Origins of the Amoyal name

The surname Amoyal has several variations including Moyal, Amouyal and Mouyal. It is widespread among North African Jewish people, particularly in Morocco and Algeria.

Mark Eliany (The Meaning of names of Mediterranean Jewish Creators) offers these opinions on the origins of the name Amoyal:

It may have its origins in the Spanish “muy” which refers to high status or “much“, possibly a reference to wealth. It may also possibly be derived from the Moya, an ethnic group in the province of Cuenca in Spain or from the village of Moya in the province of Lugo. It may also be possibly be derived from the Arabic ” moual” referring to “chorus“. Preceded by the Berber prefix “a” it may be associated with singing or composition.

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