wadud

Wadud is a male given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the root w-d-d, which relates to love and affection, and the form Wadud is commonly interpreted as “loving” or “affectionate.” In Islamic theology, Al-Wadud (the Loving) is one of the 99 names of Allah, reflecting a divine attribute of tenderness and benevolence.

As a personal name, Wadud is used in many Muslim-majority regions and among diaspora communities. Spelling variants commonly encountered in English transliteration include Wadood, Waddood, Wadeed, and Wadood, illustrating different approaches to rendering Arabic sounds in Latin script. The name is typically given to boys and may appear as part of compound names, for example in combinations that honor familial or religious contexts.

Usage and cultural context vary by region. In South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Africa, Wadud appears alongside other Arabic-based names and can be found in both secular and religious communities. While most often encountered as a given name, Wadud can appear in modern contexts as a middle name or, less commonly, as a surname, depending on naming conventions in a particular culture.

Overall, Wadud carries a positive association with love and affectionate character, rooted in its linguistic meaning and its connection to a divine attribute in Islamic tradition.