Last Name Zenou

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zenou

The meaning and origin of the last name Zenou

The surname Zenou (or Zeno) is of Greek origin, derived from the name "Zenon" which means "life of Zeus." It has been recorded in various regions with historical connections to Greece, such as North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Over time, it underwent phonetic changes as it was adopted by different cultures. The surname Zenou may also have Hebrew roots, where it can be transliterated as "Zenua," meaning "to remember." As with many surnames, its exact origin can vary depending on the specific family lineage and historical context. It is commonly found today among populations in Tunisia, Algeria, France, Italy, and Greece.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zenou

The surname Zenou is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia and Algeria, where it originates from Arabic-speaking communities. It is most concentrated in regions such as the Sahel, Kabylie, and Sfax in Tunisia, and Oran, Algiers, and Constantine in Algeria. The name also has a presence in France due to immigration, especially in areas with large North African populations like Paris and Lyon. In addition, there are pockets of Zenous in other parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, and Australia, primarily among the Tunisian and Algerian diaspora communities. The global dispersal of the Zenou surname is a testament to migration patterns and cultural exchange over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zenou

The surname Zenou can be found with various spellings and pronunciations across different cultures. Some common variations include Zenoh, Zeno, Zenau, Zénon, Zenón, and others. These differences often stem from regional dialects, cultural influences, or transcriptions of the name into other languages. For instance, in French, it may be spelled as Zenon or Zénon, while in Spanish it can be written as Zenón. In some cases, a hyphen might appear between the first and second syllables, such as Zen-ou or Zen-oh, though this is not universally accepted. It's essential to note that the correct spelling of any name should reflect its owner's preference, as it plays a crucial role in identity and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Zenou

Notable individuals with the last name Zenou include:

1. Marc Zenou (born 1983), a French professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain, among others, during his career spanning from 2001 to 2017.

2. Pierre Zenou (born 1963), a French mathematician who has made significant contributions in the field of mathematical logic, set theory, and category theory. He is currently Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

3. Jean-Louis Zenou (born 1945), a French politician who served as a member of the National Assembly from the Essonne department between 2012 and 2017, representing the Socialist Party. He was previously a member of the General Council of Essonne for over two decades.

4. Sana Zenou (born 1984), an Algerian-born French actress who has appeared in various films and television shows since the early 2000s, including "Les Revenants" and "Braquo". She won the César Award for Most Promising Actress in 2007.

These individuals demonstrate diverse talents across the fields of sports, mathematics, politics, and entertainment, making significant contributions to their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Zenou

The Zenou surname is of French-Breton origin, derived from the Breton word "Zenon," meaning "the son of Zeno." Early records indicate that the name was first carried by the Normans who invaded England in 1066 during the reign of William the Conqueror. From there, it spread to other regions of France and eventually reached Brittany. The Zenou family in France can be traced back to the 13th century, with prominent members appearing in court records throughout the medieval period. By the late 1500s, some branches of the Zenou family had migrated from France to other parts of Europe, including England and the Spanish territories in America. The modern-day distribution of the Zenou surname shows a strong presence in France, particularly in Brittany and Normandy, as well as in Canada, the United States, and various countries in Latin America due to colonial expansion.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zenou"
• 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 : 14 June 2025