Last Name Ajmal

The surname Ajmal is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Persian word "Ajam," which means non-Arab Persian. Over time, it has been adopted by individuals from various ethnicities due to conversion to Islam or cultural assimilation in regions such as India, Pakistan, and Iran. In these countries, Ajmal is a common surname among Muslim communities. However, the specific origin of a particular instance of the name may vary based on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ajmal

The meaning and origin of the last name Ajmal

The surname Ajmal is of Arabic origin, derived from the name 'Ajamal', which means "immortal" or "everlasting." It is a variant of the more common Arabic name, Jamal, which means "beauty" or "handsome." The name Ajmal was brought to India during Islamic invasions and conquests between the 7th and 10th centuries. Over time, it became a popular surname among Muslim communities in India, particularly in regions such as Kashmir, Punjab, and Hyderabad. Today, individuals with the surname Ajmal can be found across various countries, reflecting the historical migration of people from South Asia to other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ajmal

The last name Ajmal is predominantly found in South Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, indicating its historical origins in the region. In Pakistan, it is most common among the Punjabi and Pashtun populations, while in India, it is prevalent in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. A significant number of people with the last name Ajmal can also be found in the Middle East, specifically in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, due to migration from South Asia for work opportunities. In recent years, there has been a growing diaspora of people with the surname Ajmal in North America, Europe, and Australia as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ajmal

The last name Ajmal can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include:

1. Ajmal - This is the original spelling, which originates from the Arabic language. It means 'invincible' or 'unconquerable'.
2. Ajmol, Ajmoll, Ejmal, Ejmoll - These are variations resulting from different transliteration methods or typing errors.
3. Ajmäl, Ajmäel - These variations may represent an attempt to approximate the original Arabic diacritical marks using Latin characters.
4. Ajmal-ud-din, Ajmaluddin - These are compound names where Ajmal is the personal name and ud-din or uddin means faith or religion.
5. Ajmali, Ajmalee, Ajamali - Feminine forms of the surname, often used in South Asian cultures to denote female members of the family.
6. Ajmalie, Ejmalie, Ajmalli - These are other possible feminine variations or misspellings.
7. Ajmol Khan, Ajmaluddin Anwar Jalal Sheikh - Famous individuals with the last name Ajmal include a former Pakistani cricketer and a Bangladeshi television personality, respectively.

Famous people with the last name Ajmal

Among the notable individuals with the last name Ajmal are:

1. Mohammad Ajmal Khan (1867-1927), an Indian politician who was a key figure in the Indian National Congress and was instrumental in the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University.

2. Ajmal Kasab (born 1987), a Pakistani terrorist, one of the ten members of Lashkar-e-Taiba involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks in India. He was sentenced to death and executed in November 2012.

3. Ajmal Firouz (born 1975), a British actor, best known for his roles in films such as "The Infidel" and "Four Lions."

4. Ajmal Wazed Akhtar (1968-2013), the son of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was a British IT entrepreneur and philanthropist who played a significant role in improving the digital infrastructure in Bangladesh.

5. Ajmal Ameen (born 1995), an English professional footballer who currently plays for Notts County F.C.

Genealogical research on the last name Ajmal

The Ajmal surname is predominantly found in South Asia, particularly among Muslim communities in India and Pakistan. It is derived from the Arabic name 'Ajam', meaning 'Persian' or 'non-Arab'. This surname likely originated during the medieval period when Persians migrated to the Indian subcontinent.

One notable figure with the Ajmal surname is Hussain Ajmal, a renowned poet and writer from India. He wrote in Urdu, Punjabi, and Siraiki languages and was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan for his contributions to literature.

In Pakistan, the Ajmal Foundation, established by Muhammad Ajmal Khan, is a notable organization that focuses on education, health services, and poverty alleviation. Khan himself was an Indian politician and educationist who served as the Minister for Education in British India during the interim government after the dissolution of the Muslim League in 1947.

These examples illustrate the historical and contemporary significance of the Ajmal surname in South Asia. Further research may reveal more about its origins, migrations, and influential figures throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ajmal"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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