abad

Abad is a surname of Spanish origin. It is derived from the medieval office of an abbot; in Spanish, abad means abbot, and the surname likely originated as an occupational or toponymic name for someone associated with a monastery. The name is widespread in Spain and across Latin America, and it is also found in the Philippines, reflecting historical Spanish influence.

Beyond a family name, Abad also appears as a toponymic element in Persianate languages. In Persian, Urdu, and related languages, the suffix -abad denotes a “cultivated place” or “city.” It is used to form many place names in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, with well-known examples such as Islamabad and Ahmedabad. The form is typically appended to a root referring to a founder, a person, or a concept, signaling a settlement.

As a given name, Abad is relatively uncommon, and is principally encountered as a surname.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Abad have appeared in politics, arts and sports across Spanish-speaking regions and the Philippines, reflecting the diaspora of Spanish naming traditions.