Sayyid Surnames
The title Sayyid (also spelled Seyyed, Sayed, or Syed) is traditionally used as a mark of noble lineage, indicating descent from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through his grandsons Imam Hasan (RA) and Imam Husayn (RA) — the sons of Fatimah az-Zahra (RA) and Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).
Sayyids are revered across the Muslim world for their connection to the Prophet ﷺ and are often associated with religious scholarship, moral leadership, and spiritual guidance.
As Sayyid families spread across the Islamic world, they adopted unique surnames reflecting geography, ancestry, or spiritual affiliation. These sayyid surnames not only serve as identifiers but also connect families to a sacred and noble heritage.
| Surname | Meaning | Origin | Arabic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Hasani | Descendant of Hasan ibn Ali (RA) | Arab Lands (Hejaz) | الحسني |
| Al-Husayni | Descendant of Husayn ibn Ali (RA) | Arab Lands (Iraq) | الحسيني |
| Bukhari | From Bukhara (modern-day Uzbekistan) | Central Asia | البخاري |
| Jilani | From Gilan (Iran); associated with Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani (RA) | Persia/Iraq | الجيلاني |
| Rizvi | Descendant of Imam Ali al-Ridha (RA) | Iran/India | الرضوي |
| Naqvi | Descendant of Imam Ali al-Naqi (RA) | Iran/India | النقوي |
| Tirmizi | From Tirmidh (modern-day Uzbekistan) | Central Asia | الترمذي |
| Hamdani | From the Hamdan tribe | Yemen/Syria | الحمداني |
| Al-Attas | “One who carries a turban” (associated with Hadrami Sayyids) | Hadramaut (Yemen) | العطاس |
| Gilani | From Gilan (Persia); variant of Jilani | Iran/Iraq | الكيلاني |
| Shah | “King” or “noble”, (adopted by Sayyids in South Asia) | India/Persia | شاه |
| Al-Makki | From Makkah | Hejaz | المكي |
| Al-Madani | From Madinah | Hejaz | المدني |
| Qadri | Follower of the Qadiriyya Sufi order | Iraq/South Asia | القادري |
| Shihabi | Of noble or radiant lineage | Levant (Syria) | الشهابي |
Sayyid Surnames
Sayyid surnames represent far more than family names — they carry within them the echoes of devotion, dignity, and deep spiritual lineage. These names, passed from generation to generation, are a testimony to the enduring respect and love Muslims have for the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet ﷺ).
Whether you’re tracing your family roots or exploring Islamic history, understanding Sayyid surnames offers a window into a blessed legacy tied directly to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Disclaimer: This article aims to provide historical and cultural insights into Hashemite surnames. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, variations in lineage claims and interpretations may exist. This post is for informational purposes only and does not serve as an authoritative genealogical reference.
Also Read: 10 Prominent Hashemite Surnames
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