Last Name Roubah

The surname Roubah is primarily found among individuals of Arabic descent, specifically those from countries like Lebanon and Syria. The name Roubah, which can be written as Rubeh, Ruba'i, or Rubay in various dialects and transliterations, is derived from the Arabic word "Rub'ah" (رُبعة). In Arabic, "Rub'ah" means a fourth part or a quarter. This name might have been given to denote someone who was born as the fourth child in a family or it could refer to someone who owned a property that was divided into four parts. However, without specific context or historical records, it is challenging to determine the exact origin and meaning for a particular individual bearing this surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Roubah

The meaning and origin of the last name Roubah

The surname Roubah is of Arabic origin and is derived from the Arabic word "Rub'ah" or "Ar-Ruba'ah," which means "the fourth." This name was likely given to individuals who were the fourth child in their family, as the Arabic number system does not include a direct equivalent for 'fourth'. The name Roubah is prevalent among Arabic communities and has various spellings, including Ruba, Rubeh, and others, depending on regional variations. Over time, it has also been adapted to other languages due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roubah

The last name Roubah is predominantly found in regions with significant Arabic-speaking populations, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. In North Africa, countries such as Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya have high concentrations of individuals bearing this surname due to historical Arab and Islamic influences. In the Middle East, the last name Roubah can be found among Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian communities. It is also present in smaller numbers among diaspora communities in Western countries such as France, Canada, and the United States, where individuals of North African or Middle Eastern descent have immigrated or settled. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Roubah reflects historical Arab-Islamic migration patterns and contemporary global demographic shifts.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roubah

The surname Roubah (or Rubah) has several variants due to differences in spelling conventions and regional pronunciations. Variations may include: Roobah, Roo Bah, Rubeh, Roubey, Rubaih, Rubaia, Rubay, Rubahy, Rubae, and others. These variations are primarily found among individuals of Arabic or Middle Eastern descent, as the name is derived from Arabic roots. The exact spelling may depend on factors such as the specific dialect of Arabic spoken in a particular region, as well as the transliteration system used when converting the Arabic script to Roman characters.

Famous people with the last name Roubah

Notable individuals bearing the surname Roubah include:

1. Michel Roubah (1927-1984), a Lebanese writer and journalist, who was known for his work as a columnist for the daily newspaper Al-Nahar, as well as being an author of numerous books on Arabic literature and philosophy.

2. Nizar S. Roubah (born 1946), is a Syrian-American professor of Chemical Engineering at Louisiana State University. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the recipient of various awards for his research in chemical engineering, particularly in the areas of transport phenomena and computational fluid dynamics.

3. Nadim Roubah (born 1965), is a Syrian-Canadian businessman, who served as the President & CEO of Magna International Inc., a multinational automotive supplier company, from 2014 to 2017. He also serves on the Board of Directors for various companies in the automotive and financial industries.

These individuals are significant contributors to their respective fields in literature, academia, and business.

Genealogical research on the last name Roubah

The surname Roubah originates from various regions in the Middle East, particularly Lebanon and Syria, with roots dating back to the Ottoman Empire era. The name is derived from the Arabic "ربع" (rub'ah), which means "fourth part" or "quarter." It has been documented as a family name since the 16th century in those regions. Notable families bearing this name include the Roubahs of Lebanon and Syria, who have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, business, and academia. The Roubah clan is predominantly Christian, with members belonging to the Maronite and Greek Orthodox faiths. Genealogical records reveal that several branches of the Roubah family migrated to different parts of the world during the 20th century, establishing communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "roubah"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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