Malaysian Last Names: A Glimpse into Malaysian Heritage

Delve into the fascinating world of Malaysian last names, a reflection of the country's rich cultural tapestry and diverse heritage. From ancient roots to modern influences, these surnames offer a window into the history and traditions that shape the Malaysian identity. Explore this list of common and unique Malaysian last names, discovering their origins, meanings, and the stories they hold.
1. Ahmad: A common Muslim surname, derived from the Arabic name Muhammad, meaning "praiseworthy" or "highly commendable."
2. Ali: Another popular Muslim surname, of Arabic origin, meaning "exalted" or "noble."
3. Abdullah: A Muslim surname meaning "servant of God."
4. Amin: A Muslim name meaning "trustworthy" or "faithful."
5. Azmi: A Muslim name of Arabic origin, meaning "strong-willed" or "determined."
6. Bakar: A Malay surname meaning "baker."
7. Chan: A Chinese surname, meaning "to change" or "to transform."
8. Cheah: A Chinese surname, meaning "abundant" or "prosperous."
9. Chong: A Chinese surname, meaning "respectful" or "honorable."
10. Choo: A Chinese surname, meaning "bamboo."
11. Chin: A Chinese surname, meaning "golden" or "precious."
12. Foo: A Chinese surname, meaning "rich" or "wealthy."
13. Goh: A Chinese surname, meaning "to go" or "to move."
14. Ho: A Chinese surname, meaning "to protect" or "to defend."
15. Hoh: A Chinese surname, meaning "to sing" or "to chant."
16. Hong: A Chinese surname, meaning "red" or "scarlet."
17. Ismail: A Muslim surname, meaning "God will hear."
18. Jacob: A Jewish surname, meaning "supplanter" or "he who seizes by the heel."
19. Jamal: A Muslim surname, meaning "beauty" or "handsome."
20. James: A Christian surname, meaning "supplanter" or "he who seizes by the heel."
21. John: A Christian surname, meaning "God is gracious."
22. Kam: A Chinese surname, meaning "to unite" or "to join."
23. Khoo: A Chinese surname, meaning "to bend" or "to curve."
24. Khor: A Chinese surname, meaning "to pass" or "to cross."
25. Kong: A Chinese surname, meaning "empty" or "hollow."
26. Kow: A Chinese surname, meaning "to respect" or "to honor."
27. Lai: A Chinese surname, meaning "to come" or "to arrive."
28. Lam: A Chinese surname, meaning "blue" or "azure."
29. Lee: A Chinese surname, meaning "plum" or "prunus."
30. Leong: A Chinese surname, meaning "dragon."
31. Lim: A Chinese surname, meaning "forest" or "woodland."
32. Ling: A Chinese surname, meaning "bell."
33. Loh: A Chinese surname, meaning "to spin" or "to twist."
34. Loo: A Chinese surname, meaning "to gather" or "to collect."
35. Low: A Chinese surname, meaning "low" or "humble."
36. Ma: A Chinese surname, meaning "horse."
37. Mah: A Chinese surname, meaning "hemp" or "cannabis."
38. Mohamed: A Muslim surname, meaning "praised."
39. Ng: A Chinese surname, meaning "five."
40. Ong: A Chinese surname, meaning "king."
41. Ooi: A Chinese surname, meaning "plum" or "prunus."
42. Pah: A Malay surname, meaning "hill."
43. Phang: A Chinese surname, meaning "to fly" or "to soar."
44. Phua: A Chinese surname, meaning "to gather" or "to collect."
45. Quek: A Chinese surname, meaning "to pass" or "to cross."
46. Sim: A Chinese surname, meaning "heart" or "mind."
47. Soh: A Chinese surname, meaning "to protect" or "to defend."
48. Tan: A Chinese surname, meaning "red" or "scarlet."
49. Tay: A Chinese surname, meaning "great" or "grand."
50. Teoh: A Chinese surname, meaning "to stop" or "to halt."
51. Thio: A Chinese surname, meaning "to open" or "to unlock."
52. Too: A Chinese surname, meaning "bamboo."
53. Tong: A Chinese surname, meaning "copper" or "bronze."
54. Tse: A Chinese surname, meaning "to pass" or "to cross."
55. Wee: A Chinese surname, meaning "little" or "small."
56. Wong: A Chinese surname, meaning "yellow" or "amber."
57. Woo: A Chinese surname, meaning "wood" or "tree."
58. Yap: A Chinese surname, meaning "jade."
59. Yeoh: A Chinese surname, meaning "to invite" or "to welcome."
60. Yeo: A Chinese surname, meaning "to invite" or "to welcome."
61. Yong: A Chinese surname, meaning "hero" or "warrior."
62. Yow: A Chinese surname, meaning "to invite" or "to welcome."
63. Zachariah: A Jewish surname, meaning "the Lord remembers."
64. Zakaria: A Muslim surname, meaning "the Lord remembers."