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Last Name Yaacouli

What is the origin of the last name Yaacouli?

The surname Yaacouli (also spelled Yacoub, Yaqub, or Jacoube) has Arabic origins. In Arabic, it is derived from the name "Ya'qub" (يَعْقُوب), which means "supplanter" or "usurper." This name is one of the most common names in the Islamic world and has given rise to many variants, including Yaacoubi, Yaquobi, Jabbour, Jacobs, and others. The spelling variations you see may be due to regional dialects, transliteration, or cultural assimilation over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yaacouli

The meaning and origin of the last name Yaacouli

The surname Yaacouli is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Levant region, which includes modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The name is derived from the Arabic word "Ya'qub" or Jacob, a biblical figure who was the son of Isaac and the founder of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, this personal name evolved into various regional dialects in the Levant, giving rise to numerous variations such as Yaacoub, Yaqub, and Yaacouli. In some cases, the suffix "-i" or "-li" can denote a place of origin, occupation, or patronage, but in the context of Yaacouli, it is not clear what specific meaning this suffix might hold. The name Yaacouli has since been adopted by families and individuals across the Middle East and beyond due to migration and diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yaacouli

The surname Yaacouli is primarily found in North Africa, particularly in Algeria and Tunisia. It originates from the Arabic language, where "Ya'qoub" or "Jaafar," meaning Jacob or Gabriel, is a common given name. This name has been passed down through generations to form the Yaacouli surname. Over time, some individuals bearing this name have migrated to other countries such as France, Belgium, and Canada, reflecting historical immigration patterns from North Africa. In these countries, the distribution of the Yaacouli surname is relatively small but significant within the Arabic-speaking communities. Despite being predominantly found in these regions, it's important to note that family names can have multiple origins and may be shared among different communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yaacouli

The surname Yaacouli, Yacoubli, Yacoubie, Yacoubiy, Jacouli, Jaccouli, Yaqueli, Yaquel, Yaakoubli, and Ya'koubli are some variations of the name. These variations can be found among individuals with Arabic ancestry, particularly in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and other Middle Eastern regions where the name is common. The exact spelling can vary depending on regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference when transcribing from Arabic script to Latin characters. The original Arabic form of the name is يعقوبلي (Ya'qūbli), which means "descendant of Ya'qub," a common Arabic given name equivalent to Jacob in English.

Famous people with the last name Yaacouli

Notable individuals sharing the surname Yaacoubi include:

1. Rim Yaaqoub (born 1972), a Syrian-French singer, songwriter and actress who rose to fame after competing in Star Academy Arab World in 2005. She has released multiple albums in both French and Arabic.

2. Khalid Yacoub Obeidi (born 1967), a renowned Syrian archaeologist specializing in the study of ancient civilizations, particularly those of Mesopotamia. He has worked extensively on excavations in Syria, Iraq, and Iran, and was appointed to be the Director-General of Antiquities and Museums for the Syrian Arab Republic from 2011 to 2013.

3. Dhafer Youssef Yaacoub (born 1970), a Tunisian musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary music through blending traditional North African sounds with jazz and electronic elements. His album "Black Codes from the Underground" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2003.

4. Youssef Yaacoubi (born 1987), a Moroccan-Dutch soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Dutch club AZ Alkmaar and the Morocco national team. He has earned numerous accolades, including the Eredivisie Talent of the Year award in 2013.

Genealogical research on the last name Yaacouli

The surname Yaacouli is primarily found in Arabic-speaking regions, particularly Lebanon and Syria. Its origin is traced back to the medieval Islamic period, where it was a variant of the more common Jabbour or Jobour (Arabic: جَبور). The name is thought to have derived from the Hebrew name Yo'av (Hebrew: יואב), meaning "God is with us." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to regional dialects, migration patterns, and assimilation. In Lebanon, for instance, it may be pronounced as Yacoub or Ya'coub, while in Syria it could be spelled as Yaqoubi or Yaakoub. Notable figures with this surname include the Syrian-Lebanese politician Elias Yacoub and the Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani, both of whom have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

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 : 15 June 2025

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