Aweis first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Aweis has been for the last 3 years (from 2006 to 2008) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Aweis

A Somali name meaning "fortunate one" or "one born feet first".

Popularity of Aweis by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Aweis is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2008, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Aweis.

Year Male Count Female Count
2008 5 0
2006 5 0

The history of the first name Aweis

The name Aweis is believed to have its origins in the Somali language, which is spoken primarily in the Horn of Africa region. It is derived from the Arabic root word "aws," which means "refuge" or "shelter." The name gained prominence in the 7th century during the spread of Islam in the region, as it embodied the concept of finding solace and protection under the faith.

In its earliest recorded usage, the name Aweis appeared in historical texts and poetry from the medieval Islamic Golden Age, particularly in works produced by Somali scholars and poets. One of the earliest known references can be found in the writings of the renowned 13th-century Somali philosopher and scholar, Aweis Al-Barawi, who hailed from the coastal city of Barawa.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Aweis. One of the most prominent was Aweis Al-Qurni (1004-1077), a revered Somali Islamic scholar and jurist who made significant contributions to the field of Islamic jurisprudence. His works were widely studied and respected throughout the Islamic world during his lifetime.

Another notable bearer of the name was Aweis Mahmud (1856-1920), a Somali poet and warrior who played a pivotal role in the resistance against colonial occupation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His poetic works and leadership during the Dervish resistance movement have secured his place in Somali history and folklore.

In the realm of literature, Aweis Mohamed Nuur (1914-2005) was a celebrated Somali poet and playwright, renowned for his contributions to the development of modern Somali literature. His works explored themes of national identity, social commentary, and the preservation of Somali cultural heritage.

More recently, Aweis Osman Mahmud (1910-1988) was a prominent Somali politician and diplomat who served as the first Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Somali Republic following independence in 1960. He played a crucial role in establishing Somalia's international relations and diplomatic ties during the early years of the nation's independence.

These are just a few examples of the notable individuals who have carried the name Aweis throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields such as scholarship, literature, politics, and resistance movements. The name continues to be widely used in the Somali community, carrying with it a rich cultural heritage and a connection to the region's Islamic traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aweis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aweis, please contact us.

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"Aweis first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 9, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/aweis-meaning-and-history/.

"Aweis first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/aweis-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 9 June, 2025

Aweis first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/aweis-meaning-and-history/.

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