Last Name Merah

The last name "Merah" is of Arabic origin, meaning "red" or "crimson" in Arabic. It is a common surname in Arabic-speaking countries such as Algeria, Morocco, and other parts of the Middle East. The name may have been given to individuals with red hair, red skin, or for other reasons related to the color red.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Merah

The meaning and origin of the last name Merah

The surname Merah is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "merah" which means red. It is believed to have been used as a descriptive surname for someone with red hair, complexion, or who lived near something red in color. The surname Merah may have been given to individuals to differentiate them from others in the community. It is a relatively uncommon surname but may have variations in spelling depending on the region or country of origin. The use of descriptive surnames like Merah is a common practice in many cultures, providing insight into the physical appearance or characteristics of an individual's ancestors. Today, individuals with the surname Merah can be found in various parts of the world, with different branches of the family possibly dispersing and adopting the surname in different regions over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Merah

The last name Merah is primarily found in Algeria, particularly in regions such as Algiers, Constantine, and Oran. It is also present in other North African countries such as Tunisia and Morocco, where individuals with this surname can be found scattered throughout the country. In addition to North Africa, the name Merah is also present in France, where it is believed to have originated from individuals with North African heritage. There are smaller concentrations of individuals with the last name Merah in countries such as Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, often as a result of migration patterns from North Africa. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Merah reflects its North African roots, with a significant presence in Algeria and smaller populations in other countries with ties to the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Merah

Variations and spellings of the last name Merah include Marah, Marra, Meira, Meirah, Mera, Mireh, and Mireya. These variations can be seen due to differences in dialects, regions, and the way the name was transcribed or translated over time. The last name Merah may have originated in Arabic-speaking countries, as "merah" means red in Arabic. It is also possible that the name has roots in other languages or cultures, leading to a variety of spellings and pronunciation differences. Regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the name Merah likely holds significant meaning or history for individuals and families who bear it as their surname.

Famous people with the last name Merah

I'm sorry, but there are no famous individuals with the last name Merah that I could find. It is possible that the name Merah is not well-known or that there are famous individuals with this last name who are not widely recognized. If you have any specific individuals in mind with the last name Merah, please provide more information so I can assist you further.

Genealogical research on the last name Merah

Merah is a surname believed to have originated in Persia and spread to various countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The name is thought to be of Arabic origin, meaning "red" or "crimson", possibly referring to a person's physical appearance or personality traits. Through genealogical research, it has been found that the Merah family has a long and diverse history, with branches of the family settling in countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Algeria. Over the years, the Merah family has spread to other parts of the world through migration and immigration, with individuals bearing the name found in places like Europe, North America, and Australia. The name Merah carries with it a sense of heritage and tradition, connecting individuals to their ancestral roots in the Middle East.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "merah"
• 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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