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Origin of the Surname Cherquaoui
The surname Cherquaoui presents a geographical distribution that, according to available data, reveals a predominant presence in Morocco, with 682 incidences, and a minor presence in European countries such as the United Kingdom (3) and France (2). The significant concentration in Morocco suggests that the origin of the surname is likely linked to this region of North Africa, specifically in the context of the Arab and Berber communities that inhabit the country. The dispersion in Europe, although much smaller, could be related to migrations or diasporas, possibly linked to colonial, commercial or migratory movements in recent times.
The current distribution, with an overwhelming incidence in Morocco, makes it reasonable to infer that the surname has a local origin in that area, probably in the context of Arab or Berber communities. The presence in Europe, particularly in France and the United Kingdom, may be due to later migrations, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, when many Moroccans emigrated to Europe for economic, political or asylum reasons. However, the low incidence in these countries reinforces the hypothesis that the surname does not originate in Europe, but was brought there by migrants.
Etymology and Meaning of Cherquaoui
Linguistic analysis of the surname Cherquaoui indicates that it probably has roots in the Arabic or Berber languages, given its phonetic pattern and geographical distribution. The structure of the surname, with the presence of the root "Cherq" or "Cherqa", suggests a possible relationship with terms that in Arabic mean "east" or "eastern", since "Sharq" (شرق) in Arabic means "east". The ending "-oui" or "-i" in Arabic and Berber surnames is usually a suffix indicating belonging or relationship, similar to other surnames that denote origin or lineage.
The "Cherq" component could be derived from the Arabic word "Sharq", which means "east" or "east". The addition of the suffix "-aoui" or "-oui" may be a dialectal or regional way of indicating belonging or lineage, or even a phonetic adaptation in the context of the formation of surnames in the Maghreb region. In some cases, surnames containing "Cherq" or "Sharq" are related to places, tribes, or geographic features linked to east orientation.
From an etymological perspective, the surname Cherquaoui could be classified as a toponymic, if it relates to a specific place or region in North Africa, or as a descriptive surname if it refers to a geographical or cultural characteristic. The presence of the suffix "-oui" also suggests a possible influence of Berber languages or Maghrebi Arabic dialects, where suffixes and prefixes vary according to region and family tradition.
In summary, the surname Cherquaoui probably has an origin in the Arabic or Berber languages, with a meaning related to "the one from the east" or "the one from the eastern region." The structure of the surname reflects typical elements of Maghrebi onomastics, in which surnames often indicate lineage, place of origin or geographical characteristics.
History and Expansion of the Surname
The origin of the surname Cherquaoui, based on its current distribution, is estimated to date back to the Arab or Berber communities of northern Morocco. The significant presence in this region suggests that the surname may have been formed in a local context, possibly in relation to a place, tribe or geographical feature linked to the east orientation or to a specific territory in the Maghreb.
Historically, Morocco has been a crossroads of civilizations, with Arab, Berber, Phoenician, Roman and later French and Spanish colonial influences. The formation of surnames in this region is usually related to tribal identity, place of residence or cultural characteristics. It is likely that Cherquaoui arose in a context where identification by lineage or territory was important, and that it was passed down from generation to generation in local communities.
The expansion of the surname outside the Maghreb, particularly towards Europe, may be linked to the migratory movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. During these periods, many Moroccans emigrated to European countries in search of better living conditions, work or for political reasons. The presence in France, in particular, is significant, given that Morocco was a French protectorate for much of the 20th century, facilitating the migration and transmission of surnames such as Cherquaoui on the continent.European.
The low incidence in countries like the United Kingdom may be due to more recent migrations or specific movements of families. The concentration in Morocco, however, reinforces the hypothesis that the surname has an autochthonous origin in that region, and that its expansion in Europe is the result of relatively modern migratory processes.
Variants and Related Forms of the Surname Cherquaoui
Depending on the structure and possible root of the surname, it is likely that there are orthographic or phonetic variants, especially in contexts where transcriptions from Arabic or Berber to the Latin alphabet vary. Some possible variants could include forms such as Cherqaoui, Cherkaoui, or even French or English adaptations, such as Cherkawi or similar.
In other languages, particularly in Francophone or Anglophone contexts, the surname may have been adapted to make it easier to pronounce or write, although the main root is probably preserved. Additionally, in regions where Arab or Berber influence is strong, there could be related surnames that share the root "Cherq" or "Sharq", indicating a common origin or a tribal or territorial relationship.
It is important to note that, given the phonetic nature of the surname, regional variants may reflect phonetic or orthographic adaptations, but essentially maintain the same etymological root. The existence of related surnames or surnames with a common root can facilitate the identification of lineages or historical connections in the Maghreb region and in the diasporas.
