Somali surnames are typically tied to the clan system, reflecting patrilineal lineage or notable ancestors, rather than fixed family names as in Western traditions. They often derive from clan or sub-clan names, personal nicknames, or Islamic honorifics.
Here’s an overview:
- Nature of Surnames: Somalis traditionally use a patronymic system, where a person’s name includes their given name, father’s name, and sometimes grandfather’s name (e.g., Ahmed Mohamed Ali, where Mohamed is the father and Ali the grandfather).
Examples of common surnames include Mohamed, Abdi, Ali, Hassan, Farah, Aden, Yusuf, Osman, Ibrahim and Warsame. These reflect both clan heritage and Islamic influence, tying Somalis to their cultural and religious roots.