Lebanese Families
Khadem and Khaddam Families Sunni and Alawite in the north
‘Khadem’ is the Arabic for ‘servant’ or any person who helps or serves others in the various spheres of life. However, the widespread use of this word that particularly refers to domestic workers who help with cleaning and menial tasks around the house, the office or in restaurants, has...
Shawish Families-Half of them are Catholic and the other half Sunni and Shia’a
Shawish is a military title borne by military members whose rank lacks accurate definition. Generally, it is given to those ranking in the military’s lower echelon such as sergeants or corporals. In Lebanon, shawish is also a common family name. Although we know little about the origins of this...
The al-Dobbs and al-Dabdoubs-in Beqa’a and the North
Al-dobb (Arabic for a ‘bear’) is a large animal that walks with the entire lower surface of the foot touching the ground. It possesses excellent sense of smell and hearing. The name Al-dobb can sometimes be assigned to heavy and big people. Al-dabdoub is the diminutive form of al-dobb and is...
Nahle Families-Southern Majority, Northern Minority and seven members in Beirut
The Nahles are a medium-sized Lebanese family. Most of its members are Shia’a; a minority is Sunni and a limited number is Maronite. The Nahles are mainly present in South Lebanon, in particular Tibeh and Nabatieh, as well as in the north (Deir Emar) and Beirut.
Tabeekh Families-Sunni and Shia’a in the North and Beqa’a
In the Arabic language, the word ‘tabeekh’ means cooked food. It usually refers to those foods containing rice, meat and vegetables. This word though has been assigned as name for a number of families in both Lebanon and the Arab World.
Tohmaz Families -Shia’a in Beirut and the South
Opinions diverge on the origins of Tohmaz. Some believe that this small Lebanese family descends from Ottoman roots; others assure that it is originally Arabian, arguing that it sprang from the Arab Peninsula towards Iraq and the Levant and from there to Lebanon in the early twentieth century.
Terjman Family-Sunni in Saida, Beirut and Tripoli
The Terjmans (Al-Terjmans) are a small Lebanese family of no more than 200 members. They are present mainly in Saida, Beirut and Tripoli.
Shafshak Families-Sunni in North Lebanon
‘Shafshaka’ in the Arabic vernacular is used to denote a task done quickly and improperly, thus resulting in future problems. Several families in north Lebanon- Akkar- have the name ‘shafshak’.
Al-Bazal Family-Shia’a in Beqa’a and Sunni in the North
The Al-Bazals (sometimes Bazals) are a Lebanese family present mainly in Beqa’a and north Lebanon.
Medlej Family-Shia’a, Maronites and a Sunni Minority
Medlej is a popular character in the play Jabal Al-Sawan by Al-Rahbani brothers. In the play, Jabal Al-Sawan is a town that eventually falls to the forces of tyrant ‘Fatek’ after 100 days of fighting and resistance. Refusing to kneel or surrender to Fatek, the town’s leader, Medlej, is...
