Abd Allah
Abd Allah comes from Arabic عبد (ʿabd) meaning “servant” and الله (Allah) meaning “God.” The name therefore means “servant of God,” expressing devotion, humility, and submission to the one God in Islamic belief.
Abd Allah is one of the oldest and most respected theophoric names in Arabic and Islamic tradition. Formed from the elements ʿabd, meaning “servant,” and Allah, the Arabic name for God, it reflects the concept of human devotion and submission to the divine. The name existed in Arabia before Islam but gained deeper religious significance after the rise of Islam, becoming widely used among Muslim communities.
Several important historical figures carried this name. Among the earliest was Abd Allah ibn Muhammad, the father of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The name was also borne by Abd Allah ibn Uthman, a son of the third caliph Uthman ibn Affan, and by many companions and early scholars of Islam. One of the most famous later bearers is Abu Abd Allah Muhammad al-Bukhari of Central Asia, the great hadith scholar known for compiling Sahih al-Bukhari. Because of its clear religious meaning and long historical presence, Abd Allah remains one of the most enduring and widely used Muslim names.
- Abd Allah ibn Muhammad7th century • Early Islamic history
Son of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who died in infancy.
- Abd Allah ibn Uthman7th century • Early Islamic history
Son of the third caliph Uthman ibn Affan.
- Abd Allah ibn Umar7th century • Hadith
Companion of the Prophet Muhammad and an important narrator of hadith.
- Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr7th century • Politics
Early Muslim leader who ruled parts of the Islamic world during the Second Fitna.
Forms
Common spellings and forms used in different languages.
Related names
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FAQ
Quick answers about this name.
Is Abd Allah a boy or girl name?
Abd Allah is typically a boy’s name.
What does Abd Allah mean?
Abd Allah comes from Arabic عبد (ʿabd) meaning “servant” and الله (Allah) meaning “God.” The name therefore means “servant of God,” expressing devotion, humility, and submission to the one God in Islamic belief.
Is Abd Allah an Islamic name?
Abd Allah is used in Islamic naming traditions, especially in communities influenced by Arabic and Muslim culture.
Where does Abd Allah come from?
Abd Allah is commonly associated with Arabic.
What are the forms of Abd Allah?
Common forms and spellings include: Abdullah, Abdulla.
Part of Names Archive — a reference-style collection of name meanings and origins.