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Last Name Zeidan

What is the origin of the last name Zeidan?

The surname Zeidan is of Arabic origin. It derives from the Arabic given name "Zeid," which means "abundant" or "elegant." This name is found primarily among communities with Arabic-speaking roots. In some cases, the spelling may also be found as Zaidan or Zeidon.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zeidan

The meaning and origin of the last name Zeidan

The surname Zeidan originates from the Arabic language, specifically derived from the word "al-zayyān" (الزيان), which means "olive tree" or "olives." This surname is commonly found among Arabic speakers and has been adopted by various communities in different parts of the world. The name's adoption may have occurred during periods of migration, such as the Ottoman Empire's expansion or the modern era's refugee movements. As a result, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname can vary slightly depending on regional influences and language adaptations, with Zeidan being one of the most common variants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zeidan

The Zeidan surname is predominantly of Arabic origin and has its roots in various regions of the Middle East, particularly in countries like Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Libya. It is also found to some extent among Arabic-speaking communities in other parts of the world, such as in North America, Europe, and Australia, due to migration and diaspora. In Egypt, Zeidan is one of the most common surnames, particularly in the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt regions. In Syria, it is mainly concentrated in Aleppo, Hama, and Homs provinces. The distribution of the Zeidan name reflects historical Arab migrations and the spread of Islam across North Africa and the Middle East over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zeidan

The surname Zeidan can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Zaidan, Zaiedan, Zeiden, Zaydan, and Zaiden. These variations arise from the Arabic name زايدان (Zāydān), which means "lion's den" or "place of lions." The name may also be found in its diminutive form, Zeidon, Zeydoun, or Zaidoun. It is essential to note that these variations can occur in different cultures and language contexts, with the Arabic, Hebrew, and English forms all being potential origins for these spellings.

Famous people with the last name Zeidan

Notable individuals with the last name Zeidan include:

1. Hussein Ibrahim Tantawy Zeid (born 1946), a Jordanian diplomat who served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2014 to 2018.

2. Ahmad Abuzaid (also known as Ahmed Zeidan, born 1953), a Palestinian-American political figure and a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee.

3. Amr Zaidan (born 1967), a Syrian professional football coach and former player who managed the Syria national team from 2012 to 2015.

4. Hassan Zeidan (born 1987), a Tunisian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Spanish club RCD Espanyol.

5. Mohamed Zidan (born 1981), known as Zidan or Mido, an Egyptian former professional footballer who played as a striker and is currently the manager of Al-Ahly Sporting Club.

Genealogical research on the last name Zeidan

The Zeidan surname originates from the Middle East, specifically the Arabic-speaking regions, where it is derived from the Arabic given name 'Zaid' or 'Sa'id', meaning fortunate or lucky. The surname spread to various countries through migration, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable migrations to Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. In the United States, many Zeidans can be traced back to immigration from these regions in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Notable individuals with this surname include Egyptian politician Hussein Rushdi Zaidan and Syrian-American poet Etel Adnan, highlighting the global distribution of the Zeidan family name.

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 : 28 July 2025

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