Surname Iqbal - Meaning and Origin
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Unearthing the Ethnic Origins of the Surname 'Iqbal' Through iGENEA DNA Testing
Embarking on a personal ancestral quest through iGENEA DNA testing, I unravelled the historical, geographical, and cultural prefixes attached to my surname, Iqbal. The journey, steeped in self-discovery and scientific marvel, traced my DNA markers back to the Middle East, with significant links to the Arab world and subtle connections to a minor ethnic group in West Asia. The intermingling of genes and cultures narrates a riveting tale of shared lineage and enriched identity inherent in my surname.
N. Iqbal
read moreIqbal: What does the surname Iqbal mean?
Iqbal is an Arabic surname that is found throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. It is derived from the Arabic word ‘iqbaal’, which translates to ‘good fortune’ or ‘glory’. This last name has been used for centuries by Muslim families throughout the region as a reminder of their faith in God and pursuit of good fortune.
The name Iqbal has typically been used among families of nobility, and is even found with prominent historical figures such as Sir Muhammad Iqbal, philosopher and poet-laureate of the British Indian Empire from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. In recent years, individuals with the name Iqbal have continued to make great impacts on their communities throughout the Middle East and South Asia.
Iqbal is also used as a given name. In Islamic cultures, parents may give their children this name as a way to serve as a reminder of their values and faith. In some parts of South Asia, the first letters of the surname “Iqbal” may also be used as an honorific title for individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to their society or to the Islamic faith.
Overall, the last name Iqbal signifies honor, good fortune, resilience, and faith. It is a reminder of the shared values held by individuals and communities throughout the Islamic world.
Order DNA origin analysisIqbal: Where does the name Iqbal come from?
The last name Iqbal is most commonly seen in Central and South Asia. It is especially popular in countries that have a significant Muslim population such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. It has also spread to other parts of the world through migration. In the United States, the last name Iqbal can be found in many different ethnic groups, including those of Middle Eastern heritage, African-American, and Latinx.
The last name Iqbal can trace its roots back to Islamic poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal. It is a popular surname in Urdu-speaking areas due to its association with the famous poet. The name translates from Arabic and Persian to mean “power” or “problem solver”, reflecting the poet’s influential works.
Iqbal is also a common last name in some Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Here, it’s mostly associated with Tajik culture and the Ismaili Muslims of Central Asia. It’s also found in the Middle East, where people use the last name Iqbal to commemorate its founder.
Given its prevalence and popularity, it’s likely that the last name Iqbal will continue to be common for many years to come. People will associate the surname with the influential poet it is named after, as well as its meaning of “power” and “problem solver.”
Variations of the surname Iqbal
The surname Iqbal (also spelled "Ikbal" or "Eqbal") derives from the Arabic word "qubba," meaning "wealthiness." This surname is most commonly found in regions of the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. Other variants and spellings of Iqbal include Ikbal, Eqbal, Iqballah, Ikbaal, Iqbali, Iqbale, Iqbol, Iqboal, Qubba, Qubbal, and Qubbala.
The surname is usually found amongst the Punjabis, Afghans, and Kashmiris, who traditionally use personalized forms of the name in place of a surname. It has other regional derivations as well, such as Ugandan, Somali, and Eritrean. Alternative versions of the surname are common depending on the region or language in which Iqbal is used. For example, in Bangladesh it is sometimes written as "Iqbal" and in Kuwait it is rendered as "Iqbāl."
In the United States, Muslim-Americans may adopt a different spelling in order to westernize the name, such as Iqbal, Akbar, or Ebrahim. This process of westernization may also involve slight variations of the name; in some cases, the surname "Iqbal" may also be adapted as Egbal or Igbal.
In addition to its literal meanings, the surname Iqbal carries symbolic power. It can represent success, victory, and the reaching of great heights. In some Muslim households, parents may give the name Iqbal to a newborn as an expression of hope for a prosperous future.
Famous people with the name Iqbal
- Muhammad Iqbal, commonly referred to as Allama Iqbal, was a Pakistani poet, philosopher, and politician. He is widely acclaimed as having inspired the Pakistan Movement.
- Syed Muhammad Iqbal, a Pakistani Army major was a recipient of the Hilal-i-Jur'at, the third-highest award given for gallantry in the Pakistani military.
- Mohammad Iqbal Khan is a Pakistani cricketer. He has represented Pakistan at both youth and senior international level.
- Natalia Iqbal is a social activist, disability rights campaigner, and writer from Pakistan.
- Salim Iqbal is a retired Pakistani cricketer who represented the Pakistani national side in a number of ODIs and Tests.
- Dr. Zahid Iqbal is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and the founder of Brain and Spinal Injury Research Lab, one of the leading brain injury research labs in the world.
- Danish Iqbal is an Indian filmmaker and film producer.
- Zohaib Iqbal is a Pakistani cricketer. He has represented the Pakistan Under-19s cricket team in the past and currently plays for Peshawar Region.
- Tahira Iqbal is a Pakistani politician and an established doctor.
- Muhammad Sarwar Iqbal is a Pakistan Army officer who serves as the Commandant of the Army School of Languages in Pakistan.