Common Muslim surnames in the Philippines

This month, the Muslim world celebrated the Eid. The Eid’l Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, is a significant Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The celebration begins with a special prayer service, followed by festive meals, charity (known as Zakat al-Fitr), and time spent with family and community. Its relevance lies in its spiritual significance --it’s a time of gratitude to Allah for the strength to complete the fast, a reaffirmation of faith, and a celebration of unity, compassion, and renewal among Muslims. In the Philippines, it is a holiday to give our Muslim brothers and sisters a chance to celebrate this festival with their community and loved ones.

For today’s column, let us explore the most common Muslim last names in the Philippines. Muslim surnames account for roughly 3% of the total surnames in the Philippines. Majority of Muslim family names are found in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, but just like any other surname, they are also found elsewhere.

The most numerous last name is ALI. With a population of 33,231 carriers, it is mostly carried by residents of the ARMM where 81% of carriers live. It is found in 148 cities and municipalities in the country. It is a surname derived from a personal name, ALI, which means "lofty", "sublime", "high", "elevated", or "champion".

Next is USMAN, which is carried by 25,198 people with 82% of its carriers living in ARMM. It is found in 145 cities and municipalities in the Philippines. The surname is derived from a personal name, Uthman, which means "wise, most powerful, and intuitive serpent" or "offspring of the bustard (a bird)".

ISMAEL is the third most common surname. It is carried by 23,925 people with 87% of carriers found in ARMM. Found in 135 cities and municipalities. It is derived from a personal name, Ismael, which means “Heard by God" or "Gift from God".

The fourth last name is ABDUL, carried by 20,002 people with 82% living in ARMM. It is found in 145 cities and municipalities and is from the Arabic word ‘Abd’ meaning "Servant" and the definite prefix ‘al’ or ‘el’ meaning "the". Together, it means "servant of the".

MOHAMMAD follows Abdul, which has a population of 18,816 people with 78% in ARMM. It is found in 144 cities and municipalities in the Philippines and the name is from the Arabic verb hammada, which means "praised", "commendable", and "laudable".

IBRAHIM follows Abdul, and is carried by 17,492 people, with 88% found in ARMM. It is found in 136 cities and municipalities and is from the Hebrew name Abraham meaning "Father of Nations" or "Friend of God".

The seventh most common surname is OMAR. It is carried by 15,975 people with 80% in ARMM. It is found in 144 cities and municipalities. It is from the Arabic name ‘Omar’ meaning "flourishing" and "long-lived".

HASSAN follows Abdul, which is carried by 14,103 people with 79% found in 105 cities and municipalities; it is from the Arabic name Hassan, which means "handsome" or "benefactor".

The ninth most common Muslim last name is SARIP, which is carried by 11,652 people with 85% in ARMM. Found in 97 cities and municipalities, it is derived from a personal name, Sharif, which means "noble" or "respected".

Finally, the tenth most common Muslim surname is ANDAL, carried by 9,010 people with 11% living in ARMM. It is found in 78 cities and municipalities in the region, derived from a personal name, Andal, which means "whiskered".