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Last Name Tabbah

What is the origin of the last name Tabbah?

The surname Tabbah is of Arabic origin and is derived from several possible sources. One possible origin is from the Arabic word "tabbakh," which means "potter." This could be a name for someone who worked as a potter or craftsman. Another possibility is that the surname Tabbah comes from the Arabic word "tabbat," which means "young camel." This could have been a nickname given to someone who resembled a young camel, or it could have been a metonymic occupational name for a camel herder. Yet another possibility is that the surname Tabbah comes from the Arabic word "tabbah," which means "a small hill." This could have been a geographical name for someone who lived near a hill, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone who was short or had a round shape. It is also worth noting that the surname Tabbah can be found in various regions of the Middle East and North Africa, including Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The name may have different spellings depending on the region, such as Tabbaa, Tabbakh, or Tebbah. Overall, the exact origin of the surname Tabbah is not definitively known, but it is thought to have Arabic roots and potentially related to one of the meanings discussed above.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tabbah

The meaning and origin of the last name Tabbah

The surname Tabbah is believed to have Arabic origins, specifically from the Middle East. It's derived from the Arabic word "Tabbakh" or "At-Tabbakh," meaning "the potter" or "the cook." This name was often given to individuals who were skilled in these crafts. The surname Tabbah can also be found among Arab communities worldwide due to historical migration and settlement patterns. Over time, the spelling of the name has been anglicized and may appear as Tabakh, Tabbak, or Tabba in various records. However, it's important to note that the exact origin and history of a specific family line may vary based on their unique migration patterns and cultural influences.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tabbah

The surname Tabbah has its roots primarily in the Middle East, particularly in the Arab world. It is most commonly found among populations of Arabic descent, notably in Palestine, Jordan, and Syria. The name is an variant of "Tabbakh" or "Tabbaa", which means "potter" in Arabic, indicating a profession that may have been prevalent among some early bearers of this surname. Additionally, there are communities with the Tabbah surname in other parts of the world due to migration, particularly in countries with large Arab expatriate populations such as the United States, Canada, and Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary greatly due to factors such as historical events, migration patterns, and personal circumstances.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tabbah

The surname Tabbah has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration across different languages and regions. Some common variants include Tabah, Ta'aba, Tehba, Dabah, Tebah, Tabb, Tab, and Deba. These variations may arise from factors such as changes in pronunciation over time, regional dialects, or errors in documentation. The name Tabbah is thought to be of Arabic origin, derived from the place name Tabha in Israel, meaning "land flowing with milk" or "fertile pasture". It can also be a patronymic surname, originating from an individual named Abu Tabba or Ibn Tabba. Despite these variations, all forms of Tabbah are considered to be related and share a common etymological root.

Famous people with the last name Tabbah

Notable individuals with the surname Tabbah include:

1. Ahmad Hassan Tabbah (1928-1973), a Syrian politician who served as Prime Minister of Syria from 1964 to 1966. He was a member of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party and played a key role in the development of the country's political structure.

2. Tariq Tabbah (born 1967), a Syrian-American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of Trident Capital Cybersecurity, a venture capital firm focused on investments in cybersecurity startups.

3. Mohammad Khair Al-Tabbah (born 1958), a Palestinian politician and former member of the Palestinian Legislative Council. He served as the minister of agriculture in the Palestinian National Authority from 2006 to 2007.

4. Nidal Tabbah (born 1973), a Syrian-American chef who is the founder and owner of Kuna Foods, a company that produces authentic Middle Eastern foods for distribution nationwide. He has appeared on several cooking shows and is known for his commitment to preserving traditional recipes.

5. Iman Tebbah (born 1976), a French fashion model who was the first Arab-French woman to appear on the cover of Elle magazine in France. She has also been a spokesperson for L'Oréal and Lancôme, and has walked for designers such as John Galliano and Yves Saint Laurent.

Genealogical research on the last name Tabbah

The surname Tabbah originates from the Middle East, specifically in Arabic-speaking regions. It is derived from the Arabic word "Tabib," meaning physician or healer. This name was often given to individuals who were associated with the medical profession. The Tabbah clan is one of the prominent clans among the Anizah tribe, which is part of the larger Rabi'ah tribal confederation in Saudi Arabia. The Anizah tribe is believed to have originated from the town of Aniza in northern Saudi Arabia. Over time, individuals with the surname Tabbah migrated across the Middle East and North Africa, with significant populations found in Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. In more recent history, members of this family have also emigrated to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America.

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 : 29 July 2025

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