150 Arabic Last Names or Surnames & Their Meanings

Arabic last names carry centuries of history, heritage, and cultural depth. For many, a surname is more than just a family name—it reflects lineage, profession, tribe, religion, or geographic roots. Across the Arab world, from the Middle East to North Africa, surnames often highlight family honor, identity, and social connection.

This article provides a carefully curated list of 150 Arabic last names (surnames) along with their meanings and origins. Whether you’re exploring family roots, looking for inspiration, or simply curious about Arabic heritage, this list offers valuable insights.

History and Importance of Arabic Surnames

Arabic naming traditions have evolved over centuries, influenced by Islam, tribal culture, and geography. A traditional Arabic name often follows this structure:

Ism (Given Name) – the personal first name.
Nasab (Patronymic) – indicating lineage (e.g., Ibn = son of, Bint = daughter of).
Laqab (Nickname/Title) – describing traits or achievements.
Nisbah (Attributive) – showing association with a place, tribe, or profession.
Kunya (Honorific) – a parental title (e.g., Abu = father of).

Modern Arabic surnames often stem from tribal affiliations, religious ties, or family professions, carrying forward centuries of tradition.

Common Themes in Arabic Last Names

Tribal & Lineage Names

Many Arabic surnames trace back to tribes or ancestral families.
Example: Al-Hashimi (descendant of Hashim, Prophet Muhammad’s clan).

Religious & Spiritual Names

Strong ties to Islamic heritage and spirituality.
Example: Abdullah (servant of Allah).

Geographic & Locational Names

Reflect place of origin, cities, or natural landmarks.
Example: Al-Baghdadi (from Baghdad).

Occupational Surnames

Derived from professions or trades.
Example: Al-Haddad (blacksmith).

Descriptive & Character Names

Based on qualities, traits, or appearance.
Example: Saadi (fortunate, happy).

150 Arabic Last Names and Their Meanings

Abadi – Eternal, everlasting.
Abbasi – Descendant of Abbas, uncle of Prophet Muhammad.
Abdallah / Abdullah – Servant of Allah.
Adel / Adeel – Just, fair.
Ahmad / Ahmed – Praiseworthy, another name of Prophet Muhammad.
Ali – High, exalted, noble.
Amari – Builder, prosperous.
Asad – Lion, symbol of bravery.
Awad – Compensation, reward.
Aziz – Beloved, powerful.
Bakr – Young camel, symbol of vitality.
Basheer – Bringer of good news.
Dawood – David, beloved.
Fadl – Virtue, excellence.
Habib – Beloved, dear.
Hadi – Guide, leader.
Jamal – Beauty, grace.
Khalil – Friend, companion.
Latif – Gentle, kind.
Malik – King, ruler.

Islamic & Quranic Inspired Last Names

Bukhari – From Bukhara; linked to Imam Al-Bukhari.
Faruqi – One who distinguishes truth from falsehood.
Ghani – Rich, wealthy.
Hakim – Wise, ruler, judge.
Hasan – Handsome, good.
Hussain / Hussein – Virtuous, grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
Karim – Generous, noble.
Mahdi – The guided one.
Mustafa – The chosen one.
Qadri – Powerful, capable.
Rashid – Rightly guided.
Sadiq – Truthful.
Salman – Safe, secure.
Sami – Elevated, exalted.
Sharif – Noble, highborn.
Tariq – Morning star.
Umar / Omar – Flourishing, life.
Usman / Othman – Baby bustard bird; name of Caliph Uthman.
Yasin – Quranic chapter name.
Zakir – Rememberer of God.

Tribal & Lineage-Based Surnames

Al-Farsi – From Persia.
Al-Qurashi – From Quraysh tribe.
Ansari – Helper, supporter (of Prophet Muhammad).
Hashimi – Descendant of Hashim.
Mansoori – Victorious.
Tamimi – From Banu Tamim tribe.
Shammasi – Descendant of Shammas.
Kinani – From Kinanah tribe.
Sulaymi – From Banu Sulaym tribe.
Khazraji – From Khazraj tribe.
Hilali – From Hilal tribe.
Qahtani – From Qahtan tribe (Arab ancestor).
Ghannam – Shepherd.
Najdi – From Najd region.
Mutairi – From Mutair tribe.
Shammari – From Shammar tribe.
Harbi – Warrior, fighter.
Dosari – From Al-Dosar tribe.
Otaibi – From Otaiba tribe.
Anbari – From Anbar region.
Juhani – From Juhaynah tribe.
Mazroui – One who plants, from UAE origin.
Kaabi – From Kaab tribe.
Ruwaili – From Al-Ruwail tribe.
Balochi – From Baloch region/tribe.
Lahmi – From Lahm tribe.
Hudhali – From Hudhayl tribe.
Ghamdi – From Ghamid tribe.
Subaie – From Subai tribe.
Omani – From Oman.

Locational Arabic Surnames

Al-Baghdadi – From Baghdad, Iraq.
Al-Misri / Masri – From Egypt.
Al-Maghribi – From Morocco (Maghreb).
Al-Andalusi – From Andalusia, Spain.
Al-Hijazi – From Hijaz, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Tunisi – From Tunisia.
Al-Shami – From Syria (Sham).
Al-Kuwaiti – From Kuwait.
Al-Yamani – From Yemen.
Al-Qatari – From Qatar.
Halabi – From Aleppo (Halab).
Dimashqi – From Damascus.
Nabulsi – From Nablus, Palestine.
Jerrahi – From Jerrah region.
Masoodi – From Masood area, also prosperous.
Madani – From Medina.
Makki – From Makkah.
Qureshi – From Quraysh tribe of Makkah.
Basri – From Basra, Iraq.
Karbalaei – From Karbala, Iraq.
Najafi – From Najaf, Iraq.
Shirazi – From Shiraz, Iran.
Tabrizi – From Tabriz.
Baghdadiya – Feminine form of Baghdadi.
Samarrai – From Samarra.
Isfahani – From Isfahan, Iran.
Qazwini – From Qazwin.
Rifai – From Rifaa, also a Sufi order.
Maghrebi – From North Africa (Maghreb).
Barqawi – From Barqa (Cyrenaica, Libya).

Occupational & Professional Surnames

Al-Haddad – Blacksmith.
Al-Najjar – Carpenter.
Al-Khatib – Preacher, orator.
Al-Tajir – Merchant, trader.
Al-Khalil – Friend, companion.
Al-Faqih – Scholar of Islamic law.
Al-Muallim – Teacher.
Al-Saigh – Goldsmith.
Al-Jundi – Soldier.
Al-Tahir – Pure, clean.
Sayyad – Hunter, fisherman.
Khateeb – Preacher.
Haddawi – Blacksmith’s lineage.
Attar – Perfumer.
Qassar – Washerman, cloth cleaner.
Baytar – Veterinarian.
Najjarin – Family of carpenters.
Katib – Writer, scribe.
Shaairi – Poet.
Qassab – Butcher.
Razzaz – Seller of rice.
Tahan – Miller (grinds flour).
Hannani – Merciful one, healer.
Ghazzawi – Weaver, from Gaza as well.
Saqqa – Water carrier.

Rare & Unique Arabic Family Names

Zahran – Blossoming, radiant.
Wahbi – Gifted.
Tahir – Pure, virtuous.
Saadi – Fortunate, prosperous.
Rumi – Roman/Byzantine origin.
Halwani – Sweet-maker, confectioner.
Shamsi – Of the sun.
Bazzi – Falconer.
Dallal – Guide, leader.
Karmi – From Karmah (vineyard).
Sabbagh – Dyer (colors cloth).
Khouri – Priest (common among Arab Christians).
Salibi – Crusader.
Tarazi – Embroiderer.
Mufti – Islamic jurist.
Faqihi – Expert in jurisprudence.
Mutlaq – Absolute, unlimited.
Rashedi – From Rashed family.
Darwish – Sufi ascetic.
Samawi – Heavenly.
Ghannouchi – From Tunisia, meaning singer.
Shalhoub – Small flame.
Tabet – Steadfast, firm.
Zeitouni – Olive-related, from olive groves.
Haddara – One who speaks eloquently.

FAQs on Arabic Surnames

Q1. What do Arabic last names usually represent?
Arabic surnames often represent lineage, tribal connections, professions, religious devotion, or geographical origin.

Q2. Do all Arabs share the same surname structure?
No, surname styles vary across countries (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Iraq) and are influenced by tribes, history, and colonization.

Q3. What is the difference between “Al-” surnames and others?
“Al-” means “the” in Arabic. It signifies belonging or association, e.g., Al-Baghdadi = “the one from Baghdad.”

Q4. Are Arabic surnames always religious?
Not always. While many are Islamic, others are tribal, locational, or professional.

Q5. Which are the most common Arabic surnames?
Names like Abdullah, Ahmed, Ali, Hassan, Hussain, Qureshi, and Ansari are widely used across the Arab world.

Conclusion

Arabic last names are deeply rooted in culture, religion, and history. From tribal affiliations like Qurashi, to religious names like Abdullah, and locational surnames like Al-Baghdadi, each name tells a story of identity and heritage.

Whether you are tracing ancestry, learning about Islamic culture, or just exploring the richness of Arabic names, this list of 150 Arabic surnames with meanings provides a meaningful resource.