Last Name Mekouar

The last name Mekouar is of Moroccan origin. It is an Arabic patronymic name derived from the given name Mekki/Mohamed, which means "chosen" or "selected" in Arabic. The suffix "-ar" is a common patronymic element that indicates "son of." Therefore, Mekouar signifies "son of Mekki/Mohamed." This surname is predominantly found in Morocco and among people of Moroccan descent.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mekouar

The meaning and origin of the last name Mekouar

The surname Mekouar, also spelled Makouar, originates from North Africa, particularly from Algeria and Morocco. It is a relatively rare last name that carries historical and cultural significance. The name is thought to have Berber origins, as the region was influenced by Berber tribes for centuries. The Berbers are an indigenous ethnic group in North Africa, known for their unique language and cultural heritage.

The meaning of the surname Mekouar is not explicitly documented, but it is believed to have a connection to the Berber language. Many Berber surnames can be traced back to geographical features, ancestral occupations, or even personal physical attributes. Therefore, it is possible that Mekouar may signify a place name or refer to a specific geographic location. Additionally, surnames were sometimes bestowed based on the occupation or skill of an individual or the lineage they belonged to. The exact etymology of Mekouar remains uncertain, but the name carries the rich history and cultural heritage of the Berber people in North Africa.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mekouar

The last name Mekouar is most commonly found in Morocco, specifically in the northern region of the country. It is a popular surname among the Berber population, particularly in the cities of Tangier and Tetouan. However, due to migration and globalization, the name Mekouar can also be found in other countries such as France, Spain, and the United States. In these countries, individuals with the last name Mekouar are often descendants of Moroccan immigrants or students studying abroad. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Mekouar is primarily concentrated in Morocco, with smaller populations scattered across other countries where Moroccan communities exist.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mekouar

Mekouar is a common surname with various spelling variations including Makwar, Mokouar, Mekwar, and Mequar. These variations may be due to transliteration from Arabic to English or regional differences in pronunciation. The name Mekouar may also be spelled as Mekwar or Mcwar, depending on the individual's preference or the historical evolution of the name. The surname Mekouar can also be found with different prefixes or suffixes, such as Al Mekouar or El Mekouar, which denote lineage or heritage. Despite these spelling variations, the name Mekouar typically retains its original meaning and significance within Arabic-speaking communities.

Famous people with the last name Mekouar

There is limited information available on famous people with the last name Mekouar. However, it is worth mentioning Ghizlane Mekouar, who has made a name for herself in the business and media industry. Ghizlane Mekouar is a Moroccan journalist and correspondent for Al Jazeera. With her extensive career, she has reported on various global events and covered significant stories, showcasing her exceptional skills as a reporter. Mekouar's work has not only contributed to the field of journalism but has also shed light on important issues and perspectives from the Middle East and North Africa region. While information on prominent figures with the last name Mekouar might be scarce, Ghizlane Mekouar stands out as a notable individual in the field of journalism, making a significant impact through her reporting.

Genealogical research on the last name Mekouar

The surname Mekouar is of Moroccan origin, likely derived from the Arabic word "makwar" which means "reservoir" or "storage place". This surname is believed to have originated in the Southern regions of Morocco, particularly in the Atlas mountains. Genealogical research on the Mekouar family suggests that the earliest known ancestors with this surname were leaders of tribes or communities, who were involved in managing and distributing water resources in the region. Over time, the Mekouar family expanded and spread to different parts of Morocco, with branches settling in urban centers such as Marrakech and Casablanca. Today, individuals with the surname Mekouar can be found not only in Morocco, but also in other countries around the world, as a result of migration and globalization.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mekouar"
• 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 April 2025

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