Moroccan Royal Names and Titles

[rchainho]

Can you explain me why?

[Layla27]

The word "Lalla" means "Lady" in english.

Originally Posted by rchainho

Can you explain me why?

[Leslie2006]

Is that a name---similar to Maria for the Catholics---given to all Princesses of Arab countries? I've noticed all the Moroccan princesses have it.

[LauraMCS]

"Lalla", if memory serves, is an honorific granted to women of high rank or those who have been venerated as saints. I have only the term 'Lalla' used for women of Northern African countries (Morocco and Algiers specifically) but there might be others that I can't remember right off the top of my head.

[Odette]

I believe the same. I read that it is a honorific title. All the King's sisters and his wife have it.

[Paty]

It could be.... Lalla = Laidy ?

[Count]

Originally Posted by Paty

It could be.... Lalla = Laidy ?

Exactly Paty, in Arabic, "Lalla"=Lady is like a title given to female members of important families, not only Royal families. It comes from the Berber language of North Africa.

[Menarue]

Just like the Portuguese Dona. The Queens were always Rainha D.Isabel, or Rainha D.Maria which would translate as Queen Lady Isabel etc.
In polite conversation women are addressed as Senhora dona, but Dona and the given name is for the aristocracy. Whereas for men Dom is for the aristocracy (some, that is those that have the right to be called this with their given name) and prelates.

[Leslie2006]

ohh ok. that makes since now. :) thanks guys.

[morgeanne]

Lalla is just a way of having respect for a woman. I'm a moroccan and I call all the elder ladies 'lalla'.

In reality it's not just lalla Salma. It's Amira Lalla Salma. And Amira is like princesse.

[chaimae]

Originally Posted by morgeanne

Lalla is just a way of having respect for a woman. I'm a moroccan and I call all the elder ladies 'lalla'.

In reality it's not just lalla Salma. It's Amira Lalla Salma. And Amira is like princesse.

yes thats true ,we call lala to the women just to respect her , its just a way to respect others some poeple call the grandmother 'lala'

[sgl]

Originally Posted by morgeanne

Lalla is just a way of having respect for a woman. I'm a moroccan and I call all the elder ladies 'lalla'.

In reality it's not just lalla Salma. It's Amira Lalla Salma. And Amira is like princesse.

You're absolutely correct about Amira. I have learned a bit of Arabic from some of my friends from Saudi Arabia, and they have taught me "Amira", which means princess.

[shrifia]

Lalla in morocco like some members said before mean Lady in english and Dona in spanish (I meanfor royal women)it's definitely title that use to give to royal woman until her birth.
we use it too to call old ladies or just someone who is respectful,it's way to be polite,lalla for women and moulay or sidi for men.I don't know the historic Origin of the title but it's very old tradition...maybe I'll do some search about.

[Menarue]

It is a nice tradition that is for sure. I hadn´t realised that moulay or sidi was the version for men. We learn something new every day, that is why this forum is so interesting.