Malaysian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Surnames and Their Meanings

This comprehensive list explores the diverse landscape of Malaysian last names, offering insights into their origins, cultural significance, and rich meanings. From traditional Malay surnames rooted in history and language to those reflecting Chinese, Indian, and other cultural influences, this guide provides a detailed understanding of the fascinating stories behind these names.
1. **Ahmad**: Praiseworthy; a name of Arabic origin, frequently used by Muslims throughout Malaysia.
2. **Ali**: Noble; a common name in Malaysia, often associated with Islamic heritage.
3. **Amin**: Trustworthy; an Arabic name symbolizing reliability and integrity.
4. **Azhar**: Bright; a popular name in Malaysia, often associated with intelligence and hope.
5. **Bakar**: Baker; a common Malay surname associated with the profession of baking.
6. **Basir**: Insightful; an Arabic name emphasizing wisdom and understanding.
7. **Chan**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
8. **Cheah**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
9. **Chee**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
10. **Chin**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
11. **Chong**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
12. **Choo**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
13. **Daud**: Friend; a common Malay name, often associated with friendship and loyalty.
14. **Faizal**: Victorious; an Arabic name signifying success and triumph.
15. **Farid**: Unique; an Arabic name implying individuality and distinctiveness.
16. **Hassan**: Handsome; a popular Malay name, often associated with good looks and charm.
17. **Hashim**: One who gathers; a common Malay name associated with leadership and community building.
18. **Ibrahim**: Father of many; a common Malay name, often associated with family and lineage.
19. **Ismail**: God hears; a common Malay name, often associated with faith and devotion.
20. **Jaafar**: God protects; an Arabic name emphasizing divine protection.
21. **Kamal**: Perfection; an Arabic name signifying excellence and completeness.
22. **Karim**: Generous; an Arabic name associated with kindness and philanthropy.
23. **Khoo**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
24. **Kiat**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
25. **Lim**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
26. **Mahmood**: Praiseworthy; an Arabic name frequently used by Muslims throughout Malaysia.
27. **Mansor**: Victor; an Arabic name signifying success and victory.
28. **Marzuki**: Desired; an Arabic name implying desirability and aspiration.
29. **Mat**: A common Malay nickname, often derived from the name "Muhammad."
30. **Mohamed**: Praiseworthy; a common Malay name, often associated with Islamic heritage.
31. **Mohamad**: Praiseworthy; a common Malay name, often associated with Islamic heritage.
32. **Mohd**: A shortened form of "Muhammad", commonly used in Malaysia.
33. **Muhammad**: Praiseworthy; the name of the Prophet of Islam, widely used throughout Malaysia.
34. **Mustafa**: Chosen; an Arabic name signifying selection and favor.
35. **Nasir**: Helper; an Arabic name symbolizing assistance and support.
36. **Ng**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
37. **Noor**: Light; an Arabic name signifying guidance and enlightenment.
38. **Rashid**: Guided; an Arabic name emphasizing direction and guidance.
39. **Saad**: Happy; a common Malay name, often associated with joy and contentment.
40. **Salim**: Safe; an Arabic name implying security and well-being.
41. **Shamsul**: Sun; an Arabic name symbolizing strength and brilliance.
42. **Sharif**: Noble; an Arabic name signifying high status and honor.
43. **Siew**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
44. **Tan**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
45. **Tham**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
46. **Teh**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
47. **Thio**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
48. **Wong**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Cantonese dialect.
49. **Yap**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
50. **Yeo**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
51. **Yong**: A surname of Chinese origin, often associated with the Hokkien dialect.
52. **Zakaria**: Remembered by God; an Arabic name emphasizing divine remembrance.