its Arabic origins. It is derived from the Arabic word "jilal," meaning "nobility" or "glory." The name has been historically associated with the ruling dynasties in these regions such as the Alaouite Dynasty of Morocco and the Algerian Ahl al-Bayt. Over time, the migration of people from these countries has led to the spread of the surname Jilali in other parts of the world, including France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States, where significant populations of North African descent reside. The name is also found in Tunisia, but it is less common compared to its prevalence in Morocco and Algeria.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jilali

The surname Jilali has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include:

1. Jillali
2. Djellali
3. Ghellal
4. Gilali
5. Gelali
6. Jelali
7. Zillali
8. Gillaly
9. Chilali
10. Shilali
11. Xillali
12. Yillali
13. Zillalay
14. Jillalie
15. Gilaley
16. Ghelali
17. Jelaliy

These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or transliteration from other scripts into the Latin alphabet. The correct spelling can depend on factors such as the region of origin, family tradition, and personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Jilali

Notable individuals bearing the last name Jilali include:

1. Abdelatif Jilali (born 1942), a Moroccan poet and novelist known for his work "La saison du plomb" ("Season of Lead"), which won the Grand Prix du Roman de l'Académie Française in 1973.
2. Abdelhakim Jilali (born 1986), a Moroccan-Swedish long-distance runner who represented Sweden at the Olympic Games and has set several national records.
3. Ahmed Jilali (1945–2018), an Algerian footballer who played for the Algeria national team in the 1968 Summer Olympics and was a member of the Algerian squad that won independence from France in 1962.
4. Hassan Jilali (born 1973), a Moroccan-Belgian professional footballer who played for various Belgian clubs and represented Belgium at international level.
5. Latifa Jillani (born 1948), a renowned Malay calligrapher whose work has been exhibited internationally and is held in several prestigious collections.

Genealogical research on the last name Jilali

The Jilali surname is predominantly of Arabic origin, stemming from North Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria, where it is a patronymic derived from the male given name "Jalal" which means 'majesty' or 'glory'. This name spread to other parts of the world due to the migration of Arabs and Berbers. The Jilali clan in Morocco is known for its historical influence, with notable members such as Sheikh Mohammed ibn Abdallah al-Jilali (1789-1856), a prominent religious leader who played a significant role in the Rif War against Spanish colonialism. In Algeria, the Jilalis were a powerful tribal confederation in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the name is found worldwide among the Arab diaspora, particularly in France, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jilali"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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