Ubaydullah

Ubaydullah is a male given name of Arabic origin. The name combines Ubayd (a form related to Abd) with Allah, yielding the meaning “servant of God.” Variants in spelling include Ubaidullah, Ubayd-Allah, Ubeidullah, and other transliterations, reflecting different Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and South Asian linguistic practices. It is used across the Muslim world.

In Islamic history, the most widely cited bearer is Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad (active mid-7th century), an Umayyad governor of Basra and Kufah who played a key role in the events of the Second Fitna and the lead-up to the Battle of Karbala. As governor under Caliph Yazid I, he exercised authority in Iraq and is often associated with the suppression of opposition to Umayyad rule.

In modern times, Ubaydullah remains in use in various regions due to its strong religious meaning. As with many Arabic names, its popularity varies by country and community, and it appears in literature, scholarship, and personal names across the Muslim world.