alMasri

AlMasri, commonly written as Al-Masri or Al Masri, is an Arabic nisba (a suffix indicating origin) meaning “the Egyptian.” It is used as a surname or epithet to denote Egyptian origin or ancestry and is found across the Arabic-speaking world and in diaspora communities.

Etymology and forms: The term derives from Miṣr, the Arabic name for Egypt. The definite article al- attaches to form Al-Masri, while variations in transliteration produce Masri, Masry, El-Masri, or El-Masry. In some contexts the spacing or hyphenation may vary.

Usage and distribution: Al-Masri is a common surname in Egypt and among people of Egyptian descent, as well as in other Arab regions where Egyptian heritage is acknowledged. It can appear as a standalone family name or as part of a longer name. The name also appears in media and institutional titles, reflecting its cultural resonance (for example, Al-Masry Al-Youm, an Egyptian newspaper).

Notable people: A diverse set of individuals in fields such as politics, sports, academia, and the arts bear the name, reflecting its broad geographic and linguistic use. Since transliteration can vary, the same surname may appear in multiple spellings.

See also: Masri (surname); Miṣr (Egypt); Egyptian (demonym).