Algiers, Damascus, Lebanon—these are all actual city names in the United States. But America isn’t the only country that made well-known Arab and Muslim names their own. In fact, long before Cairo was established as a southernmost city in the state of Illinois, the Arabic language had already made its mark across continents.
Read on to discover some of the most popular cities (and one country) that trace their roots back to the Arab world.
Manila, Philippines
Before Spanish colonialists rebranded Manila in 1571, the Philippine capital was known as Aman Allah— “God’s Safety”— under the Muslim rule of Rajah Sulayman. This name encapsulated a city steeped in faith, a bastion of Islamic governance predating its colonial transformation. The erasure of Aman Allah in favor of Spanish nomenclature echoes the broader displacement of indigenous identities during colonial expansion.
Guadalajara, Mexico
The Mexican city’s roots trace back to Wadi al-Hajara. Meaning “Valley of Stones,” the moniker was bestowed during the Muslim rule of Andalusia and imported to Mexico by Spanish settlers.
Benacazón, Spain
Spain’s linguistic landscape bears the undeniable imprint of Arabic, with an estimated 4,000 Spanish words rooted in the language. Place names like Benacazón (“Bani Qasum,” or “Sons of Qasum”) and El Burgo (“Al Burj,” meaning “the tower”) evoke a vivid image of medieval al-Andalus.
Marsala, Italy
Sicily retains its Arabic heritage in the names of towns like Marsala, derived from Marsa Ali (Ali’s anchorage) or Marsa Allah (God’s harbour). The prevalence of “cala” in local names hints at the Arabic qalat, meaning fortification.
Ramatuelle, France
In the South of France, Ramatuelle’s etymology traces back to Rahmatallah (“Mercy of God”), a nod to its period under Moorish influence during the 9th and 10th centuries. This serene coastal town near Saint-Tropez holds a history often overshadowed by its glamorous modern reputation.
Mozambique, Africa
The reach of Arabic extends far beyond Europe. Mozambique, named after Mussa Bin Bique, an Arab trader who ruled the island before Portuguese colonization, stands as a testament to Arabic influence in East Africa. The Comoro Islands, too, draw their name from qamar (moon.)
