Last Name Larbi

The surname Larbi is of Berber origin, specifically from North Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It is derived from a Berber personal name that was common among the Amazigh people, possibly meaning "strong" or "powerful." This name has been passed down through generations and adopted by individuals who are of Berber descent or have Berber roots.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Larbi

The meaning and origin of the last name Larbi

The surname Larbi is of Berber origin, primarily found among the Arabic-speaking populations of North Africa. It is a patronymic name, derived from the given name "Al-Arbi," which means "the fourth" in Arabic. Over time, it has been passed down through generations and evolved into the modern-day surname Larbi. The name is particularly common among the Maghrebi Berber tribes of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, reflecting its roots in the region. It is also sometimes spelled as "Alarbi," "Elarbi," or "L'Arbi." The use of surnames was not common among the Berbers until the introduction of French colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries. Prior to this, individuals were primarily identified by their given names or their tribal affiliations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Larbi

The surname Larbi is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in countries like Algeria and Tunisia, where it originates from the Berber tribe of the same name. It is also commonly found among people of Tunisian descent living in France, as a result of immigration waves. In Morocco, while less common than in its neighboring countries, Larbi can still be found in various regions, particularly in the urban centers like Casablanca and Rabat. Furthermore, due to diaspora and migration, individuals with the surname Larbi can also be found in various parts of Europe, North America, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Larbi

The surname Larbi has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some of the common variations include Larbey, Larbei, Larbiy, Larbey, Larbie, and Al-Arbi. These variations originate from the Berber and Arabic roots of the name, which is predominantly found among people of Maghrebi (North African) descent. In some cases, the spelling may also be influenced by the specific language or country in which the name is used. It's important to note that while these variations may exist, they all share a common origin and are pronounced similarly.

Famous people with the last name Larbi

Notable individuals with the surname Larbi include:

1. Larbi Ben Mhidi (1919-1962), an Algerian revolutionary, political figure, and one of the founders of the National Liberation Front (FLN).

2. Larbi Dalé (born 1984), a French professional footballer who plays as a forward for AC Ajaccio in Ligue 1.

3. Larbi Layouni (born 1967), a Tunisian-French journalist and author, known for his coverage of the Arab Spring. He won the Albert Londres Prize for foreign correspondent in 2011.

4. Larbi Zekkal (born 1982), an Algerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for US Oran in the Ligue 1.

5. Larbi Ben Bouchaïb (1930-1972), an Algerian politician and writer, known as one of the pioneers of Algerian cinema. He was a member of the National Liberation Front and served as Minister of Culture in the first Algerian government after independence.

Genealogical research on the last name Larbi

The last name Larbi is predominantly of Berber origin, belonging to the Sanhaja tribe in North Africa, specifically Morocco and Algeria. Historically, this surname has its roots in the medieval Islamic empire, where it was often associated with the learned class due to the Arabic meaning of "scholar" or "wise man". The Berber people have a rich history dating back thousands of years, with their earliest recorded references found in ancient Greek texts. Over time, the Larbi family expanded across North Africa, with significant migrations to France, Spain, and other European countries during the 20th century. Today, the Larbi name is common throughout the Maghreb region and its diaspora. The family tree is complex due to the nomadic nature of many Berber tribes, but a notable lineage includes the Sultan Mohammed el-Arabi, who ruled Morocco during the 17th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Larbi"
• 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 June 2025

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