Last Name Maoui

The surname Maoui is of Arabic origin and is derived from the name Mahomet (Mohammed), which means "praised one" in Arabic. It is a common Arabic name and has been adopted by various peoples as a surname, including those of North African descent such as Algerians, Tunisians, and Moroccans. In some cases, the spelling may vary slightly due to different transliteration methods or local dialects, but Maoui is one of the most common variations. This name would have been brought to other parts of the world through migration and colonialism.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maoui

The meaning and origin of the last name Maoui

The surname Maoui is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "ma'wi" which means "carpenter" or "woodworker". This name is commonly found among North African communities, particularly those with Arabic and Berber ancestry. Over time, it has been adapted to various spellings due to factors such as transcription errors during immigration or assimilation into different cultures. The surname Maoui signifies a historical occupation in craftsmanship related to woodworking, reflecting the artisanal skills of its bearers. It is worth noting that the use of surnames in Arabic and Berber communities has a relatively recent history, as it was only in the 19th century that the Ottoman Empire introduced the practice of hereditary surnames among its subjects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maoui

The surname Maoui has its roots primarily in West Africa, specifically the nations of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, where it is one of the most common surnames. It also appears in France, particularly in regions with strong ties to the African diaspora such as Paris and its surrounding areas, due to immigration from former French colonies. Additionally, there are individuals with the last name Maoui in countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, which host significant populations of West African immigrants. The surname may also be found sporadically in other parts of the world where there is a presence of people with connections to Senegal or Guinea-Bissau.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maoui

The surname Maoui can have several variations and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic transliteration across languages. Some of these variations include Mahoi, Ma'oui, Maowi, Maouy, and M'Aoui. These alterations may occur depending on the region, language, or cultural context where the surname is used. Additionally, it's important to note that some people might prefer different romanizations of Arabic names, such as using ' instead of '' in M'Aoui, which reflects the original pronunciation more accurately. It's always best to ask for the correct spelling when encountering individuals with this surname to ensure proper respect and accuracy.

Famous people with the last name Maoui

Notable individuals with the surname Maoui include:

1. Rachid Maoui (born 1974), a Tunisian footballer who played as a midfielder and is known for his time at clubs such as AS Monaco, Montpellier HSC, and the Tunisia national team.

2. Sofiane Maoui (born 1983), an Algerian-French actor who has appeared in several French films including 'L'Enfant d'en face,' 'Un enfant de toi,' and 'Les Herbes folles.'

3. Khalid Maoui (born 1995), a Moroccan long-distance runner who won a gold medal at the 2018 African Championships in Asaba, Nigeria, in the men's marathon event.

4. Mohamed Maoui (born 1976), a Tunisian retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs like ES Tunis and the Tunisia national team. He participated in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

5. Nadia Maoui (born 1980), a French actress, singer, and songwriter who is best known for her roles in 'La Famille Sapajo' and 'Fais pas ci, fais pas ça.'

Genealogical research on the last name Maoui

The Maoui surname originates from French-speaking regions, specifically North Africa, where it is common among people of Berber or Arab descent who immigrated to France during the colonial era. Variants of the name include Mahoui and M'Aoui. In Morocco, the name is often spelled Meouach, indicating a Zawiya tribal affiliation in the Rif Mountains. The name is thought to be derived from the Arabic word "mawi," meaning "king" or "master." In genealogical records, the Maoui family is frequently associated with the occupation of weavers, suggesting an early concentration of the surname among artisans in North Africa and subsequently France. Notable bearers of the name include French-Algerian footballer Djamel Menad, who played for Olympique de Marseille, and Moroccan politician and journalist Abdelatif Maoui.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "maoui"
• 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 : 10 August 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends