Last Name Zaidi

The surname "Zaidi" has an Arabic origin. It derives from the word "Zaid", which is a common Arabic male name. "Zaidi" therefore means "son of Zaid" in Arabic. This surname can be found in several countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and other parts of the Arab-speaking world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zaidi

The meaning and origin of the last name Zaidi

The surname Zaidi originated in the Arab world, specifically in the Maghreb region. It is derived from the Arabic name "Zaid", which means "growth" or "prosperity". Persons bearing the surname Zaidi usually come from families with ancestors related to the Arab tribe of the Banu Zayd. These clans were considered proud warriors and were historically renowned for their courage and loyalty. Over time, the Zaidi family name has been passed from generation to generation, and it has become a symbol of identity and belonging to Arab culture. Today, this family name is found mainly in Maghreb countries such as Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, as well as in Arab-Muslim communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zaidi

The surname Zaidi is mainly widespread in the Middle East regions, particularly in Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt. It is also present in other Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Outside the Arab world, there are also Zaidi families in Iran, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This geographical distribution is explained by the origin of the surname, which is often linked to membership in the branch of Shiism called zaydism. The Zaidi are known for their attachment to this form of Islam and are often present in areas where zaydism is practised. However, it should be noted that migration and mixed marriages may also have contributed to the dispersion of the surname Zaidi in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zaidi

The Zaidi surname can be written with different variants and spellings depending on the regions and dialects. Some of the commonly used variants include Zaïdi, Zaidy, Zaidi, Zaydi, Zaidii, Zaidy, Zaydy, Zaidy, Zaïdy, Zaïdie, and Zaidii. These different spellings may reflect the phonetic peculiarities of different languages, regions or cultures. For example, some variants may be more widely used in French-speaking countries, while others may be more frequent in English-speaking countries. However, all these spellings refer to the same surname and are usually pronounced in a similar manner. Zaidi family members can choose the spelling that best suits their preferences or cultural context, while retaining the essence and history of their family name.

Famous people with the last name Zaidi

There are several famous personalities with the surname Zaidi throughout the world. One of the best known names is Zahra Zaidi, a Pakistani photographer and artist based in New York. His captivating works of art have been exhibited in many art galleries around the world, enabling him to become a prominent figure in the field of contemporary photography. Zaidi is recognized for her unique approach and her ability to capture deep emotions through her images. She often uses bold stylistic techniques to stimulate reflection on social and political issues, which has earned her many prestigious awards. In addition to her success as an artist, Zahra Zaidi is also a fervent activist of human rights and gender equality, using her reputation to defend important causes. Her dedication to art and activism makes her an influential and inspiring personality for many people around the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Zaidi

Genealogical research on the surname Zaidi reveals a deep roots in Arab history and culture. The Zaidi are essentially a Muslim community belonging to the Shiite branch of the Islamic world. Their roots date back to Imam Zain ul-Abidin, a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The Zaidi derive their name from the famous lineage of the Zaidi Imams of the Fatimid dynasty, who played a major role in the history of the Yemeni region, and who resisted the Abbasid caliphs. Given their close link with Shia Islam, most Zaidi are concentrated in predominantly Shia areas, such as Yemen, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan. Genealogical research on the Zaidi family name thus provides valuable information on the history, culture, religion and traditions of this community, rich in heritage and identity.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zaidi"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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