Last Name Zaraket

The surname Zaraket is believed to have origins from the Middle East, specifically Lebanon. It is derived from the Arabic word "Zarka," meaning "yellow" or "brilliant." This name could have been a geographical name referring to a place named Zarka, or it might have been an occupational name for someone who worked with yellow dye. However, precise origins can vary as surnames often developed from a variety of sources such as tribal nicknames, occupations, or places of origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zaraket

The meaning and origin of the last name Zaraket

The surname Zaraket is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "zarka," which means "ochre" or "yellow." It is likely that this surname was originally given to individuals who had yellow or ochre-colored hair or complexion. Over time, it became a hereditary name, passed down through generations. The name is most common among Arabs, particularly in Lebanon and Syria, although it can also be found among other Arabic-speaking populations. In the diaspora, variations of the surname include Zaraketty, Zarka, and Saraket.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zaraket

The surname Zaraket is predominantly found in Lebanon, where it originates from the city of Zahrani, located in the south of the country. It is also present in other regions with large Lebanese diaspora communities, such as North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. In particular, significant populations can be found in countries like Brazil, Canada, France, and the United States. The distribution of the surname Zaraket reflects the historical migration patterns of the Lebanese people over the past century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zaraket

The surname Zaraket has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variants include Zaraketty, Zaracket, Saraket, Saraketti, and Saraketty. Other variations may also exist, such as Zeraket, Seraket, or Zaraquet, depending on the specific phonetic interpretation of the name in various languages. Additionally, diacritical marks may sometimes be omitted or added differently, leading to further discrepancies in spelling. It is essential to note that these variations are not always indicative of different names but rather represent regional and linguistic differences in how the same name is written.

Famous people with the last name Zaraket

Notable individuals with the surname Zaraket include:

1. Joseph Zaraket (born 1984), a Syrian professional footballer who played as a defender for the Syria national team and Al-Ittihad Aleppo. He represented his country in several FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
2. Wael Zaraket (born 1990), a Lebanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq and the Lebanon national team. He is known for his versatility and creative playmaking skills.
3. Fawzi Zaraket (born 1964), a Syrian politician who served as Minister of Culture from 2012 to 2016, during Syria's ongoing civil war. Prior to that, he worked as a professor of political science and international relations at Damascus University.
4. Samer Zaraket (born 1987), a Lebanese footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Lebanon national team and Lebanese club Nejmeh SC. He is known for his skillful play and has been a key member of the Lebanon national team since 2005.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, whether it be sports or politics, showcasing the talent and achievements of people with the surname Zaraket.

Genealogical research on the last name Zaraket

The Zaraket surname is predominantly found among Arabic-speaking populations, particularly those from Lebanon and Syria. It is derived from the Arabic word "ziraaqit," which means "cress" or "dill."

Historical records suggest that the Zaraket family originated from the village of Zarqa in modern-day Jordan, though some sources claim the original settlement was Zarqa, Lebanon. The family later migrated to Lebanon and Syria, where they became prominent in various fields such as trade, politics, and education.

Notable individuals with the Zaraket surname include Nasib Nassar Zaraket, a Lebanese politician who served as the Minister of Public Works and Transport from 2014 to 2016; and Ghassan Zaraket, a Syrian-born French professional footballer who currently plays for the French Ligue 1 club Angers SCO.

Research on genealogy databases such as Ancestry and FamilySearch reveals numerous instances of the Zaraket family in Lebanon, Syria, and other countries with Arabic-speaking populations, providing a rich resource for those interested in exploring their Zaraket heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zaraket"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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