207+ Muslim, Arab & Islamic Last Names [With Urdu Meanings]

Muslim, Arab, and Islamic last names are often closely related, but each has distinct characteristics that are shaped by cultural and religious factors.

Muslim Last Names: Muslim last names are derived from Arabic, Persian, and Turkish sources, and are used by individuals who follow the Islamic faith. The most common Muslim last names are patronymic (based on the father’s first name), such as Abdullah, Ahmed, Ali, or Hussain. Muslim last names may also be based on geographic or tribal origin, such as Al-Turk, Al-Yamani, or Al-Maghribi.

Arab Last Names: Arab last names are typically patronymic, based on the father’s first name, and may also be based on geographic or tribal origin. In some cases, Arab last names may be based on a profession or a characteristic of the individual, such as Al-Hakim (the wise) or Al-Qudsi (the holy).

Islamic Last Names: Islamic last names are those that are derived from the Arabic language and are used by individuals who follow the Islamic faith. Islamic last names may be patronymic, based on the father’s first name, or they may be based on geographic or tribal origin. Many Islamic last names are derived from the names of Prophets and other important figures in Islamic history, such as Ibrahim, Musa, or Umar.

Overall, last names in Muslim, Arab, and Islamic cultures tend to be deeply rooted in tradition, religion, and history, and often carry significant cultural and social meanings.

Common Muslim Last Names

Here are some common Muslim last names with their Urdu meanings:

Ahmed/Ahmad: Praiseworthy, commendable
Ali: Noble, exalted
Hussain/Husain: Handsome, beautiful
Khan: Ruler, king
Shah: King, emperor
Mahmood/Mahmud: Praiseworthy, commendable
Akhtar: Star, good luck
Hassan: Handsome, beautiful
Qureshi: Descendant of Quresh (a tribe of Arabian Peninsula)
Raza: Contentment, pleasure
Siddiqui/Siddiqi: Truthful, honest
Farooqi/Farooqui: Descendant of Farooq (a companion of Prophet Muhammad)
Hashmi: Descendant of Hashim (a great-grandfather of Prophet Muhammad)
Khanzada: Descendant of a khan (ruler or leader)
Awan: Helper, supporter

Muslim Last Names That Start With… (A-Z)

Here’s a list of Muslim last names that start with each letter of the alphabet:

Abbas: Lion
Abdul: Servant of (e.g. Abdul-Aziz means servant of the powerful)
Ali: Noble, exalted
Ansari: Helper, supporter
Aziz: Powerful, respected

Baig: Title given to high-ranking officials or nobility
Bajwa: Descendant of Bajwa (a tribe in Pakistan)
Bukhari: From Bukhara (a city in Uzbekistan)

Chaudhry/Chowdhury: Holder of four (refers to owning four villages or equivalent)
Cheema: Descendant of Cheema (a tribe in Pakistan)

Durrani: From Durrani (a tribe in Afghanistan)
Dar: A door or gate, also a common surname in some regions

Ehsan: Benevolence, kindness
Elahi: Divine, godly

Farooqi/Farooqui: Descendant of Farooq (a companion of Prophet Muhammad)
Farid: Unique, precious
Fatima: Name of the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, also a popular surname

Gondal: Descendant of Gondal (a tribe in Pakistan)
Ghazi: Conqueror, warrior

Haider/Hayder: Lion
Hassan: Handsome, beautiful
Hussain/Husain: Handsome, beautiful
Hashmi: Descendant of Hashim (a great-grandfather of Prophet Muhammad)

Iqbal: Prosperity, good fortune
Inayat: Kindness, favor
Ilyas: Name of a prophet in Islam

Jafri/Jaffrey: Descendant of Jafar (a cousin of Prophet Muhammad)
Jamal: Beauty, grace
Javed: Immortal

Khan: Ruler, king
Kazmi: Descendant of Kazim (a title given to the descendants of Prophet Muhammad)
Khawaja: Title given to respected or learned individuals

Lone: From Lone (a tribe in Kashmir)
Lashari: From Lashari (a tribe in Pakistan)

Mahmood/Mahmud: Praiseworthy, commendable
Malik: Owner, master
Mirza: Title of Persian origin denoting a prince or nobleman

Naqvi: Descendant of Naqi (a title given to the descendants of Prophet Muhammad)
Niazi: From Niazi (a tribe in Pakistan)

Omar/Omer: Long-lived, flourishing
Othman/Osman: A companion of Prophet Muhammad, also a popular surname

Pasha: Title of Turkish origin, denoting a high-ranking official or nobleman

Qureshi: Descendant of Quresh (a tribe of Arabian Peninsula)
Quadri: Descendant of Quadri (a title given to the descendants of Prophet Muhammad)

Raza: Contentment, pleasure
Rahman: Merciful, compassionate
Rizvi: Descendant of Rizvi (a title given to the descendants of Prophet Muhammad)

Siddiqui/Siddiqi: Truthful, honest
Saleem/Salim: Safe, secure
Shah: King, emperor

Tariq: Morning star, referring to the planet Venus
Turk: Of Turkish origin
Tanvir: Enlightenment, radiance

Uddin/Ud-Din: Religion, faith
Usmani/Osmani: From Ottoman (referring to the Ottoman Empire)

There are no common Muslim last names starting with “V” in Urdu.

Warsi: From Warsi (a tribe in Pakistan)
Waseem/Wasim: Graceful, beautiful

There are no common Muslim last names starting with “X” in Urdu.

Yousafzai/Yusufzai: From Yousaf (a prophet in Islam), referring to the Yousafzai tribe in Pakistan
Yaqoob/Yaqub: Name of a prophet in Islam

Zaidi: Descendant of Zaid (a companion of Prophet Muhammad)
Zahid: Devout, ascetic
Zaman: Time, age

Muslim Last Names and Meanings

Here are some examples of Muslim last names and their meanings:

Ahmed – meaning “most commendable” or “most praiseworthy.”
Ali – meaning “exalted,” “noble,” or “sublime.”
Hassan – meaning “handsome” or “good-looking.”
Hussein – meaning “small, handsome one” or “little beauty.”
Malik – meaning “king,” “ruler,” or “sovereign.”
Mohammad – meaning “praised one” or “praiser of God.”
Rahman – meaning “merciful” or “compassionate.”
Sharif – meaning “noble” or “distinguished.”
Shah – meaning “king,” “monarch,” or “emperor.”
Siddiqui – meaning “truthful” or “honest.”
Sheikh – meaning “leader,” “chief,” or “elder.”
Wahid – meaning “unique,” “one and only,” or “peerless.”
Youssef – meaning “God will increase.”
Zahid – meaning “ascetic,” “abstemious,” or “self-denying.”

These are just a few examples of Muslim last names and their meanings.

Last names in Muslim cultures are often derived from Arabic, Persian, or Turkish sources, and may have multiple meanings or interpretations depending on the context and culture.

Muslim Last Names With Meanings And History

Most Common Muslim Last Names

Muslim last names can vary depending on the region, country, and cultural background of an individual.

However, here are some of the most common Muslim last names found worldwide:

Ahmed
Ali
Khan
Hassan
Hussein
Malik
Rahman
Rehman
Siddiqui
Shah
Sheikh
Youssef
Zahid
Ansari
Farooq
Qureshi
Shaikh
Choudhury/Chowdhury
Hussain/Hussaini
Jahan

These last names are common among Muslim communities worldwide, but it is important to note that last names can vary within specific regions and cultures, and it is not an exhaustive list.

Moreover, Muslim individuals may have last names that are not necessarily of Muslim origin, but rather reflect their family’s cultural or geographic background.

Arabic Last Names

Here are some Arabic last names along with their Urdu meanings:

Ahmed (احمد) – Praise-Worthy
Ali (علی) – Exalted, Noble
Hassan (حسن) – Handsome, Good-looking
Hussain (حسین) – Handsome, Good-looking
Khalil (خلیل) – Friend
Malik (ملک) – King, Ruler
Qureshi (قریشی) – Belonging to Quraish (a tribe in Arabia)
Rahman (رحمن) – Merciful
Siddiqui (صدیقی) – Truthful, Honest
Zahid (زاہد) – Devout, Ascetic

Islamic Surnames

Here are some Islamic surnames that are commonly used:

Abdullah (عبد الله) – Servant of Allah
Ahmad (أحمد) – Most commendable
Ali (علي) – Exalted, noble
Amin (أمين) – Faithful, trustworthy
Farooqi (فاروقی) – Descendant of Umar Farooq, the second caliph of Islam
Hasan (حسن) – Handsome, good-looking
Hussain (حسين) – Handsome, good-looking
Khadija (خديجة) – Name of the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Mohammed/Muhammad (محمد) – Praiseworthy, name of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH)
Omar/Omer (عمر) – Long-lived, name of the second caliph of Islam

Arab Surnames

Arab surnames, also known as family or last names, are generally derived from the individual’s father’s first name, geographic or tribal origin, or profession.

Some of the most common Arab surnames and their meanings are:

Abu- (أبو) – meaning “father of”
Al- (ال) – meaning “the”
El- (ال) – meaning “the”
Abdallah/Abdullah (عبد الله) – meaning “servant of Allah”
Abu-Bakr (أبو بكر) – the name of the first caliph of Islam, meaning “father of the young camel”
Al-Masri (المصري) – meaning “the Egyptian”
Al-Saud (السعود) – meaning “the Sauds,” a royal family in Saudi Arabia
Al-Thani (الثاني) – meaning “the second,” a royal family in Qatar
Al-Khalifa (الخليفة) – meaning “the caliph,” a royal family in Bahrain
Al-Fayed (الفايد) – meaning “the one who benefits,” a family of Egyptian origin

List of Muslim Last Names

Here are some Muslim last names:

Ahmed (أحمد) – Most commendable
Ali (علي) – Exalted, noble
Ansari (أنصاري) – Belonging to the Ansar, the early Muslim converts of Medina
Hussain (حسين) – Handsome, good-looking
Khan (خان) – Ruler, leader
Malik (ملك) – King, ruler
Mirza (مرزا) – Nobleman, prince
Qureshi (قريشي) – Belonging to Quraish, the tribe of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Rahman (رحمن) – Merciful
Siddiqui (صديقي) – Truthful, honest

Cool Muslim Last Names

Here are some cool Muslim last names that you may find interesting:

Aziz – meaning “beloved,” “dear,” or “powerful”
Awan – meaning “support” or “helper”
Baig – meaning “noble” or “honorable”
Farooqi – meaning “from the town of Farooq”
Ghazi – meaning “conqueror” or “victorious”
Hadi – meaning “guide” or “leader”
Khalid – meaning “eternal” or “immortal”
Mirza – meaning “prince” or “son of a prince”
Nizam – meaning “order” or “arrangement”
Qadri – meaning “able” or “capable”
Qureshi – meaning “from the Quraish tribe”
Rahim – meaning “kind” or “merciful”
Rasheed – meaning “wise” or “sensible”
Sabri – meaning “patient” or “tolerant”
Saleh – meaning “pious” or “righteous”
Shafi – meaning “healer” or “curer”
Tariq – meaning “morning star” or “the one who knocks”
Zaman – meaning “time” or “era”
Zia – meaning “light” or “radiance”
Zubair – meaning “strong” or “firm”

Egyptian Muslim Last Names

Below are some common Egyptian Muslim last names:

Abdel Aziz (عبد العزيز) – Servant of the Almighty (Allah)
Abdel Rahman (عبد الرحمن) – Servant of the Merciful (Allah)
El-Sayed (السيد) – The Master or Lord, a title of respect
Fahmy (فهمي) – Understanding or intelligent
Hassan (حسن) – Handsome, good-looking
Ibrahim (إبراهيم) – Prophet Abraham in Islam
Mahmoud (محمود) – Praised, commendable
Mohammed/Muhammad (محمد) – Praiseworthy, name of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH)
Salah (صلاح) – Righteousness or piety
Suleiman/Soliman (سليمان) – Prophet Solomon in Islam

Famous Muslim Last Names

Here are some famous Muslim last names:

Ali – the last name of the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, who was the fourth caliph of Islam and is considered one of the most important figures in Islamic history.
Ibn Sina – the last name of Avicenna, a famous philosopher and physician in the Islamic Golden Age.
Ibn Khaldun – the last name of Ibn Khaldun, a renowned historian and scholar in the Islamic Golden Age.
Al-Farabi – the last name of Al-Farabi, a famous philosopher and jurist in the Islamic Golden Age.
Al-Ghazali – the last name of Al-Ghazali, a famous theologian and philosopher in the Islamic Golden Age.
Al-Razi – the last name of Al-Razi, a famous physician and alchemist in the Islamic Golden Age.
Al-Farabi – the last name of Al-Farabi, a famous philosopher and jurist in the Islamic Golden Age.
Al-Jazari – the last name of Al-Jazari, a famous inventor and engineer in the Islamic Golden Age.
Attar – the last name of Fariduddin Attar, a famous poet and mystic in Persian literature.
Hafez – the last name of Khwaja Shams-ud-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi, a famous poet in Persian literature.
Jinnah – the last name of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
Khomeini – the last name of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mubarak – the last name of Hosni Mubarak, the former president of Egypt.
Erdogan – the last name of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the current president of Turkey.
bin Laden – the last name of Osama bin Laden, the former leader of Al-Qaeda.

It is important to note that while these last names are well-known, they do not necessarily reflect the Muslim community as a whole, and not all individuals with these last names may identify as Muslim.

Additionally, there are countless other Muslim last names that are not as well-known but are still significant to Muslim individuals and communities.

Basic Muslim Last Names

Below are some basic Muslim last names:

Ahmad/Ahmed (أحمد) – Most commendable
Ali (علي) – Exalted, noble
Hussain/Hussein (حسين) – Handsome, good-looking
Khan (خان) – Ruler, leader
Malik (ملك) – King, ruler
Mohammed/Muhammad (محمد) – Praiseworthy, name of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH)
Rahman (رحمن) – Merciful
Siddiqui (صديقي) – Truthful, honest

Spanish Muslim Last Names

There is a small community of Spanish Muslims who have adopted Arabic last names due to their Islamic faith. Here are some Spanish Muslim last names:

Abdelkader (Abd al-Qadir) – Servant of the Powerful (Allah)
Aláez (Al-‘Aziz) – The Almighty, a name of Allah
Albalá (Al-Bala’ or Al-Balagh) – The message, announcement, or news
Almohades (Al-Muwahhidun) – The Unitarians, referring to the medieval Muslim dynasty that ruled parts of Spain
Benavides (Bin Awwad) – Son of Awwad, a personal name
Benítez (Bin Yazid) – Son of Yazid, a personal name
Mohamed (Muhammad) – Praiseworthy, name of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH)
Said (Said or Sayyid) – Master or Lord, a title of respect
Zahra (Zahra) – Bright, shining, or radiant
Zeytouni (Zaitun) – Olive, referring to the olive tree, which is mentioned in the Quran.

It’s important to note that these last names may not be exclusively used by Spanish Muslims, and some of them may be used by individuals of other backgrounds or faiths.

Indian Muslim Last Names

Here are some common Indian Muslim last names with their Urdu meanings:

Ahmed/Ahmad: Praiseworthy, commendable
Ali: Elevated, exalted, noble
Ansari: One who belongs to the Ansar tribe of Medina
Azmi: From the city of Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh
Baig/Beg: Title of nobility meaning “prince” or “ruler”
Choudhary/Chowdhury: Head of a village or town
Farooqui/Farooqui: Descendant of Umar Farooq, one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Hussain/Husain: Handsome, beautiful
Iqbal: Prosperity, good fortune
Khan: Leader, ruler, prince
Mir: Prince, ruler
Qureshi: Descendant of the Quraish tribe, to which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) belonged
Raza/Rizvi: Contentment, pleasure, approval
Siddiqui: Truthful, sincere
Usmani: Belonging to the city of Usman in Saudi Arabia

Note that many Indian Muslims also use their caste or regional names as last names.

Black Muslim Last Names

Black Muslims, also known as African American Muslims, often adopt Arabic or Islamic last names to reflect their faith and cultural heritage.

Here are some common Black Muslim last names:

Abdullah (عبدالله) – Servant of Allah, the Almighty
Ahmed (أحمد) – Most commendable
Amin (أمين) – Trustworthy, truthful
Bilal (بلال) – A name of a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Haleem (حليم) – Forbearing, patient
Hassan/Hussein (حسن/حسين) – Handsome, good-looking
Jabbar (جبار) – Mighty, powerful
Muhammad/Mohammed (محمد) – Praiseworthy, name of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH)
Shabazz (شباز) – A name of Arabic origin that means falcon, often associated with Malcolm X
Siddiq/Siddiqui (صديق/صديقي) – Truthful, honest

It’s important to note that not all Black Muslims adopt Arabic or Islamic last names, and that last names can vary depending on an individual’s personal preference, cultural background, and regional origin.

Russian Muslim Last Names

Muslims make up a significant minority population in Russia, particularly in the North Caucasus region.

Below are some common Russian Muslim last names:

Abdulov/Abdulloev: Son of Abdul (meaning “servant of Allah” in Arabic)
Aliev/Aliev: Descendant of Ali (meaning “elevated” or “exalted” in Arabic)
Gadjiev/Gadzhiyev: Descendant of Gadzhi (meaning “honorable” or “respected” in Arabic)
Kadyrov/Kadirov: Descendant of Kadir (meaning “capable” or “competent” in Arabic)
Magomedov/Magomedova: Descendant of Muhammad (meaning “praised” or “praiseworthy” in Arabic)
Nurmagomedov/Nurmagomedova: Descendant of Nur Muhammad (meaning “light of Muhammad” in Arabic)
Saidov/Saidova: Descendant of Said (meaning “happy” or “fortunate” in Arabic)
Salikhov/Salikhova: Descendant of Salikh (meaning “honest” or “sincere” in Arabic)
Tahaev/Tahaeva: Descendant of Taha (meaning “pure” or “clean” in Arabic)
Umarov/Umarova: Descendant of Umar (meaning “long-lived” or “life” in Arabic)

Bengali Muslim Last Names

Bengali Muslim last names are typically derived from Arabic, Persian, or Bengali words and often reflect an individual’s family lineage or profession.

Below we have some popular Bengali Muslim last names:

Ahmed (আহমেদ) – Most commendable
Ali (আলি) – Exalted, noble
Chowdhury (চৌধুরী) – A title of respect used for high-ranking officials or landowners
Hussain/Hossain (হুসাইন/হোসেন) – Handsome, good-looking
Islam (ইসলাম) – Submission to the will of Allah
Karim (করিম) – Generous, noble-hearted
Khan (খান) – Ruler, leader
Rahman (রহমান) – Merciful
Siddique/Siddiqui (সিদ্দিক/সিদ্দিকী) – Truthful, honest
Uddin/Uddin (উদ্দিন/উদ্দীন) – The religion, referring to Islam

It’s important to note that last names can vary within Bangladesh, depending on the individual’s family background and regional origin.

Moreover, some last names may be more commonly used in other parts of the Indian subcontinent and among other Muslim communities.

Muslim Bosnian Last Names

Bosniaks are a predominantly Muslim ethnic group in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here are some common Muslim Bosnian last names:

Ahmetović: Descendant of Ahmet (meaning “praiseworthy” in Arabic)
Hasić: From the word “has” which means “honor” or “dignity”
Hodžić: Derived from “hodža” which means “teacher” or “scholar” in Bosnian
Kovačević: Derived from “kovač” which means “blacksmith” in Bosnian
Mehić: Derived from “mehmed” which is the Bosnian version of the Arabic name “Muhammad” (meaning “praised” or “praiseworthy” in Arabic)
Omerović: Descendant of Omer (meaning “long-lived” or “life” in Arabic)
Suljić: Derived from “suljo” which means “friend” or “companion” in Bosnian
Šehić: Derived from “šehid” which means “martyr” in Bosnian
Turčinović: Derived from “Turčin” which means “Turk” in Bosnian
Zaimović: Derived from “zaim” which means “host” or “master” in Bosnian.

It’s worth noting that Bosniak last names can also have non-Muslim origins or meanings, and many Bosniaks also have last names that are common throughout the Balkan region.

Muslim Surname Rules

The use of surnames among Muslims can vary depending on the cultural and regional traditions.

However, here are some general rules or practices that are commonly followed by Muslims when it comes to surnames:

Patronymics: In many Muslim cultures, a person’s last name is derived from their father’s first name. For example, if the father’s name is Ali, the child’s last name would be Ali’s son or Ali’s daughter, which could be shortened or contracted into a surname. In Arabic, this is known as “nasab.”
Geographical: Muslims may also use a surname that refers to their place of origin or ancestral homeland. For example, a person from the city of Fes in Morocco might use the surname “Fassi,” while a person from the Turkish city of Istanbul might use “Istanbouli.”
Profession: In some Muslim cultures, surnames are derived from a person’s profession or occupation. For example, a person whose family has been traditionally engaged in the business of carpentry may use “Nakshbandi,” which means “carpenter” in Persian.
Clan or tribe: In some Muslim cultures, a person’s surname may reflect their membership in a particular clan or tribe. For example, in Pakistan, the Pashtun tribe has several sub-tribes, each with its own distinct surname.
Family choice: In modern times, Muslims may also choose to adopt a surname that has no specific religious or cultural significance. This can be a family name that has been passed down for generations or a name that the family chooses for personal reasons.

It’s important to note that the use of surnames among Muslims is not universal and varies depending on the cultural traditions of the region or country.

Additionally, some Muslims may not use surnames at all and may be identified only by their given names.

FAQs – Muslim Last Names

How do Muslim last names work?

Muslim last names typically include the name of a person’s father, grandfather, or another ancestor.

For example, if someone’s father is named Mohammad, they might have the last name Mohammad-zadeh or Mohammadzadeh.

In some cases, Muslim last names also indicate tribe affiliation or geographical origin.

What are Hindu Muslim last names?

Hindu Muslim last names are typically combinations of words from both Hindu and Muslim cultures.

Examples include Rizvi-Malik, Hashmi-Chowdhury, Siddiqui-Jain, Raja-Ahmed and Banerjee-Khan.

What is an Arabic last name?

An Arabic last name is a surname that originates from the Arabic language.

Common examples include Al-Mansour, Al-Sharif, Abu Talib and Ibn Saud.

Do Muslims keep their last name?

Yes, Muslims typically keep their last names.

Traditionally, the father’s name is passed on to the children as a way of distinguishing them from other families.

However, in recent years, some Muslim couples are opting to create a new last name by merging both partners’ surnames.

Women MUST change their last names? | Culture vs Islam

Conclusion – Muslim Last Names

Islamic last names have been a part of Muslim culture for centuries and play an important role in the culture as well as identity of Muslims.

These surnames are derived from Arabic or Persian roots, and are often composed of two parts: the first part is typically an honorific, such as Al- or Abu-; the second part is usually derived from a patronymic which refers to either a profession, place of origin, or personal characteristic.

Furthermore, these last names originate from patronyms used during the pre-Islamic era and were adopted by Muslims to create distinct identities based on their faith.

In addition to providing Muslims with an individualized identity, Islamic last names can also be seen as signifiers of family heritage and lineage.

They provide evidence of familial ties to ancestors who shared the same surname centuries before them.

The surname gives them a sense of belonging and pride in their roots that they can pass down through generations.

Furthermore, many Islamic families use their surnames to indicate social status within their communities, allowing individuals with similar backgrounds to recognize each other and form bonds between families.

The prevalence and importance of Islamic surnames vary across regions depending on customs and cultures present in those areas. In some countries, these surnames are mandatory while in others they are optional.

Despite this variability, it is evident that Islamic last names remain an integral element of Muslim culture today and will continue to do so for generations to come, providing individuals with strong cultural identity markers that link them with their ancestors’ legacy.