what's in a name?

Here in oman, as in other Middle Eastern countries, people's names have a weight to them. Aperson's name is the first introduction to one's tribe and extended family, sometimes one's religion, the region from which they originated, and sometimes social standing. For those of you who are not familiar with Arabic name structure, here's a little briefing. When a child is born, they receive a first name; their 'middle name' is the father's first name and usually, the grandfather's name is added on before spelling out the last name.

For example*:

Ali bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Busaidi

Salma bint Said bin Rashid al-Busaidiya

['bin' = 'son of'; 'bint' = 'daughter of']

Sometimes, the bins and bints are excluded and even the grandfather's name may be excluded and even the feminine indicator of "iya" may be excluded. But the custom still prevails, so the name would read: Ali Mohammed Al-Busaidi or Salma Said Al-Busaidi.

*for the record, I just totally made those names up and there is a likely chance that people with those names exist. They are for example purposes and should not be interpreted any more than that.

Children are sometimes named after a member of their family; many boys are named after their grandfathers, so that name will be in the complete name twice. It is considered respectful to elders and usually done when the person is not living anymore, but I've heard of names when the son is named after the still-living grandfather. Sometimes, when a person has a common name like Mohammed or Ahmed or Abdullah, they are affectionately known as "bin" or "bint" whatever, to not only avoid confusion with others of the same first and last names but also to pay respects to their elders. In the same sense, older women and men can be known as "umm" (mother of) or "abu" (father of) their first-born child or oldest son (if the first-born is not a male). For example, a women can be known as "Umm Ahmed" to people in her neighbourhood, to adults and children alike. It is also a sign of respect for men she does not know to refer to her as such, for calling her by her given name may be too personal for the husband's liking. It all depends on the family.

When women marry, they keep their family name and do not take their husband's last name. Her children will carry the father's name, but in a sense, she will retain her connection and identity with her family and tribe.

In March, when I was getting my residence visa processed, I received a phone call from my sponsoring ministry asking me for my mother's name to put on the visa application. At the time, it was quite cryptic and I asked, "Why just my mother's name? Don't you want my father's as well?" The man responsible responded, "We already have your father's name." Really, now?

My full name is Aisa Madelaine S----s M------z. My official first name consists of two names ("Aisa Madelaine") and my middle name is my mother's maiden name. In accordance to Arabic name structure practices, my father's name is Madelaine and my grandfather's name is S----s. 

I smiled as I texted the correct names to this ministry official, giving them not only my mother's name but my father's correct name, for the visa application. I can only imagine their confused thoughts when realizing that Madelaine is not Medardo.