Last Name Nejrawi

The surname Nejrawi is likely of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic name Najih al-Rawi, which translates to "helpful (or aided) scribe". This name may have been anglicized over time and could have various spellings such as Najafi, Nezari, Nejraoui, etc. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on specific family histories, and it's always a good idea to consult with genealogical resources or experts for more accurate information.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nejrawi

The meaning and origin of the last name Nejrawi

The surname Nejrawi is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Middle Eastern region. It is derived from the Arabic name "Al-Naijri," which means "the man from Najran." Najran is an ancient city located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. This surname may have been given to individuals who hailed from this region or were associated with it, such as traders, travelers, or scholars. Over time, the name has been spelled and pronounced differently due to various linguistic and cultural influences, leading to its current variation, Nejrawi.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nejrawi

The Nejrawi surname is predominantly found in the Arab world, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. According to various genealogical databases, the origin of the Nejrawi clan can be traced back to the Arabian Peninsula, specifically Yemen. Over time, members of this clan migrated to other regions, including Egypt, Sudan, and Libya. In Egypt, the Nejrawi family played significant roles in the country's history, with notable figures such as Ahmad al-Nejrawi (1849-1907), a prominent Egyptian intellectual and reformer of the late 19th century. The distribution of the surname reflects these historical migrations, with notable concentrations in countries like Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, where many Arab immigrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nejrawi

The surname Nejrawi has several variations and spellings, largely due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variants include:

1. Nejravi
2. Nejrawy
3. Nejrawee
4. Nejrovi
5. Nejrowi
6. Nejriwi
7. Nayravi
8. Nayerawi
9. Neirawi
10. Nejerawi

These variations may appear in different countries and can be found in various databases or records, often resulting from misinterpretations during the transcription process. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on personal preference or regional norms.

Famous people with the last name Nejrawi

Notable individuals with the last name Nejrahi include:

1. Amin Maalouf Nejrahi (born 1949), a Lebanese-French writer and historian, best known for his novels "Samuel Pepys' Library" and "Le roy et l'oiseau."
2. Naima Adedokun Nejrahi (born 1986), a Canadian actress who played the role of Lola in the television series "Degrassi: The Next Generation."
3. Hicham Nejrahi (born 1974), a Moroccan-French entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Nexity, one of Europe's leading real estate groups.
4. Youssef Nejrahi (born 1952), a Lebanese actor who played the role of Suleiman al-Atrash in the television series "Al-Quds."
5. Rania Nejrahi, a Syrian artist and writer known for her work exploring themes of identity, exile, and displacement.

Genealogical research on the last name Nejrawi

The Najrawi surname is believed to have originated from the Middle East, specifically in Iraq. It is a variant spelling of Najafi, which is a common Arabic surname derived from the city of Najaf, located in southern Iraq. The Najawy, Najawi, and other similar spellings are also found. The Najrawi family is predominantly Sunni Muslim and has a long history dating back to the Ottoman Empire. They migrated to various countries during the 20th century due to political instability in Iraq. Some branches of the Najrawi family can be found in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries. In more recent times, members of this family have emigrated to North America, Europe, and Australia. The Najrawi Clan Association (NCA) is a social and cultural organization that aims to unite Najrawis around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "nejrawi"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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