Last Name Zeghir

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zeghir

The meaning and origin of the last name Zeghir

The surname Zeghir is of Arabic origin, specifically from North Africa, particularly Tunisia and Algeria. It is derived from the Arabic term "al-saghīr," which translates to "the small" or "the little one." This name was often given as a diminutive form of various personal names containing the root "sghīr," meaning small or insignificant. Over time, it evolved into a common surname in these regions and has since been adopted by families of Arabic descent around the world. The spelling variations of Zeghir, such as Seghir, Seguer, and Segui, are due to transliteration and phonetic changes over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zeghir

The surname Zeghir is primarily concentrated in North Africa, particularly in Algeria and Tunisia. It originates from Arabic roots and is a variant of the name Saghira or Zaghouan, which are common in these regions. In Algeria, it's most frequently found in the cities of Constantine, Algiers, and Oran due to historical settlement patterns. In Tunisia, it's prevalent in the governorates of Tunis, Sousse, and Kairouan. The diaspora has also spread to France, with significant numbers residing in Paris and other urban centers, as a result of migration during the colonial era and more recently. Additionally, small Zeghir communities can be found in other parts of the world where Algerians and Tunisians have immigrated, such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zeghir

The surname Zeghir has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include Zeger, Zahar, Zeher, Zegaire, and Seghier. These variations may originate from different geographical locations or from changes over time. In French-speaking regions, it is often spelled Seghir or Sghaïr, while in English-speaking regions, the most common spelling is Zeghir or Zeger. It's important to note that these variations may be used interchangeably by different individuals with the same ancestry. The name originates from the Berber language and means "lion."

Famous people with the last name Zeghir

The Zeghir family has produced notable figures in various fields across the globe. One of the most prominent is Abdelkrim Zeghir, a renowned Algerian political figure and activist who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2014 under President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. In France, Jean-Pierre Zeghir (born 1957) is a well-known journalist, television host, and former politician. He was elected as a deputy of the National Assembly in 1988 and served until 1993. In the world of sports, Mohamed Amine Zeghir, also known as Yannick Sagnet, is a French professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ligue 2 side FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. Lastly, in the realm of academia, Salim Zeghari (1935–2016) was an influential Tunisian philosopher and literary critic. His works were widely published in Arabic, French, and English. These individuals demonstrate the global reach and diverse accomplishments of those bearing the last name Zeghir.

Genealogical research on the last name Zeghir

The surname Zeghir is primarily associated with North African, particularly Tunisian, origins. It is derived from the Arabic surnames Al-Zahhar or Zahhari, which mean "the fragrant" or "the gardener". This name was often given to people who were skilled gardeners or who lived near a fragrant garden.

The Zeghir family can be traced back to the 16th century in Tunisia. One of the most notable members, Hussein Dey, was the Bey of Tunis from 1735 to 1782 and played a significant role during the Ottoman rule.

The Zeghirs were known for their service in the military, politics, and commerce. Many members immigrated to France and other European countries during the 20th century, establishing new communities while maintaining connections with their Tunisian roots. Today, the name Zeghir is found globally among these communities, reflecting a rich history spanning multiple continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "zeghir"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 30 July 2025