Last Name Yedid

The last name Yedid is of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Yedid" which means 'friend' or 'lover'. This surname is often found among Jewish people, particularly those of Sephardic and Mizrahi descent. However, it should be noted that surnames can have multiple origins and spellings, so it is always possible that the name may also appear in other cultures with different histories. It's important to do further research for a more specific understanding of the origin of a particular family's Yedid name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yedid

The meaning and origin of the last name Yedid

The surname Yedid is of Hebrew origin, translating to "beloved" or "dear one." It is derived from the Hebrew verb "yadid," which means "to love." This surname is prevalent among Jewish communities, particularly those of Sephardic and Mizrahi descent. The name is also found in various forms across different cultures due to historical migrations and assimilation. In the Middle Ages, Jewish families often adopted Hebrew names as a way to maintain their cultural identity amidst diverse environments. Today, the surname Yedid can be found globally among individuals with Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish ancestry, as well as those who have taken on the name for personal or cultural reasons.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yedid

The surname Yedid is predominantly found in Middle Eastern and Jewish communities. Historically, it originates from Israel, where it is most concentrated in the northern regions, particularly in and around Haifa and Nazareth. The name also has a significant presence among Sephardic Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent. In addition, the Yedid surname is found in smaller numbers in countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, due to historical migrations from the region. Today, diaspora communities with significant populations bearing the Yedid name can be found in various Western countries like the United States, Canada, France, and Australia. The name also appears among Jewish communities in South America, particularly in Brazil.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yedid

The surname Yedid can be found with several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variations include: Jedid, Iyad, Yadid, Yehezkel, and J'did. These variations may also appear as Ye-Did, Yeh-did, or Iy-had depending on the specific dialect and transcription rules used. Additionally, it can be spelled as Yedîd in its Hebrew form. It is essential to note that the correct spelling can depend on the individual's cultural background, family tradition, or country of origin. The name Yedid, meaning "beloved" in Hebrew, is predominantly found among Jewish communities but can also be found among individuals with a connection to Israel or Jewish heritage.

Famous people with the last name Yedid

Notable individuals with the surname Yedid include:

1. Elad Yedidia: He is an Israeli legal scholar and political analyst. Currently, he serves as Vice President for Policy at the Israel Democracy Institute, where his work focuses on Jewish identity, religion and state, and the future of democracy in Israel.

2. Doron Yedid: A former Israeli television presenter, Doron Yedid is known for hosting popular talk shows such as "The Doron Yedid Show" and "Yedidim." He has also worked as a radio host.

3. Daniella Yedida: An award-winning Israeli conductor and violinist, Daniella Yedida gained prominence for her work with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. She has conducted numerous orchestras around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.

4. Eyal Yedid: A prominent Israeli mathematician, Eyal Yedid is a professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science. His research interests include differential geometry and mathematical physics.

5. Hagai Yedid: Born in Israel, Hagai Yedid made a name for himself as a successful businessman in the United States. He co-founded several companies, including IMS Health (now part of QuintilesIMS). He is also a philanthropist and active in Jewish communities worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Yedid

The surname Yedid is primarily of Hebrew origin, translating to "beloved" or "favorite" in English. This patronymic name has its roots in ancient Israel and can be traced back through various Jewish communities over centuries. One notable lineage includes the Yedids of Jerusalem, a family mentioned in historical records dating as far back as the 16th century. The family was part of the Levite tribe and served as scribes and scholars within their community. As Jewish populations migrated throughout Europe and later the Americas, the Yedid surname spread, with notable bearers found among early settlers in Poland, Germany, Russia, and the United States. Today, variations such as Yedidya, Yadid, and Jedidiah can be found across various regions worldwide, each carrying a rich history of faith, tradition, and resilience.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yedid"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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