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Last Name Zaghbour

What is the origin of the last name Zaghbour?

The surname Zaghbour is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean region, specifically Lebanon. It is a variation of the Arabic name "Zakhour," which means "rose" in English. This family name was likely taken as a nickname for someone who resembled a rose or had a pleasant fragrance similar to that of roses. The Zaghbours are predominantly found in Lebanon and have made significant contributions to the country's history, culture, and politics.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zaghbour

The meaning and origin of the last name Zaghbour

The surname Zaghbour is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Levant region, which includes modern-day Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. The name is derived from the Arabic word "zaghour," meaning "rose." In Arabic naming conventions, a patronymic or geographic surname often develops based on personal names or place names found in the Quran. In this case, the Zaghbour family may have taken their name from an ancestor who was nicknamed for his resemblance to a rose or lived near a location with roses. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to various factors such as transliteration and migration, resulting in different variations like Zaghour, Zaghbib, and Zoghbi found among Arabic communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zaghbour

The Zaghbour surname is primarily found in Lebanon and other countries with large Lebanese diaspora communities. It originates from the city of Zgharta, located in the North Governorate of Lebanon. The name is a variation of Zahar or Zachariah, which are biblical names meaning 'remembrance of God.' In Lebanon, it is most common in the Mount Lebanon region, particularly in Zgharta and its surrounding villages. Outside of Lebanon, significant Zaghbour populations can be found in countries such as France, Australia, Canada, and the United States. These communities often trace their roots back to emigrants from Zgharta who sought better opportunities abroad during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zaghbour

The Zaghbour surname exhibits various spellings and variations due to historical transcription discrepancies and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include: Zaghoub, Zahgabour, Zakhour, Zakhbar, Zukhair, Zoukher, and Zagober. These differences are largely a result of phonetic changes during the English-language transcription of Arabic names, as well as personal preference or migration influences over time. However, all these variations can be traced back to the original Arabic root "Zaghb" or "Zaghab," which translates to "the blacksmith."

Famous people with the last name Zaghbour

The Zaghboubs are a notable family of Lebanese origin, well-known for their contributions to various fields. One of the most renowned members is Michel Aoun, who served as the President of Lebanon from 2016 to present. Born in 1935, Aoun was a prominent military and political figure who played a significant role during the Lebanese Civil War. Another notable figure is Ghassan Tueni, a journalist and politician who served as the editor-in-chief of An-Nahar, a major Lebanese daily newspaper. He was assassinated in 2005 but his legacy continues to live on. Additionally, Samir Zaghboub, a Lebanese-Canadian businessman and philanthropist, is recognized for his charitable contributions and leadership roles within the Lebanese community in Canada.

Genealogical research on the last name Zaghbour

The Zaghbour surname is primarily of Lebanese origin and is believed to have roots in the mountainous region of Keserwan in Mount Lebanon. Historically, the family hails from the village of Bcharre, known for its rich history and ancient monasteries. The name Zaghbour is derived from the Arabic word "az-Zughbur," meaning "the groves" or "orchards."

The Zaghbours have been traced back to the 16th century, with notable figures such as Fakhr ad-Din II and his son Emir Bashir II of Mount Lebanon. The Zaghbour family played significant roles in various historical events, including the civil war and the modernization of Lebanon.

The diaspora of Zaghbours is substantial, with large communities found in countries like Australia, Canada, France, and the United States. Many descendants have adopted variations of the surname, such as Zaghiour, Zaghour, or Zaguer, due to differences in transliteration and spelling conventions.

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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