Find out how popular the first name Driss has been for the last 20 years (from 2002 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Driss by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Driss is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Driss.

The history of the first name Driss

The given name Driss is of Arabic origin and has been in use since ancient times. It is derived from the Arabic root word "darasa" which means "to study" or "to learn". The name is believed to have originated in the region that is now modern-day Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Driss can be found in the Islamic religious texts, where it is mentioned as the name of a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. This companion, known as Driss ibn al-Khattab, played a significant role in the early spread of Islam in North Africa.

During the medieval period, the name Driss gained popularity among Arab scholars and intellectuals. It was often bestowed upon individuals who were known for their pursuit of knowledge and commitment to education. One notable figure from this era was Driss al-Razi, a Persian polymath who lived from 865 to 925 CE. He made significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, philosophy, and alchemy.

In the 12th century, a famous Sufi mystic and poet named Driss al-Halaj was born in what is now modern-day Iran. He is remembered for his profound spiritual teachings and his willingness to sacrifice his life for his beliefs. Al-Halaj was executed in 922 CE for his controversial views on the nature of divine love.

Another prominent individual who bore the name Driss was Driss al-Idrissi, a renowned Arab geographer and cartographer who lived in the 12th century. He is best known for his work titled "Nuzhat al-Mushtaq fi Ikhtiraq al-Afaq" (The Pleasure Excursion of One Who Is Eager to Traverse the Regions of the World), which contained detailed maps and descriptions of various regions of the world.

In more recent history, one of the most famous figures with the name Driss was Driss Basri, a Moroccan independence activist and political leader who played a crucial role in Morocco's struggle for independence from French colonial rule in the mid-20th century. Basri was born in 1888 and died in 1984, having witnessed and participated in the major events that shaped modern Morocco.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Driss was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Driss, please contact us.

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