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Last Name Maccabi

What is the origin of the last name Maccabi?

The surname Maccabi (or Makkabi) is of Hebrew origin and has its roots in Jewish history. It derives from the name of a historic military and sports organization known as Maccabim (or Maccabees), which emerged during the 2nd century BCE. The Maccabees were a family of five brothers who led the successful Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire, culminating in the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The name "Maccabee" means "hammer" or "club" in Hebrew and was given to the family by Judas Maccabeus (also known as Judah), the most famous brother among them. Over time, members of the Jewish community adopted this surname, often in honor of their ancestry or connection to the Maccabees' heroic exploits. The name has since been widely distributed among Jewish communities worldwide.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Maccabi

The meaning and origin of the last name Maccabi

The surname Maccabi is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Makkabee" (מקבי) or "Maccabee," which means "hammer" or "club-wielder." It is most famously associated with the Maccabean Revolt in ancient Israel, a Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The name became symbolically linked to the family of the Maccabees, led by Judas Maccabee and his brothers, who reclaimed the Holy Land and rededicated the Second Temple. Today, it is primarily a Jewish surname, often found among Sephardic Jews, but can also be found among Ashkenazi Jews in Israel and other countries with significant Jewish populations. The name has been adopted by various organizations, including Maccabi World Union, an international Jewish sports organization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maccabi

The surname Maccabi is predominantly associated with Jewish communities, particularly those of Sephardi and Mizrahi descent. It originates from the Hebrew language and means "Son of the Battle" or "Warrior." Historically, the name can be traced back to medieval Spain, where it was common among the Jewish population before the expulsion in 1492. Over time, the name dispersed with Jewish migration due to persecution, with significant populations settling in North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and eventually Eastern Europe. Today, high concentrations of Maccabi-named individuals can be found in Israel, where the name has a cultural significance due to the Macabees, a group of Jewish rebels who fought for religious freedom during the 2nd century BCE. Smaller communities carrying this surname can also be found in countries with large Jewish populations such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maccabi

The surname Maccabi, also spelled Makkabi or Maccabee, has multiple variations due to transliteration from Hebrew to other languages. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Maccabim" (מכבים), which means "hammers." Here are some of the common variations:

1. Maccabi: This is the most commonly used spelling in Israel and the international Jewish community.
2. Makkabi: This is another transliteration from Hebrew to English, used by some individuals with this surname.
3. Maccabee: This is an anglicized version of the name, derived from the English translation of "Maccabim" (hammers). It is often used in non-Hebrew speaking countries.
4. Makowsky (or Makowski): These are derivatives of Maccabi, originating from Eastern Europe where individuals with this surname may have assimilated into local cultures and adapted their names accordingly.
5. Macabeo: This is the Spanish version of Maccabee.
6. Mackowiak: This is a Polish derivative of Makowsky/Makowski.

Famous people with the last name Maccabi

The Maccabee family, derived from the Hebrew term "Makkabai" meaning Hammer, is famously known for producing several notable individuals across various fields. Perhaps the most renowned member is Haim Maccabee, an Israeli political leader who played a significant role during the early days of Israel's independence. As a member of the Mapai party, he served as Minister of Police, Justice, and Foreign Affairs in the first Israeli government. Another notable figure is Artur Mikaeli Maccabi, better known as Artur Rubinstein, a Polish-born Israeli pianist who gained international fame for his exceptional classical music performances. Lastly, David Maccabee, an American filmmaker, is recognized for co-creating the animated series "DuckTales" and contributing to other popular animated shows such as "Garfield" and "The Jetsons". While not all individuals with the surname Maccabee have achieved global fame, their diverse contributions reflect the family's rich legacy and influence across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Maccabi

The Maccabi surname is of Jewish origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Makkabee," meaning "hammer" or "club." This name is associated with the Hasmonean dynasty, a prominent Jewish royal family in ancient Israel, also known as the Maccabees. The most famous members of this family are Judas Maccabeus and his brothers, who led the Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BC, resulting in the rededication of the Second Temple and the celebration of Hanukkah. Over time, the surname "Maccabi" or its variations has spread among Jews worldwide as a sign of pride in their heritage. Notable individuals with this surname include Isaac Mossenson Maccabee, an early Zionist leader, and Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 12 June 2025

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