ABDILLA

Recorded as Abdalà and Abdalla(h) amongst others in the Militia Roster of 1417 though it has roots in Sicily dating back to at least 1178.

Most likely from the Siculo-Arabic name Abdella, itself from the Arabic Abdullâh, combining ‘abd and al-a‘lâ (Allah) to mean “servant of God”. A common nominative concept seen in the Italian (and Christian) surname Servadio and the Indian (and Hindu) name Devdas.

A frequent charge during the Crusades, the moor's head is a symbol of military victory against foreign powers. It is famously found on the Sardinian flag and heraldry.