Nahoum

Nahoum is a given name and surname of Hebrew origin. It is a variant of the biblical name Nahum (Hebrew Naḥum) and is used among various Jewish communities, particularly among Mizrahi and Sephardic populations in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in diaspora communities.

Etymology and meaning: The name derives from the Hebrew root NHM, meaning to comfort or console. In the Bible, Nahum is the name of a minor prophetic book; as a modern given name it has been adopted by families across Arabic- and Persian-speaking Jewish communities.

Usage and spellings: Nahoum appears in transliterated form in Arab-language regions and among descendants of those communities. Other common spellings include Naoum and Nahoum, reflecting different transliteration practices in French, English, and local contexts.

Surname use: In addition to its use as a given name, Nahoum occurs as a surname, typically indicating descent from an ancestor named Nahum. It is found among Jewish families from the Middle East, North Africa, and their descendants in Europe and the Americas.

Notable people: The surname Nahoum has been borne by several individuals in Mizrahi and Sephardic communities, including scholars, merchants, and religious leaders. Specific biographical details are often tied to regional histories and genealogical records.

See also: Nahum (name); Naoum; Nahoumi.