Lalla

Lalla is a traditional honorific in the Maghreb used to address women who are regarded with respect, virtue, or spiritual significance. In Moroccan Arabic, lalla means "lady" or "madam," and it is commonly prefixed to a woman's given name or epithet as a sign of esteem. The title is especially associated with female saints and revered women known as marabouts or holy women; many shrines, tombs, and religious sites in Morocco and neighboring regions bear the Lalla prefix, reflecting local practices of veneration that blend Islamic devotion with folk traditions.

In addition to its role as a title, Lalla is used as a female given name in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and among North African diaspora communities. The name can be found in various spellings, such as Lalla or Lala, and is sometimes kept as part of longer compound names.

Lalla also appears in toponyms across the Maghreb, where geographic features, towns, and districts include the prefix as an indicator of historical or religious associations.

The term remains a culturally significant marker in North African societies, conveying respect for women who are or are believed to be connected with virtuous qualities, spiritual leadership, or local heritage.