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Last Name Mechaal

What is the origin of the last name Mechaal?

The surname Mechaal, which is of Arabic origin, is derived from the Arabic word "muchalli," meaning "a calligrapher" or "one who embellishes writing." It is a common Arabic name found primarily in North Africa and the Middle East. In some cases, it may also be spelled as Mechael, Mehchal, or other variations. However, it's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and variants, so further research might be needed for a more specific origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mechaal

The meaning and origin of the last name Mechaal

The surname Mechaal has Arabic origins. It is derived from the Arabic word "mehkal", which means "rider" or "knight". This name could have been given to someone who was renowned for his horse-riding skills, bravery, or military service in a feudal society. The name Mechaal may also be spelled as Mekhael, Makhlouf, Mahjal, and other variations, reflecting the regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions within Arabic-speaking communities. Today, the surname Mechaal is predominantly found among people of Arab descent, particularly those from countries such as Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mechaal

The surname Mechaal is predominantly found within Arabic-speaking regions, specifically North Africa and the Middle East. It is most commonly identified with Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia due to the high concentration of individuals bearing this name in these countries. However, there are also instances of the surname Mechaal in other parts of the Arab world such as Egypt, Libya, and Palestine. Beyond the Middle East, diaspora communities have carried the name Mechaal to various regions, notably France, Belgium, Canada, the United States, and Australia, where it continues to be present among immigrants from North Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mechaal

Mechaal is primarily a surname that originates from Arabic and has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Here are some common variants:

1. Mechael
2. Mehchall
3. Machaal
4. Mahchal
5. Mekhael
6. Makhool (a variant found among the Bedouin communities)
7. Makhal
8. Makhlul
9. Makhel
10. Makheel
11. Mekheil
12. Mehkal
13. Mehkhal
14. Mehcoul
15. Mehkool

These variations may also be found with slight differences in spelling due to personal preference or variation in regional dialects. It is essential to note that these names can sometimes be used as given names in different cultures and regions, leading to further diversity in their usage.

Famous people with the last name Mechaal

Mechaal El-Gamaly, a notable figure hailing from Egypt, is a television and radio host, as well as a political commentator. He gained fame for his work on MBC Masr's "Al Hayah Ala Kull Sabeel" (Life on Every Road) and "Masaa DMC" (DMC Evening). El-Gamaly has been recognized for his influential role in Egyptian politics, often offering insightful commentary on current affairs.

In the world of sports, Mechaal Jabr is a renowned tennis player from Kuwait. He represented Kuwait at the Davis Cup and was ranked as high as 351 in singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). His career spanned over two decades, earning him respect within the tennis community.

Lastly, Mechaal Khalaf Al-Sabt is a Jordanian journalist and television presenter. He is known for his work with Dubai TV and Al Arabiya, where he hosted several political talk shows. Al-Sabt's career has been marked by his in-depth coverage of regional politics and his ability to facilitate thoughtful discussions on pressing issues.

Genealogical research on the last name Mechaal

The surname Mechaal originates from North Africa, particularly Morocco and Algeria, where it is common among Arabic-speaking communities. Historically, it is believed to be a patronymic name derived from the given name Mahjoub or Mahmoud, which means "the praised" or "the praiseworthy" in Arabic. The name may have also originated as a nickname for someone who was fortunate or lucky.

Mechaal or its variations such as Mechael, Mekhal, and Makhlal can be found among various Islamic and Jewish communities in North Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of the world due to migration and trade over centuries. Notable individuals with this surname include Moroccan-born French actor Sami Bouajila, who was born Mechael Bouajila.

The Mechaal family tree is complex due to its historical origins in regions where records keeping was inconsistent, and the name has various spellings depending on regional dialects and transliteration into other languages. Genealogical research can be challenging but may be facilitated through online resources, archives, and local genealogy societies specializing in Middle Eastern and North African ancestry.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 30 July 2025

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