Last Name Saadi

The surname Saadi is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "al-Sa'di," which translates to "the one from Sijilmassa," a city located in present-day Morocco. The family name Saadi is commonly found among the Arab and Berber populations in North Africa, particularly in Morocco. Historically, it has also been distributed among Muslim communities in other parts of the world due to migration and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Saadi

The meaning and origin of the last name Saadi

The surname Saadi originates from the Arabic language and is a variant of Sadid, which means 'noble' or 'distinguished'. It's an Islamic name of Arabic-Persian origin that is commonly found among Middle Eastern and North African populations. The name has been associated with several prominent figures in history, notably the Persian poet Saadi Shirazi (also known as Abu Muhammad Muslih al-Din Sa'di), who lived during the 13th century and is considered one of the greatest poets in the Persian language. His most famous work, "Gulistan" (The Rose Garden), remains a classic in Iranian literature. The surname Saadi has also been adopted by individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds worldwide, reflecting the global influence of Middle Eastern and Islamic culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Saadi

The surname Saadi is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Morocco and Algeria, where it is one of the most common Arabic family names. It also appears with some frequency in Iran, due to the historical influence of the Persian poet and philosopher Jami Abdul-Rahman Sa'di, whose works have been celebrated for centuries. There are also significant Saadi communities in Turkey, Iraq, and Syria, reflecting the region's complex cultural history. Additionally, the diaspora has spread the name to various parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and elsewhere, as descendants of these regions have immigrated and established new communities around the world. The distribution of the Saadi surname thus provides a snapshot of historical connections between the Middle East, North Africa, and the broader global community.

Variants and spellings of the last name Saadi

The surname Saadi is of Arabic origin and carries various spellings and pronunciations in different regions. Commonly, it is spelled as Sa'di or Saadi. However, due to transliteration, you may also find variations such as Sadí, Sadee, Sadée, Sadee, Saday, Sadai, and Saady. Additionally, some families might have slightly altered spellings based on local customs or dialects. For instance, in French-speaking regions, it can be spelled as Saddi or Sadis. In Urdu-speaking areas, it may become Saadhi or Saadhee. It is essential to note that these variations reflect the rich cultural exchange and migration history of people with this name.

Famous people with the last name Saadi

Notable individuals bearing the surname Saadi include:

1. Muhammad ibn al-Hariri, also known as Abul-Hasan al-Sharif al-Sa'di (c. 1104 – c. 1168), a prominent Andalusian Arab poet of the Almohad Caliphate. His most famous work is the "Makhamasat", a collection of epistles in the form of letters addressed to various rulers and friends.

2. Saadi Youssef (1935-2020), an Egyptian film actor, director, and screenwriter who was considered one of the leading figures of modern Egyptian cinema. He won the Best Actor award at the 1966 Cannes Film Festival for his role in "The Nightingale's Prayer."

3. Saadi Zarif (born 1970), an Iranian diplomat who served as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2021 under President Hassan Rouhani. He is known for his role in the nuclear deal negotiations between Iran and six world powers.

4. Saadi al-Saqafi (1976 - present), a Yemeni politician who served as the Prime Minister of Yemen from 2014 to 2015 during the transition period following the resignation of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi. He is a member of the Islah Party.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields across different regions and time periods, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Saadi surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Saadi

The Saadi dynasty is a significant and influential family lineage in the Maghreb region of North Africa, particularly in Morocco, originating from Granada, Spain during the Al-Andalus period. One notable member was Abdulhaqq Saadi (1456–1508), who led the conquest of Fez and served as the founder of the Saadian dynasty. The Saadis ruled Morocco for three centuries from 1554 to 1659, with Ahmad al-Mansur being one of the most prominent rulers during this time. The lineage saw a revival in the late 19th century under Moulay Hassan, who fought against French colonial rule and served as the precursor to Morocco's present Alaouite dynasty. Today, many individuals bearing the Saadi surname reside primarily in North Africa and the Middle East, with significant populations in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Lebanon.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Saadi"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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