What is the origin of the last name Mekki-berrada?
Mekki-Berrada is a North African surname, specifically Tunisian, that likely originates from the regions around Béja and Sousse in modern-day Tunisia. The name may be derived from two separate Arabic roots: "Mekki" which means "fortunate" or "lucky," and "Berrada" which can mean either "high tower" or "castle on a hill." As with many surnames, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of Mekki-Berrada, but it is likely that the name evolved over time as families moved and settled in different regions.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Mekki-berrada
The meaning and origin of the last name Mekki-berrada
The surname Mekki-Berrada is of Moroccan origin, specifically from the Rif region in the north of the country. It's composed of two distinct parts: "Mekki" and "Berrada."
The name Mekki is derived from the Arabic word "al-makki," meaning "the Meccan" or "from Mecca," as it was traditionally given to individuals who were believed to have ancestral ties to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Berrada is an topographic name, referring to someone who lived near a fortified place or a tower. This element of the name is derived from the Arabic word "birad," meaning a cistern or a reservoir, which was often associated with the construction of towers in the arid regions of North Africa. Thus, Mekki-Berrada as a whole could have been given to someone who lived near a fortified tower and had ancestral ties to Mecca.
Geographical distribution of the last name Mekki-berrada
The surname Mekki-Berrada is predominantly found in Morocco, primarily within the regions of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and Casablanca-Settat. This name is associated with the Berber ethnic group, which is indigenous to North Africa, particularly Morocco. A significant concentration of this surname can be found in the urban areas of Tangier, Tetouan, and Casablanca, suggesting a trend towards urbanization among individuals bearing this name. While the majority of Mekki-Berradas reside in Morocco, there is also a presence of the surname among the Moroccan diaspora in France, Belgium, Canada, and other countries with significant Moroccan immigrant populations.
Variants and spellings of the last name Mekki-berrada
The last name Mekki-Berrada has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation. Here are some of them:
1. Mekki Berrada: This is one of the most common variations, with a hyphen removing the space between the two components of the surname.
2. Mekki Berrada: Another variation that omits the hyphen.
3. Mekiberrahdah: An alternative spelling found in some records, particularly when transcribed from Arabic.
4. Mecki Berada: A phonetic variation of the surname, although less common.
5. Makibirad: Another less frequent variation in English transcription.
6. Mekki Berhada: This variant is used by some individuals who prefer a more traditional Moroccan spelling.
7. Meqi-Berhadda: Another variation that employs diacritics to represent the Arabic pronunciation more accurately.
8. Mekibirada: A less common alternative spelling, with a different arrangement of letters.
9. Maki Berrahdah: A phonetic variant with slight changes in spelling and the addition of an extra 'k' at the beginning.
Famous people with the last name Mekki-berrada
Mekki-Berarda is a relatively uncommon surname, and as such, there are limited individuals of note bearing this name. One notable figure is Rachid Mekki-Berarda, a French professional footballer who played for clubs like Olympique de Marseille and Saint-Étienne in the early 2000s. Another individual is Hicham Mekki Berarda, a Moroccan actor who gained recognition for his role in the TV series "Beldadden" (2017). Additionally, there's Khaled Mekki-Berarda, a Swiss lawyer and politician of Moroccan origin. He served as a member of the Council of States, representing the canton of Geneva, from 2015 to 2019.
Genealogical research on the last name Mekki-berrada
The Mekki-Berrada lineage is predominantly traced to Morocco, specifically from the city of Fez and its surrounding regions. Historically, the surname Berrada is associated with the Berber Zayan tribe, while Mekki is a common Arabic name originating from the Middle East. The combination of these two names might suggest a blend of Berber and Arab origins for some members of this lineage. Over time, the Mekki-Berradas have migrated to various parts of Morocco and other countries such as France and Canada, reflecting a diaspora in the 20th century due to social, economic, and political reasons. The family's history includes notable figures in academia, politics, and arts within these communities, contributing to a rich cultural heritage and diverse genealogy.
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.
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