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Last Name Zekria

What is the origin of the last name Zekria?

The surname "Zekria" is of Arabic origin. It derives from the Arabic word "Az-Zakariya," which means "the pure one" or "the innocent." This name is commonly associated with various countries in North Africa, particularly Tunisia and Algeria, where it may be spelled as Zekri, Zekry, Zakaria, Zacria, or similar variations. It is also found in other Arabic-speaking regions such as Egypt, Libya, and Morocco. Over time, the surname has been adapted to different local languages and cultures.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zekria

The meaning and origin of the last name Zekria

The surname Zekria is of Arabic origin, stemming from the Middle East, where it is commonly found among speakers of the Arabic language. The name translates to "the one who remembers" or "reminder," derived from the Arabic root words 'z-k-r' which signify remembrance, memory, and reminding. It is a surname that reflects the importance of remembrance in various aspects of Arabic culture and religion, such as remembering key events in Islamic history, prayers, and religious obligations. Over time, this name has been adopted and carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds due to migrations, cultural assimilation, and intermarriage. Today, the surname Zekria can be found in various parts of the world, with a significant presence among Arabic diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zekria

The surname Zekria is predominantly of Arabic origin and has a concentrated distribution across North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Algeria, due to historical ties and demographic patterns within the region. Smaller populations can also be found in Morocco, Libya, and other Middle Eastern countries. Outside of North Africa, communities with the surname Zekria have established themselves in France, due to the large Maghrebi diaspora following colonialism and post-independence immigration. In the United States, concentrations of individuals with this surname can be found in urban centers with significant Arab American populations, such as Dearborn, Michigan, and Houston, Texas. Scattered instances of the Zekria surname are also present in Europe, Canada, and Australia, reflecting global migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zekria

The surname Zekria exhibits various spellings and pronunciations, reflecting regional and cultural differences in its origin and transmission. Some common variants include Zecharia, Zecherya, Zachariah, Zacharya, Zakaria, Zakariah, and Zacaria. Other variations may include Zecaría, Zekeríja, or Zekriya depending on the country of origin, such as Morocco, Egypt, or other Middle Eastern countries. The name is derived from the Arabic 'Zakariyyā' (زكريا), meaning "pure" or "remembrance." It is traditionally a masculine given name but can occasionally be found as a surname in some cultures and regions.

Famous people with the last name Zekria

Among the notable individuals bearing the last name Zekria are:

1. Moufida Tlatli (Tunisia): A renowned Tunisian film director and screenwriter, she is best known for her films "Satin Rouge" and "The Silences of the Palace," which have been internationally acclaimed.

2. Sahbi Zekri (Tunisia): A professional footballer who plays as a striker for Al-Wahda FC in the United Arab Emirates and the Tunisian national team. He represented Tunisia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

3. Amine Zekri (France): A French actor, known for his role in the television series "Cafe Meuble" and films such as "Boulevard du crève-cœur" and "L'Enfant d'en Haut."

4. Houcine Zekri (Tunisia): A Tunisian diplomat, serving as the Ambassador of Tunisia to France since 2018. He previously served as Permanent Representative of Tunisia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Genealogical research on the last name Zekria

The surname Zekria is primarily of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic given name Zakaria, meaning "the pure one" or "the remembrancer." Its variant forms include Zakariah, Zacharia, and Zachary in English-speaking countries.

The Zekria family's roots can be traced back to North Africa, particularly Tunisia, where the name is quite common due to its religious significance. The first recorded instance of the name dates back to the medieval period, with notable figures such as Sheikh Zakariya Yahya al-Ansari (died 1071), a renowned Islamic scholar and founder of the Rifa'i Sufi order.

Over time, the Zekria family migrated from Tunisia to other regions in North Africa, the Middle East, and later Europe. The name is now found globally among communities with Arabic ancestry or connections to the region. The Zekrias are known for their contributions to various fields, including religion, academia, politics, and arts.

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 : 13 June 2025

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