Berber/Amazigh

Compiled by Jessica Hammer

If using these names in a medieval setting, the appropriate form for a last name is an Arab-style patronymic. Men have names like Iken ibn Tariq, and women names like Geduda bint Amina. Names of the form al- are also perfectly reasonable. The greatest heroine of the Berber people, for example, is Dihya al-Kahina. In a more modern setting, last names are appropriate.

Female Names 1

  1. Amina
  2. Bakka
  3. Dihya
  4. Silya
  5. Fariza
  6. Ghida
  7. Jedira
  8. Kella
  9. Tafrara
  10. Lalla
  11. Laysa
  12. Tasa
  13. Melila
  14. Tigmi
  15. Myassa
  16. Talalit
  17. Riuza
  18. Tamilla
  19. Mernissa
  20. Tannina

Female Names 2

  1. Sekura
  2. Rula
  3. Darifa
  4. Susa
  5. Tadla
  6. Tafat
  7. Geduda
  8. Kisa
  9. Taklit
  10. Randja
  11. Temzi
  12. Tawnat
  13. Tayri
  14. Ghnima
  15. Tella
  16. Megduda
  17. Tisent
  18. Wrina
  19. Zamra
  20. Zunagha

Male Names 1

  1. Abayghur
  2. Alwas
  3. Mennac
  4. Atissi
  5. Berkan
  6. Seghada
  7. Firmus
  8. Ghanim
  9. Gildun
  10. Tiljad
  11. Gulussan
  12. Hotha
  13. Idir
  14. Meddur
  15. Kadidu
  16. Taqfarinas
  17. Madidu
  18. Yaghmurasen
  19. Masmud
  20. Zerwal

Male Names 2

  1. Mejdan
  2. Firhun
  3. Abazza
  4. Mezwar
  5. Mezian
  6. Oukesson
  7. Nguna
  8. Amastan
  9. Sekla
  10. Sifal
  11. Tabat
  12. Iken
  13. Tariq
  14. Mastenissa
  15. Uksem
  16. Afalku
  17. Yeften
  18. Yunes
  19. Zayar
  20. Kenan

Surnames

  1. Aknin
  2. Hamuy
  3. Ohana
  4. Mammeri
  5. Ouaknin
  6. Tanzir
  7. Ouyahia
  8. Abrika
  9. Mehenni
  10. Othmani
  11. Menguellet
  12. Tabaamrant
  13. Demsiri
  14. Massi
  15. Guerouabi
  16. Assouline
  17. Feraoun
  18. Djaout
  19. Zidane
  20. Hasnaoui

Symbols and Their Meanings

Amazigh culture (the Berber word for the Berber - it means “the people”) is based on a strongly nomadic, shamanistic ancestry. For that reason, their arts are mostly the portable and useful kind, such as weaving rugs and baskets. However, the symbology put into their works has mystical significance within the culture. The meaning of a work is equally as important as its skill. The following are twenty common symbols found in Berber culture, along with their meanings.

  1. Lion’s Paw (protection through strength)
  2. Barley (fertility)
  3. Partridge Eyes (beauty and femininity)
  4. Chessboard (religious trance)
  5. Frog (fertility and magical power, male)
  6. Spider (fertility and magical power, female)
  7. Eye (protection against the evil eye)
  8. Scissors (anti-magic; symbol of metalworkers; metal is inimical to all Berber magic)
  9. Snake (holy person)
  10. Snake Skeleton (healing)
  11. Eagle (power)
  12. Lizard (human aspiration)
  13. Turtle (protection)
  14. Bird (destiny)
  15. Fish (prosperity)
  16. Crow’s Beak (protection for children)
  17. Gold (evil)
  18. Hen (a good wife)
  19. Seeds (hope for children)
  20. Saw (active defense against evil spirits)