Surname Al-Attas - Meaning and Origin
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Al-Attas: What does the surname Al-Attas mean?
The last name Al-Attas is an Arabic surname predominantly found in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. There is some debate about the exact origin and meaning of the name; for some, it may be derived from the Arabic root al-taʿā (meaning "to create") although this is not certain. The name might also have a geographic origin, perhaps referring to a family originating from a town or village called Attas.
The name Al-Attas is closely associated with the wider Attas family, which has its roots in the Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia. The Attas are part of the ancient Arabian Qahtanite tribal confederation and are well known for their impressive lineage, which includes an Imam of Mecca and multiple rulers of the region.
Throughout the centuries, the Al-Attas family has been renowned for their religious knowledge and scholarship, with notable members of the family celebrated for their contribution to Islamic studies. For instance, in the 20th century, the prominent Yemeni scholar and Sufi master Sayyid Abd al-Qadir al-Attas was one of the pioneering scholars to combine Sufism with modern science and philosophy.
Today, many members of the Al-Attas family are well-known in business, politics, education, and the arts. For example, Hassan Al-Attas is the CEO of an international engineering company, while the unofficial 'princess' of Dubai, Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, is a member of the Al-Attas family.
In short, the Al-Attas surname is a powerful one that evokes a proud and noble heritage that is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Order DNA origin analysisAl-Attas: Where does the name Al-Attas come from?
The last name Al-Attas is most commonly associated with Saudi Arabia due to its prominent Bedouin tribal roots. It is a very popular last name among the large Al-Attas family, and is primarily concentrated in the Nejd region of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Al-Attas family is one of the most influential in Saudi Arabia, with the family was among the first to become successful businesspeople during the establishment of the modern state in 1932. Though the family originated in the Eastern Province, today many members of the family are located in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
Outside of Saudi Arabia, there are also Al-Attas families living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Primarily located near Dubai in the Emirates of Sharjah and Fujairah, there is also a smaller Al-Attas presence in the Emirates of Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain.
The Al-Attas family has also been successful in migrating abroad, with the US and Canada having significant Al-Attas populations. Other destinations with communities include the UK, Australia, France, and other European countries, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia.
Today, the Al-Attas family name remains prevalent in its region of origin, involving itself heavily with Saudi business, industry and politics.
Variations of the surname Al-Attas
Al-Attas is a variant of the Arabic family name Al-Attiyah and is now used as a surname by many people of Arab descent across the world. It is typically spelled as Al Attas in English-speaking countries such as the US and the UK.
Al Attiyah, Al Attia, Al Attyah, Al Atiya, Al Atiyya, Al Atteya, Al Atiyy and Al-Otayy are all variations of the same surname Al-Attas. The surname is also spelled El-Attas, Al-Attass and Al-Attassi.
In addition, the Al-Attas surname has several alternative spellings and variants that have been used by the same family or by regional proximity. These include Al-Atty, Al-Otyah, Al-Ataas, Al-Atise, Al-Atiise, Al-Attaah and Al-Attia.
Finally, Al-Attyah is a common variant of the surname that is particularly popular in Lebanon, and El Attiyah is the most common spelling in Morocco.
In summary, Al-Attas and its various variants are the Arabic surname of many people of Arab origin, with Al-Attas and Al-Attiyah being the most commonly used. Alternative spellings, variants and spellings of the same origin of the surname Al-Attas include Al Attia, Al Attyah, Al Atiya, Al-Atty, Al-Otyah, Al-Ataas, Al-Atise, Al-Attaah, Al-Attia, Al-Atiise, Al-Otayy, El-Attas, and El Attiyah.
Famous people with the name Al-Attas
- Dr. Saifuddin Bin Zuhri Al-Attas: Dr. Saifuddin is currently the president of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). He was first appointed as a professor of Islamic Studies in 1994 and is known for his various works of research in Islam and philosophy.
- Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Attas: Sheikh Abdulrahman is a religious leader from Saudi Arabia. He is the former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and was an Islamic scholar and teacher. He is widely regarded for pioneering works in Islamic education, methodology of faith, Islamic jurisprudence, and Sufism.
- Sheikh Sulaiman Al-Attas: Sheikh Sulaiman is a renowned religious leader and mufti from Saudi Arabia. He is a former judge in the Saudi judiciary and has worked as a researcher in the Kingdom's Islamic University and authored many books concerning Islamic Law and Creed.
- Hj. Ahmad Fauzi Al-Attas: Hj. Ahmad Fauzi is a leader and businessman from Malaysia. He is the president of the Malaysian Chinese Union and the president of the Asia-Pacific Business Responsibility Network.
- Fahd Al-Attas: Fahd Al-Attas is a famous philanthropist in the United Arab Emirates. He has been involved in charitable projects to help the less fortunate in the UAE, and also runs his own equity trading company.
- Prince Sultan bin Salman Al-Attas: Prince Sultan is the former governor of Riyadh Province in Saudi Arabia and former chairman of the Saudi Aerospace Commission. He has written books on Middle Eastern history and culture, including his 2016 memoir entitled "My Quest for the Best in Arabia".