Last Name Zeribi

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zeribi

The meaning and origin of the last name Zeribi

The surname Zeribi is of Arabic origin, primarily found among families from Tunisia. It is derived from the Arabic word "sariiba" or "zaribah," which translates to "fuller" or "washer." Fullers were important figures in medieval societies as they prepared wool for weaving by cleaning and thickening it through a process called fulling. This occupation was a respected one, and families who carried out this task often took the name of their profession as a form of identification. The surname Zeribi may have originated from someone whose role was to clean and process wool in Tunisia, thereby passing down the occupational name through generations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zeribi

The surname Zeribi is predominantly found in North Africa, particularly in Tunisia, where it is one of the most common Jewish surnames. It also appears in Algeria and Morocco, though less frequently. The name is derived from the Arabic "Zarib" or "Zirbi," which means "goldsmith" or "jeweler." Historically, many Jews in North Africa were engaged in these trades, contributing to the prevalence of such surnames among Jewish communities. Today, the Zeribi diaspora extends beyond North Africa, with significant numbers of bearers living in Israel, France, the United States, and Canada, largely as a result of migration from North Africa during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zeribi

The surname Zeribi has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription from Hebrew to Latin script or regional dialects. Some common variants include Zribi, Serabi, Serrabi, Zrabi, Sarabi, Siraby, and Cerrabi. These variations may be found among Jews of Tunisian, Moroccan, Algerian, or Libyan descent, as the name is commonly associated with North African Jewish communities. Additionally, diaspora populations in Europe, America, and other regions may have adapted the spelling to their local linguistic conventions. However, it's important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific family lineage or region of origin.

Famous people with the last name Zeribi

Notable individuals sharing the surname Zeribi include:

1. Samir Zeribi: A Tunisian-born French philosopher known for his work on the philosophy of time and change, as well as the intersection of philosophy and mathematics.

2. Nadia Zeribi: A French actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Le Bureau des Légendes" (The Bureau) and "Les Revenants" (The Returned).

3. Amel Zerzawy Zeribi: A Tunisian-American neurobiologist and professor at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory.

4. Rania Zeribi: A French economist specializing in macroeconomics, fiscal federalism, and public finance. She currently serves as a member of the European Parliament for La République En Marche! (REM).

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields of philosophy, acting, neurobiology, and politics. Their accomplishments serve as testament to the diverse talents and achievements of those carrying the Zeribi surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Zeribi

The surname Zeribi is of Tunisian origin, stemming from the North African region where it is commonly found among the Jewish communities of Tunisia. Historically, the name has been traced back to medieval periods with roots in the Ben-Arous, Ben-Gorion, and Haddad clans, all traditionally involved in merchant trading and craftsmanship. Some branches of the Zeribi family have settled in other countries over time due to historical events such as the Tunisian Jewish exodus in 1492 after the Alhambra Decree, leading to the presence of families with this surname in places like Morocco, France, Italy, and the United States. The name Zeribi may be a derivative of "Serif," meaning "priest" or "scribe," indicative of the religious roles held by some early family members. Today, descendants of the Zeribi family can be found worldwide with various professions and trades, retaining their cultural heritage and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zeribi"
• 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 : 13 June 2025