Surname Aidid - Meaning and Origin

Aidid: What does the surname Aidid mean?

The last name Aidid is an Arab name derived from the Arabic root ‘aʽd (عَاد), meaning ‘to return’ or ‘to come back’. It is a common surname in many countries throughout the Middle East and the Arab world, and was included in the 10 most common surnames in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2019.

This surname is also popular among Somalis living in the Horn of Africa and in Western countries, and is thought to originate from Somali tradition. It is the surname of a prominent Somali leader, General Mohamed Farrah Aidid, a hero of the struggle against Siad Barre’s oppressive rule in Somalia during the 1980s and 1990s.

Aidid in Arabic is usually written with three letters, which have taken on a symbolic meaning of the Islamic principle of Ikhlas, or ‘purity of intention’: ‘a’ stands for Allah (God), ‘i’ for Iman (faith) and ‘d’ for Din (religion). By closely aligning themselves with this Islamic principle, the surname suggests the importance of faith and honour in the Muslim community, and has become popular throughout the Arab world and beyond.

Although the origins of this surname are uncertain, it is thought to have been sourced from either Arabic or Somali traditions, or both. The surname Aidid is a powerful name that carries great significance among Arab Muslims and is still common among families in the region today.

Aidid: Where does the name Aidid come from?

The Aidid family name today is most commonly found in the Somali regions of East Africa. Members of the Aidid family are successful business owners, entrepreneurs, politicians as well as prominent religious leaders within the Somali population, as well as throughout the greater East African region.

The Aidid's are more recognized locally here in Mogadishu than they are internationally. Though the family originated from the Habr Gidir region of Somalia, many Aidiids have since migrated to various other nations in the Global Somali Diaspora. Members of the Aidid family are widely regarded for their leadership and inspiring philanthropic work within the Somali people. This includes high-profile members such as the late Siyad Barre, a former president of Somalia; Habib Aidid, the first Somali Prime Minister; and Omar Mukhtar Aidid, a prominent scholar of Islamic history and renowned civil rights activist.

The Aidid family are a well-known and distinguished group within Somalia and are further recognized by Somali-Americans living in the United States. Omar Mukhtar Aidid is also well respected amongst the Somali diaspora as an advocate for women's rights and empowerment, and his father, the late Habib Aidid, is seen as a great visionary leader within the Somali communities.

Overall, the Aidid family name is renowned within and beyond Somali regions. Members of the Aidid family are held with the utmost respect and admiration for their achievements, leadership, and philanthropic work.

Variations of the surname Aidid

Aidid is a surname with multiple variants, spellings, and roots. It is is widely used in the Middle East and Africa.

The most common spelling of Aidid is “Ayyad” or “Ayad,” which is derived from the Arabic word for “gift.” Variants of this spelling include Ayd, Aydid, Aidid, Ayed, Aaidan, Aadeed, and Aydar.

Another common spelling of Aidid is “Eyad,” which is also Arabic in origin and is derived from the term “to pick up,” or “to lead.” Variants of this spelling include Eyade, Eaid, Eid, Eyata, and Eidah.

In Africa, variants of Aidid can be found in West African countries such as Cameroon and Nigeria, as well as in East African countries such as Somalia. In Cameroon, Aidid is spelled Aideed. In Nigeria, it is spelled Ayedde. In Somalia, it is spelled Aideed.

Surnames related to Aidid include Aidan, Ayde, Aidar, and Eydel. These names are related to the Arabic origin of the name, but are not exact synonyms. For example, Aidan is an Irish name meaning “little fire,” whereas Ayde is derived from the Arabic word for “remembrance” or “to remember.” In some cases, Aidar and Eydel are used as alternative spellings for Aidid.

In summary, Aidid is a surname with many variants, spellings, and roots all across the world. Its variants include “Ayyad,” “Ayad,” “Eyad,” “Aideed,” “Ayedde,” and “Eyade,” all of which are derived from Arabic words. Similarly, surnames related to Aidid include “Aidan,” “Ayde,” “Aidar,” and “Eydel.”

Famous people with the name Aidid

• Mohamed Farrah Aidid: Somali military leader and diplomat. He was leader of the United Somali Congress and commander-in-chief of the Somali National Army during the Somali Civil War.
• Hawa Abdi Aidid: Somali human rights activist, healthcare activist and the founder of the Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation's Somalia health care system.
• Aidid Safar: Actor known for his roles in the films ‘The Mirror’ and ‘Lonely Lights’.
• Zaynab Aidid: Somali education activist and campaigner. She is a co-founder and director of the Integrated Development Organization.
• Safia Aidid: Somali mother and peace activist. She campaigns for a peaceful society in her homeland.
• Hassan Aidid: Somali football player. He plays for the Somali national team as a midfielder.
• Khalid Aidid: Singer-songwriter and rapper from Somalia.
• Amina Aidid: Somali doctor and activist. She works with war victims and victims of natural disasters.
• Anisa Aidid: Somali TV presenter and journalist. She is the anchor of HCTV.
• Abdulkadir Aidid: Somali politician and human rights lawyer. He served as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Constitutional Law.

Other surnames

Aidie

Comments or additions to the name "Aidid"

07.02.2024
Muhammad Aidid Irwan