Last Name Ourkia

The surname Ourkia is likely of Basque origin, which is a historical region and cultural area in western Europe, encompassing parts of present-day France and Spain. Many Basque surnames are patronymic, meaning they are derived from the father's name, or locative, meaning they originate from a specific place. In this case, Ourkia may have originated as a toponymic surname, from the Basque word "urki" meaning hill, and could be a reference to a settlement located on a hill. However, it's important to note that the exact origins of many surnames can be difficult to determine with certainty due to historical records being incomplete or fragmented.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ourkia

The meaning and origin of the last name Ourkia

The surname Ourkia is of Greek origin, specifically from the region of Epirus in northwestern Greece. It is derived from a place name or topographical feature, likely related to a rocky or steep location. The Greek suffix "-ias" or "-ia" often denotes a place name. Over time, people living in these places adopted the names of their hometowns as surnames when they migrated or settled in different regions. In this case, Ourkia may have been the name of a village, town, or geographical feature in Epirus, and its bearers are likely descendants from that region. As with many surnames, the precise origin of Ourkia may be difficult to determine due to variations in spelling and changes over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ourkia

The surname Ourkia predominantly originates from Morocco and is commonly found among the Berber population, particularly in regions such as the High Atlas Mountains and the Souss-Massa-Draa region. There are also significant concentrations of individuals with this name in France, primarily due to immigration from Morocco. The diaspora has spread to other parts of Europe and North America, with smaller populations found in countries like Canada, Belgium, Spain, and the United States. In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve the cultural heritage associated with the Ourkia name, including through genealogical research and community events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ourkia

The surname Ourkia has multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of these variants include Ourchi, Ourky, Ourkey, and Ouerki. These variations may also be found with diacritical marks such as Ourkiá, Ourchià, or Ourkỳ, reflecting the original Arabic or French origins of the name. In addition, there might be regional or personal adaptations that lead to slight modifications in spelling and pronunciation. However, it is important to note that these variations can make genealogical research challenging due to their differences, but they all share a common root as derivatives of names like Ouerki or Ourchi.

Famous people with the last name Ourkia

Notable individuals with the surname Ourkia include:

1. Yacine Ourkia (born 1984), an Algerian footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as USM El Harrach and ES Sétif in his native country, as well as for Lokeren in Belgium.
2. Amine Ourkia (born 1996), a French professional basketball player who currently plays for the Israeli team Maccabi Rishon LeZion. He has also represented France at the international level.
3. Zahia Dehar (born 1992), a model and former prostitute of Algerian descent, known for her high-profile legal battles and public feuds with other celebrities in France. Despite her controversial past, she has become a successful model and businesswoman.
4. Mourad Ourkia (born 1972), a French politician who served as the mayor of Bègles from 2008 to 2020. He is a member of La République En Marche! (REM) political party.
5. Rachid Ourkia (born 1974), a French journalist and television presenter who has worked for various news outlets, including France 3 and BFM TV. He is known for his investigative journalism and interviews with high-profile figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Ourkia

The Ourkia surname is primarily of Greek origin, derived from various locations in Greece named Oura or Oura, which mean "hill" or "mountain." One such location is a village in Arcadia, a region known for its mountainous terrain. The Ourkias may have migrated to other regions, including Turkey and the United States, due to historical events such as the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923, or economic factors like the search for better opportunities. Notable individuals with the last name Ourkia include Nicholas Ourkia, a renowned surgeon who served as Chief of Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Further research can be conducted through genealogical databases, historical records, and local archives to trace the family's lineage and migration patterns more precisely.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ourkia"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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