Last names are the part of the name of the person that is usually associated with a person’s family, cultural value or religion. It is considered as the part of the personal name of the person that helps identify which culture or religion that specific person is from.
Muslims have very specific last names. Some of the most popular last names of both men and women will be described in this article and the meaning as well as their significance according to Islam will also be discussed. This article will also discuss the religious personalities related to these names.
Firstly we will discuss the important and popular last Muslim names of men.
Muslim men names
Abdullah
Servant of Allah. It is built from the Arabic words Abd and Allah (Allah itself composed of Al- and Ilah). This name has a lot of importance because it is the name of the father of the last prophet of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad.
Abu-Bakr
The name, meaning “Father of a young camel” (Abu meaning ‘Father of’ and Bakr meaning ‘young camel’), is widely used by Sunni Muslims. This name has a lot of significance because it is the name of the first Caliph of Islam Hazrat Abu-Bakr (R.A.) Hazrat Abu-Bakr (R.A.) was the first grownup male companion of Hazrat Muhammad who accepted Islam. He (R.A.) was also Hazrat Muhammad’s father-in-law through Bibi Aisha (R.A.).
Ali
High, champion, elevated. It is an Arabic word and is used a lot due to its significance. Al-Ali is one of the 99 names of God in Islam. It is given much importance also because it is the name of the Islamic leader Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A.). Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A.) was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad.
Umar
Populous, flourishing, life. It is an Arabic word. This name has a lot of significance as it is the name of Hazrat Muhammad’s companion Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A.). Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A.) was the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. Their full name is Hazrat Umar ibn Al-Khattāb (R.A.). Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A.) was known for his strength, sense of responsibility, knowledge and sense of recognition of people’s talents and weaknesses.
Uthman
The chosen one amongst a tribe of noble and brave people, baby bustard. It is an Arabic word. This name has a lot of significance as it is the name of the Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.) who was the son-in-law of Hazrat Muhammad and also a notable companion. Hazrat Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.) was the third caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate.
Abbas
Or the Lion. It is an Arabic word. This name has significance because it was the name of the uncle of Hazrat Muhammad. The name was Al-Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib. This name has a lot of significance too because it was the name of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A.)’s son Abbas ibn Ali (R.A.).
Now we will discuss the famous last names for Muslim women in Islam along with their significance and history.
Muslim women Names
A’isha
She who lives. It is an Arabic word. This name is of great significance as it is the name of the youngest wife of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. Hazrat Aisha (R.A.) is also known as the mother of believers and was the daughter of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad’s beloved companion Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A.).
Fatima
One who weans an infant, one who abstains. This name has immense importance as it the name of the daughter of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. Bibi Fatima (S.A.) had many been given many titles out of which some are Zahra (Lady of light), Sayyidatun Nisa al Alamin (Leader of the women of the world). Bibi Fatima Zahra was the first wife of Hazrat Ali (R.A.). Bibi Fatima Zahra was the most beloved daughter of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad.
Khadija
A daughter who is born before she is due, early baby girl. It is an Arabic word. It is one of the three most popular names in the Muslim world together with Fatima and Aisha. This name has immense importance as it is the name of the first wife of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. Khadija bint Khuwaylid (S.A.) was the full name of the first wife of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. Bibi Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (S.A.) was a very successful businesswoman of her time. She was the first woman to accept Prophet Hazrat Muhammad as the final prophet of Allah.
Maryam
Pious, mother of Hazrat Isa (as). It is an Arabic word. This name has immense importance as it is the name of the mother of Hazrat Isa (A.S.). Bibi Maryam (S.A.) is the only woman whose name is mentioned in the Holy Quran and this gives this name great importance.
Rabia
Spring, fourth female. It is an Arabic word. This name is of great importance as it was the name of a famous Sufi mystic woman known as Rabia al-Adawiyya al-Qaysiyya. She is also known as Hazrat Bibi Rabia Basri. Hazrat Bibi Rabia Basri was the first who put forward the concept of Ishq-e-Haqeeqi which is a basic concept of Sufism.
Zayna
A father’s precious jewel, the adornment/beauty of the father, fragrant flower. It is an Arabic word. Zaynab has a lot of importance as it was the name of very important women of Islam. Zainab bint Muhammad (S.A.) was the name of the daughter of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad and Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (S.A.). Zaynab bint Ali (S.A.) was the name of the granddaughter of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad and daughter of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A.).
Zainab bint Khuzayma was the name of the wife of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. Zainab bint Jahsh (S.A.) was the name of the wife of Prophet Muhammad. This gives the name immense importance as many famous religious personalities have been named with this name.