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Origin of the Surname Idrissa
The surname Idrissa has a geographical distribution that, for the most part, is concentrated in West African countries, especially in Niger, Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria, and Togo, with significant incidences in these territories. The presence in countries such as the United States, France, and some European countries is also notable, although on a smaller scale. The highest incidence in Niger, with 94,722 records, suggests that the surname has deep roots in that region, which allows us to infer that its origin is probably linked to the communities of West Africa, specifically to the ethnicities and cultural groups that inhabit that area.
This distribution pattern, with a strong concentration in Niger and neighboring countries, indicates that Idrissa could be a surname of ethnic or cultural origin in that region, possibly linked to Muslim communities or groups speaking Niger-Congolese or Afro-Asian languages. The presence in Western countries, such as France and the United States, can be explained by migration processes and diasporas, especially in the context of colonization, contemporary migratory movements and historical relations between Africa and Europe. The dispersion in European countries, although smaller in number, also reinforces the hypothesis of an African origin, given that many immigrants from West Africa have arrived in these countries in recent decades.
Etymology and Meaning of Idrissa
From a linguistic analysis, the surname Idrissa appears to have roots in the languages of West Africa, particularly in the Arabic-Islamic languages and in the Niger-Congolese languages. The form "Idrissa" is very similar to the transliteration of Arabic names, such as "Idris", which is a proper name of Arabic origin, widely used in Muslim communities in Africa. The presence of the vowel "i" and the phonetic structure suggest a possible local adaptation or a derived form of an Arabic name that has evolved in communities in the region.
The name "Idris" in Arabic (إدريس) has an important meaning, as it is related to a prophet and revered figure in Islam, considered a wise man and a messenger. The addition of the "-a" ending in "Idrissa" could be a form of phonetic or morphological adaptation in the languages of the region, which often modify Arabic names to fit their own linguistic structures. For example, in some Muslim communities in West Africa, it is common for Arabic names to be adapted with suffixes or phonetic changes that reflect local phonology.
As for its classification, "Idrissa" is probably a patronymic surname or derived from a given name, since in many African and Muslim cultures, surnames or family names are derived from the names of ancestors or religious figures. The root "Idris" itself, in this context, would be a given name, and "Idrissa" would function as a surname indicating descent from or affiliation with a revered figure.
On the other hand, the structure of the surname does not suggest a toponymic, occupational or descriptive origin, but rather a link with a personal name of a religious or cultural nature. The presence of similar variants in different regions also points to an origin in a proper name that has been adopted as a surname in several communities.
History and Expansion of the Surname
The analysis of the current distribution of the surname Idrissa allows us to assume that its origin dates back to the Muslim communities in West Africa, where the influence of Islam has been significant since the Middle Ages. The spread of the name "Idris" in these communities may be linked to the veneration of the prophet Idris, considered in Islamic tradition as a wise man and a divine messenger. The adoption of the surname "Idrissa" in these regions could have been consolidated in times when religious names were transmitted from generation to generation, forming part of family and community identity.
The spread of the surname outside of West Africa, particularly into Europe and America, probably occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries, in the context of colonization, migration and transatlantic trade. The presence in countries like France, which had an important colony in Niger and other countries in the region, can be explained by the migration of African communities to Europe in search of better living conditions. The incidence in the United States, although lower, also reflects recent migratory movements and the modern African diaspora.
The pattern of concentration in Niger and neighboring countries, together with the presence indiasporas in Europe and America, suggests that the surname originated in Muslim communities in West Africa, where Islam and cultural traditions have influenced the formation of surnames and family names. Geographic dispersion can be understood as a result of historical processes of migration, colonization and cultural relations that have led to the adoption and transmission of the surname in different contexts.
Variants and Related Forms
As for spelling variants, it is possible that there are different ways of writing "Idrissa" depending on phonetic and orthographic adaptations in different languages and regions. For example, in French-speaking countries, it could be found as "Idrissa" or "Idrissa", maintaining the same structure, while in English- or Spanish-speaking countries, forms like "Idris" or "Idrisa" could appear. The influence of Arabic can also be reflected in variants such as "Idris" or "Edris", which are proper names used in different Muslim communities.
In addition, there are related surnames or surnames with a common root, such as "Idris", "Idrisi", or "Idriss", which share the same etymological and cultural root. Regional adaptation can give rise to different forms, but they all maintain a link with the Arabic name and its meaning of wisdom and prophecy. The presence of these variants may also indicate the influence of different linguistic and cultural traditions in the formation of the surname.
