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Last Name Souissi

What is the origin of the last name Souissi?

The surname "Soussi" is of Tunisian origin, specifically of Arab origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "souissi" which means "man from Soussa". Sousa is a coastal town in Tunisia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Souissi

The meaning and origin of the last name Souissi

The surname Souissi is of Arab origin and is widely used in Tunisia. It originates from the city of Sousse, located on the east coast of the country. Sousse is one of Tunisia's oldest cities, founded by the Phoenicians in the 9th century B.C.E. Over the centuries, the city has been influenced by different civilizations, including the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines and Arabs.

Souissi is a geographical surname, meaning it is derived from the place of residence or birth of the family's ancestors. For example, those bearing this surname are usually from the city of Sousse or its surroundings. The family name Souissi thus reflects the attachment and identity of the people to their place of origin, as well as the historical and cultural importance of the city of Sousse in Tunisia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Souissi

The family name Souissi is mainly concentrated in Tunisia, the country of origin of this family. It is a common name in certain regions of Tunisia, particularly in the vicinity of the city of Tunis, the capital. It is also found in other important cities in the country such as Sousse, Sfax and Bizerte. However, it should be noted that the Souissi surname is not specifically limited to Tunisia, but can also be found in other Arab countries, notably Algeria and Libya. Due to emigration and population movements, individuals with this name can also be found in other countries, mainly in Western Europe and North America, where the Tunisian diaspora has settled. However, their presence remains relatively limited relative to their concentration in Tunisia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Souissi

The Souissi family name presents several variants and spellings, reflecting its diversity over time and regions. It can be found in the forms "Suissy" or "Suisssi", with two "s" and an additional "y". In some French-speaking regions, it can be written "Souisy" or "Sousi", simplifying the spelling for better adoption. Other less common variants may also exist, such as "Swissy" or "Swici". The surname Souissi is of Tunisian origin, and it is frequently encountered among people of Maghreban descent. His etymology is linked to the city of Sousse in Tunisia, where many families bear this name. However, it is important to note that the variants and spellings of the Souissi surname may vary depending on migration, civil status records or personal preferences, which explains the different forms encountered today.

Famous people with the last name Souissi

There is little information available about famous personalities bearing the surname Souissi. However, one notable figure is Hishem Souissi, a renowned Tunisian photographer. Born in 1976 in Tunis, Hichem developed a passion for photography from a young age. He is known for his captivating and poetic photographs, which capture the beauty and essence of daily life in Tunisia. His images bear witness to an acute sense of composition, light and emotion. Souissi has won numerous awards and has exhibited her work internationally. His photographs were published in well-known magazines and attracted the admiration of art lovers and critics. Thanks to his unique artistic talent, Hichem Souissi has managed to mark his place in the world of photography and continues to inspire many young artists.

Genealogical research on the last name Souissi

Genealogical research on the surname Souissi dates back to the Tunisian origins of this lineage. The Suissi are a family of Arab origin whose first traces date back to the 12th century when the Arab Empire expanded into North Africa. They are mainly located in the Tunis region and are known for their links to the world of business and crafts. In order to continue genealogical research, it is necessary to consult the birth, death and marriage registers maintained by the Tunisian authorities, as well as the family archives and oral testimonies transmitted from generation to generation. It is also useful to use professional genealogy services or to rely on online databases to trace the family tree of the Souissi family. This research will allow us to trace the history of the Souissi family, discover its ancestors, its migrations and the important events that shaped its history.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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