100 Common Arabic Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings

Arabic last names of people are based on their tribe, clan, place, and origin of the family. They may also depend on the minority group of the family. ManyArabic surnameshave ‘Al-‘ at the beginning, which means, ‘The-.’ For example, ‘Al-Saud’ will mean ‘The Saud family.’

In Arabic nations, such as Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, the last names also descend from the family profession or business that has run through generations. For example, ‘Al Tajir’ means ‘The Merchant.’

If you wish to know more interesting facts about surnames, read on. This post has a list of Arabic surnames with their origin and meanings.

In This Article

Popular Arabic Last Names Or Family Names

1. Abadi:

The surname Abadi runs in the families whose ancestors belonged to the Abbad tribe. It means ‘endless’, ‘eternal’.

2. Abaza:

The surname Abaza is related to the native ethnic group Abazin of the Northwest Caucasus. Additionally, the Abaza language is common in the Russian autonomous republic of Karachay-Cherkessia, the Caucasus mountains, and in a few parts of Turkey.

3. Abdallah:

The surname Abdallah translates to ‘Servant of God’ in Arabic. Abd stands for servant, and Allah stands for God.

4. Abulafia:

The last name Abulafia is also written as Abolafia or Abū l-ʿāfiya in Arabic and means ‘father of health.’ This Sephardic Jewish surname originated in spain.

5. Ahmad:

The name in Arabic is translated to ‘the praised one’.

6. Ajam:

This surname is also used as Ajami and means ‘mute’ in Arabic. However, the name originally denotes someone who is a non-Arab or one who does not speak Arabic as their mother tongue, and thus also means ‘foreigner.’

7. Ali:

The surname Ali means someone ‘high’, ‘lofty’, or a ‘champion’. It was also the name of the fourth caliph of theIslamic world.

8. Amin:

The surname means ‘the truthful’ or ‘trustworthy’. The name is usually prefixed with Al, i.e., Al-Amin.

9. Asghar:

The name Asghar is derived from Azhar, which means ‘shining’, ‘radiance’, ‘luminosity’, ‘clarity’ or ‘brilliance’.

10. Ayad:

The surname Ayad means ‘the hands with power’. The name signifies the blessings, and the power to achieve things in life.

11. Aziz:

姓阿齐兹在阿拉伯语中意思是“最亲爱的人的. It is often associated with the servant of God who is the dearest, the most precious and devoted. In Hebrew, the name means ‘might’,‘strength’ and ‘power’.

12. Badawi:

The last name Badawi is given to children born in the Bedouin tribe. Bedouin are a group of ethnic Arab tribes and clans who live in the desert. Badawi means ‘desert dweller’.

13. Badr:

This is an Arabic surname derived from the given name Badr meaning ‘full moon.’ The name finds itself associated with the ecclesiastical full moon which appears on the 14th day of the lunar calendar.

14. Baghdadi:

Thislast nameruns in the families who originated from the city of Baghdad in Iraq. One of the meanings of Baghdad is ‘bestowed by God’.

15. Bakir:

In Arabic, Bakir means ‘dawn’, ‘early’ or ‘something that happens before the time’.

16. Barakat:

This Arabic name is both a given name and a surname. It is derived from the plural form of the name Barak or Barakah which means ‘blessing.’

17. Bashar:

Bashar stands for ‘the bringer of good tidings’.

18. Basma:

The name Basma, also spelled Basmah, is derived from the Arabic word Basama meaning ‘smile.’ The name Basma is also used as a feminine given name and is most commonly found across Egypt.

19. Bilal:

This last name signifies ‘moistness’ or the ‘flow of water’. It also means ‘the victorious one’.

20. Bukhari:

This surname is also a given name and is commonly used as Al-Bukhari in Arabic and means ‘one from Bukhara’ (a city in Uzbekistan). This name is common in South Asian countries and is famously associated with an Islamic scholar Muhammad al-Bukhari.

21. Burhan:

The last name Burhan is an adjective in Arabic used to describe one of the many qualities of Prophet Muhammed. The name means ‘the one with the proof’ or the ‘knowledgeable one’.

22. Dabbas:

The Arabic last name Dabbas means ‘maker or seller of syrup (molasses).’ It is commonly used in Jordan.

23. Darwish:

The name Darwish has many meanings in different cultures – Arab, Persian, Hewbrew, etc. Darwish means ‘roaming’, ‘exploring’ or ‘wandering’.

24. Dawoud:

Dawoud originated from Hebrew and is an Arabic variation of theEnglish nameDavid. The name is mentioned in the Quran and means ‘a beloved friend’.

25. Din:

This last name is a romanization of the Chinese last name Lin, which is predominantly used in the Philippines. The surname Lin means ‘forest’ in Chinese

26. Ebeid:

Ebeid is also pronounced as Ubayd. It means ‘the devoted servant of God’ or the ‘worshiper of God.’

27. Fadel:

Fadel, a divine Arabic last name

Image: Shutterstock

The surname means ‘virtue’ or ‘someone gracious and divine’.

28. Faez:

Faez means ‘victory’. The name is derived from another name Faza, which means ‘the successful and victorious one’.

29. Faheem:

The surname is masculine in nature and means ‘perceptive’ or ‘intelligent’. The name is mentioned in the Quran as Fahm, which means ‘understanding’.

30. Faizan:

Faizan can be spelt in multiple ways. However, in Arabic, the name means ‘the generous one’ or ‘the ruler’.

31. Faris:

The last name is a variant of the name Faris meaning ‘horseman’ or ‘knight’ in Arabic. It is most common in Ethiopia.

32. Farhat:

The name Farhat has several meanings in different cultures. The name is commonly found in Arab communities originating from Persia. In Arabic, the name means ‘splendor’ and ‘status’.

33. Farouq:

Farouq means ‘the redeemer’ or ‘the one who differentiates between the right and wrong’. The surname is often related to families who are the descendants of Umar ib’n al-Khattab, the fourth caliph of the Islamic world.

34. Farsi:

The surname is given to children whose families originated from the country of Persia. Farsi means ‘the Persian’.

35. Fasih:

The surname Fasih in Arabic means ‘eloquence’. The name is prefixed withAl, i.e.,Al-Fasih, which stands for ‘the eloquent one’.

36. Fasil:

It means ‘the distinguishing’ or ‘the unique one’. It is often prefixed withAl, i.e., Al-Fasil.

37. Fayed:

The surname Fayed in Arabic means ‘the winner’ or ‘the benefiter’.

38. Gaddafi:

The surname originated from the Libyan Berber tribe called Qadhadhfa. The name means ‘the archer’ or ‘the thrower’.

protip_icon Trivia
The revolutionary leader of the Libyan Arab Republic, Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar Gaddafi, was a popular bearer of this last name.

39. Ghazali:

The last name Ghazali personifies a ‘philosopher’, ‘saint’ or a ‘mystic person’.

40. Ghazawwi:

The surname is usually given to people belonging to the families originating from the city of Gaza in Palestine. It means, ‘the one from Gaza’.

41. Ghulam:

Ghulam is a common name in many languages and cultures. The name means the ‘young servant of god’. It signifies devotion to god.

42.哈比:

It means ‘beloved’ or ‘friend’. The last name is often used as an honorary title for someone who is respectable. It is a popular surname in the Arab world.

43. Hadi:

The name Hadi is derived from one of the 99 names of Allah, Hidayah. The name means the ‘guide to righteousness’.

44. Hadid:

The meaning of the surname is ‘iron’. The patronymic name is attached withAlto form a surname, i.e., Al Hadid.

45. Hafeez:

The name Hafeez means ‘the guardian’ or ‘the protector’.

46. Hakim:

It means ‘the healer’ or ‘the doctor’. The name originated from the Arabic title given to doctors and physicians during the middle ages. It is also given to people whose family profession is healing.

47. Halabi:

This Jewish locational surname means ‘Aleppine’ in Arabic. It is used to refer to a person from the Syrian city of Aleppo.

48. Hamadani:

The surname Hamadani is an Arabic attributive title denoting an origin from the Iranian province of Hamadan. It is derived from the Arabic root word Hamida meaning ‘to praise.’ Thus the name means ‘the praised one.’

49. Hamdi:

The surname means ‘praiseworthy’. The name is the Quranic term for persons highly praised by Allah.

50. Harb:

This Arabic surname means ‘war.’ A prominent person bearing this last name is Abu Sufyan ibn Harb who was the opponent of Prophet Muhammad and later became one of his companions.

51. Hariri:

Hariri, an Arabic last name

Image: Shutterstock

The surname is given in families whose profession involves manufacturing and trading silk. The name is extracted from the wordHarir, which means ‘silk’.

52. Hashim:

The surname is derived from Prophet Mohammed’s great-grandfather. He had the habit of crushing bread before distributing it among the pilgrims. Hence, Hashim means ‘the crusher of bread’.

53. Hasnawi:

The surname is also spelled Hasnaoui. The name often runs in families from Algeria.

54. Hassan:

This versatile surname is also used as a given name Hasan meaning ‘handsome’ or ‘favorable,’ or ’‘benefactor.’ Hassan enjoys widespread popularity not only within the Arab world and also the Muslim world.

55. Hatem:

Hatem is also spelled as Hatim. It means ‘decisive’ and ‘determined’. The surname is very popular in the Arab Muslim world.

56. Hijazi:

The surname Hijazi runs in families who originated from the Hejaz region in Saudi Arabia. It means ‘the one from Hejaz’.

57. Hilal:

The surname has its origins in Arabic. It is also used as a given name for boys in Arabic and girls in Turkish. The name Hilal means ‘crescent moon.’

58. Hussein:

Hussein was the name of the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, the son of Fatimah and Ali (the fourth caliph of the Islamic World). It means ‘to behandsome or beautiful’.

59. Haqq:

The surname Haqq, also spelled as Haq, is an Arabic elemental name meaning ‘truth.’ It is often used as the suffix within the last name Al-Haqq due to its association with the Islamic God.

60. Ibrahim:

The surname originated from one of the prophets of Islam, Prophet Ibrahim. The name means, ‘the father of all’ or ‘the exalted father’.

61. Iqbal:

This popular last name means ‘one with strength’ in Arabic. Several well-known scholars, poets, politicians, and intellectuals have this name.

62. Irfan:

Irfan means ‘the one filled with knowledge’. It also means ‘awareness’ and ‘constant learning’.

63. Isa:

Isa is an Arabic variant of Jesus and Yasu (Judaism). Isa was one of the prophets who came before Prophet Mohammed. The name means ‘ice’ or ‘iron’.

64. Ishak:

This Arabic surname is also a given name meaning ‘one who laughs.’ It is predominantly found in Indonesia.

65. Ismat:

The name signifies ‘purity’, ‘chastity’, ‘innocence’, ‘perfection’, ‘flawlessness’ and ‘impeccability’.

66. Issawi:

Issawi means ‘soft’, ‘gentle’ and ‘tender’.

67. Jabal:

This last name refers to ‘great height’. Jabal is often associated with a mountain.

68. Jabir:

The name has several spellings – Geber, Gabir, Jaber, etc. Jabir means, ‘the comforter’.

69. Jalal:

The surname appears in the Quran often to describe the greatness of Allah. The name means ‘might’, ‘strength’, ‘power’, ‘glory’ and ‘superiority’.

70. Jameel:

Jameel means ‘handsome’ and ‘beautiful’.

71. Jawahir:

The last name refers to ‘jewelry’, ‘precious stones’, ‘gold’, and ‘precious metals’.

72. Jaziri:

It means ‘self-confidence’ and ‘independence’. The surname personifies a positive and practical personality.

73. Kader:

Kader, a powerful Arabic last name

Image: Shutterstock

The surname refers to someone who is ‘capable’. It also means ‘powerful’ and ‘ambitious’.

74. Karim:

This surname is also a given name. It means ‘the generous’ and ‘the noble’. It is also one of the 99 names of Allah.

75. Kashif:

This last name means the person who discovers, reveals, pioneers or uncovers. The name signifies observance, intellect, and sharpness.

76. Kassab:

Kassab refers to the bread-winner or earner of the family.

77. Kazem:

The name Kazem has different pronunciations and spellings. The name signifies ‘control over anger’.

78. Khalid:

The surname Khalid is also a popular given name for boys. It means ‘eternal’ in Arabic.

protip_icon Quick fact
In Saudi Arabia, an individual has a personal name, father’s personal name, grandfather’s personal name, and a surname derived from the tribal or family clan.

79. Khayat

Khayat, also spelled as Khayyat, is an Arabic occupational surname that means ‘tailor.’

80. Laghmani:

It means the ‘one born at nightfall’. The surname also signifies peace and silence.

81. Maalouf:

Maalouf is derived from another wordMaayuf, which means the ‘one who stands out in the crowd’ or ‘left out’.

82. Maamoun:

The last name refers to a person notable for their trustworthiness and honesty.

83. Mohammed:

The last name Muhammed comes from the last prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammed. The name means ‘praise-worthiness’, and ‘laudability’.

84. Mahmud:

This Arabic surname is derived from the name Muhammed.

85. Malek

This Arabic surname is also spelled as Malik and means ‘king.’ This name derives from al-Malik which is one of the 99 names of Allah.

86. Marwan:

Marwan is derived from the stone Marou, which was used to start a fire in ancient times. The name also signifies ‘leadership and strength’.

87. Mufti:

In Arabic, Mufti refers to a ‘legal advisor’ or ‘counselor’. The name originated from the Arabic title given to legal advisors back in the middle ages.

88. Mughrabi:

This surname runs in families who speak Magrabi Arabic. The language is spoken by the arab-berber tribes.

89. Mustafa:

The name Mustafa is one of the many names given to Prophet Muhammed. The name means ‘the chosen one’ or ‘the appointed one’.

90. Nabih:

The name means ‘being aware and vigilant’. It also signifies ‘honor’.

91. Nader:

The surname means ‘exceptional’, ‘extraordinary’, ‘unique’ or ‘rarity’.

92. Nagi:

The name Nagi or Naji was actually given to Prophet Muhammed for his devotion to Allah. He was called the friend of Allah. Nagi means the ‘closest friend’ in Arabic.

93. Nahdi:

Nahdi is a common surname in the Arab world. It means ‘a strong tree’ in Arabic.

94. Najdi:

The surname Najdi runs in families who originated in the Najd region in Arabia.

95. Najafi

The surname Najafi is derived from the Arabic word Najafa meaning ‘elevated place.’

96. Najm:

Najm means ‘star’.

97. Najjar:

This surname is derived from the profession of carpentry. Al-Najjar means ‘the carpenter’.

98. Noor:

Noor means ‘divinity’ or ‘light’. It also personifies outward and inward beauty gained from devotion to god.

99. Osman:

Osman means the ‘devoted servant of God’. The name is popular in the Arabic and Urdu speaking countries.

100. Qadir:

The name Qadir means ‘competent’, ‘powerful’ or ‘capable’.

101. Qasim:

Qasim, the kind Prophet Muhammed

Image: Shutterstock

Qasim is one of the epithets of Prophet Muhammed. The name means ‘the one who distributes’. It can be associated with kindness and charity.

102. Qureshi:

The surname is derived from the tribe of Quraish in Makkah in the era of Prophet Muhammed. The Quraish tribe included rich and prosperous businessmen. The last name is given to the descendants of the tribe.

103. Rafiq:

Rafiq means a ‘close friend’ ‘companion’ or a ‘follower of God’.

104. Rahim:

One of the 99 names of Allah, Rahim means ‘the merciful’ or ‘the forgiving’.

105. Rahman

The last name has its roots in Arabic culture. It means “merciful”, “King”, “gracious,” or “Lord.”

106. Rajab:

Derived from the Islamic calendar, Rajab is the seventh month in the calendar and means ‘to respect’.

107. Ramzan:

Ramzan or Ramadan is derived from the Islamic calendar and means ‘to be alive’. The month of Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims.

108. Ramzi:

The surname means ‘quiet’, ‘reserved’ or ‘demure’. The name also means a ‘sign’ given by Allah.

109. Rashid:

This, again, is one of the 99 names of Allah. The name signifies ‘right direction’ and ‘truth’.

110. Rasul

This last name is used both as a given name in Arabic and means ‘prophet’ or ‘messenger.’

111. Reza:

The last name Reza means the ‘approval of Allah’. It means that God is content and pleased with the actions and decisions of the followers. The name is most commonly used by the Shia Muslims.

112. Sader:

The name Sader in Arabic means ‘broad-chested’, ‘strength’, ‘courage’ or ‘fore-fronted’.

113. Sajjad:

Sajjad refers to the ‘devoted worshiper of Allah’.

114. Saleh

This surname means ‘pious’ or ‘virtuous’ in Arabic. Also spelled as Salih, the name is associated with an early Arabian prophet.

115. Saqqaf:

In Arabic, Saqqaf means ‘cleverness’ or ‘intelligence’.

116. Shaban

The last name Shaban derives from the Arabic word Sha’aba and means ‘scatter,’ ‘dispersion,’ or ‘separation.’ It is associated with the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.

117. Shariq:

The surname means the ‘bright shining star’ or ‘a person of exemplary character’. It also means a ‘devoted companion’.

118.酋长:

This surname commonly signifies a political or spiritual leader of the community and thus means ‘chieftain’ or ‘head.’

119. Sultan

This surname is so common that everyone hears it at some point in their lives. Sultan is a title given to the rulers. It means ‘highness’ or ‘the ruler.’

120. Taleb:

塔勒布的名字是诗的一个叔叔et Muhammed. The surname means a ‘devoted student’ or ‘a seeker of knowledge’.

121. Tawfiq:

The name means an opportunity or chance to gain knowledge or succeed in life.

122. Wahed:

Wahed is one of the 99 names of Allah. The name means ‘the only one’. It also translates to number one in Arabic.

123. Yasin:

Yasin, a holy Arabic last name

Image: Shutterstock

Yasin is one of the chapters in the Holy Quran. The name means ‘wealth’ or ‘richness’.

124. Yusuf:

Yusuf is a common Arabic, Hebrew, andAramaic name. The name means ‘god increases’ the strength, power, influence and devotion.

125. Zaman:

This name refers to ‘a person of the era, times or age’.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does bin mean in Arabic last names?

Bin refers to the patronym, i.e., son of. A variant of bin, ibn is also very commonly used in Islam. Bin is often used as a suffix in Arabic last names. For example- Shahid ibn Abdul Kareem, which implies Shahid, son of Abdul Kareem.

2. Can I call a girl Habibi?

Habibi in Arabic refers to someone you love and adore. A girl may be referred to as Habibi by friends, her husband may address her as such, or a loved one may use this word to shower affection on her.

3. Do last names go first in Arabic?

In Arabic, the order of names is typically different from Western naming conventions. The full name in Arabic usually follows the format of a given name, father’s name, and grandfather’s name. The father’s name is often used as a middle name, and the family name appears last. This order is commonly followed in official documents, legal matters, and formal settings.

4. Do Arabs take their husbands’ last names?

The cultural practices and norms regarding last names and marriage vary across Arab countries and communities. In some Arab countries, it is common for women to take their husbands’ last names upon marriage. In contrast, in other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, women may retain their family name after marriage.

5. Why do Arabic last names start with Al?

In Arabic, “Al” means “the” and denotes a connection to or possession of something as a prefix to a pronoun. Additionally, many Arabic last names starting with “Al” originally referred to a specific place, tribe, or family, indicating that the person belonged to or originated from that particular group or location.

6. How are Arabic last names traditionally passed down through families?

Arabic last names are generally passed down through the male lineage. Sons will typically carry their father’s family name, maintaining the continuity of the paternal lineage. Daughters, on the other hand, usually adopt their father’s name as part of their full name until they get married. After marriage, it is common for a woman to adopt her husband’s name, replacing her father’s name.

7. How do Arabic last names differ from Western last names?

Unlike common Western last names, Arabic last names often follow a patronymic system, meaning they are derived from the father’s name. Furthermore, Arabic last names sometimes reflect a person’s geographical origin or tribal affiliation and may incorporate honorific titles such as “Al,” denoting a lineage or association.

Arabic last names usually represent a clan, tribe, or class that the family belongs to. These names have deep meanings attached to them and are carried on for years as the base representation of a family’s stature in society. It is surprising to know that every Arabic surname has a unique origin. You can explore different names and learn about Arabian culture and expand your knowledge on this spectrum.

Infographic: Arabic Last Names

Arabic is spoken widely around the world. In addition, most Arabic last names are a derivative of Islamic culture and familial history. Here is an infographic that documents some famous Arabic last names most commonly used among Muslims worldwide.

arabic last names (infographic)

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