Lawal
Lawal is a Muslim boy name meaning “The first”.
| Meaning | The first |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Arabic, Nigerian form |
| Arabic spelling | الأول |
| Pronunciation | LAH-wahl |
| Arabic root | أ و ل (ʾ-w-l) — first |
| Muslim name? | Islamic / Arabic name |
Meaning and origin of Lawal
Lawal comes from the Arabic al-Awwal (الأول), 'the first', from the root ʾ-w-l, which is connected with beginnings and with being first in time or rank. When the Arabic article al- is joined to awwal, the sounds run together, and in Nigerian pronunciation this produced Lawal. The name is sometimes explained as 'first-born', but its basic meaning is simply 'the first'. Al-Awwal is also one of the names of Allah, the First, before whom there was nothing.
Because of that divine association, some Nigerian families prefer the form Abdul-Awwal, 'servant of the First', and Lawal is understood by many as a short form of it. The name is used widely by both Yoruba and Hausa Muslims, and it is extremely common as a family name across Nigeria, passed down from a grandfather or great-grandfather who bore it as a given name. In Hausa-speaking areas the form Lawali is also heard, with the added final vowel typical of Hausa. Pronunciation is LAH-wahl, with the stress on the first syllable.
Is Lawal a Muslim name?
Yes. Lawal is a Muslim name used in Nigeria. It comes from the Arabic al-Awwal, 'the first', and is common among both Yoruba and Hausa Muslims.
Is Lawal in the Quran?
Al-Awwal appears in the Quran as a name of Allah: 'He is the First and the Last' (Quran 57:3).
Where is the name Lawal used?
Very common in Nigeria as a given name and a family name.
Gifts with the name Lawal
- Lawal name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Lawal baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Lawal
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More boy names like Lawal
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lawal mean?
Lawal means 'The first'. It comes from Arabic, Nigerian form.
Is Lawal a Muslim name?
Yes. Lawal is a Muslim name used in Nigeria. It comes from the Arabic al-Awwal, 'the first', and is common among both Yoruba and Hausa Muslims.
How do you write Lawal in Arabic?
Lawal is written الأول in Arabic script.
How do you pronounce Lawal?
Lawal is pronounced LAH-wahl.
Is Lawal mentioned in the Quran?
Al-Awwal appears in the Quran as a name of Allah: 'He is the First and the Last' (Quran 57:3).
Is Lawal a Yoruba or Hausa name?
Both. It is used by Yoruba and Hausa Muslims and is very common as a Nigerian surname.
Is Lawal a name of Allah?
Al-Awwal, 'the First', is one of the names of Allah, which is why some families use Abdul-Awwal instead.