Some Arab and Muslim names discernible in Maltese toponymy

Abstract

Toponymy comprises the totality of toponyms (place-names) in a given region. A toponym, in turn, is a proper name applied to a geophysical or man-made feature. The number of Maltese toponyms of Arabic origin is simply staggering. This Semitic treasure trove is notable for both its topographic and its anthroponymic repertoire. As a matter of fact, place-names may be divided into two broad categories: those including descriptive terms (e.g., Ħal Saflieni, L-Għalqa l-Wistanija, Wied il-Kbir, Il-Baslija) and those containing personal names (first names, surnames, and nicknames, e.g., Għar Barka, Ġebel Jagħqub, Bir Buħaġar, Ħal Farruġ). Arabic personal names of all types (both conventional and religious) are the point of interest of the present paper. Some names are secular, e.g., Raqīq, Razīn, and Jaʿfar; others have a Muslim (or Quranic) import, e.g., Jabbār, Ḥamīd, and Salām. The latter category includes theophoric epithets regarded as names of Allah. [excerpt]