Black guy with an Arabic name. Could he be Muslim, part Middle Eastern, or what?

There's this guy at my school who likes me, he's pretty cute xD. He looks like he's of African decent. His skin is somewhat dark and his facial features point to it. His first name's Ahmed. His brother has an Arabic name, also. His last name is originated from English.





Could he be part Middle Eastern, could he be Muslim, since a lot of Africans are Muslim. Could his parents just like Arabic names?

Black guy with an Arabic name. Could he be Muslim, part Middle Eastern, or what?
You can't always judge someone's cultural background by their names nowadays. For example, the name Fatima is originally Arabic but it's also a popular name among African-Americans. Just ask him-- it's a good conversation-starter.
Reply:The reason that some Africans have Muslim names is because Arab traders came to Northern Africa and brought Islam with them. And many Africans converted to Islam or married Muslims. So a bit of Arab culture was grafted into the North African culture(s).
Reply:He could be anything. He COULD be part Middle Eastern....





... but there are a LOT of Blacks with Arabic names. I know quite a few Africans who are of Muslim religion and have Arabic names. I also know Black people who were born right here in the United States who are Muslim religion and have Arabic names. Some of them have their last names changed from American-sounding names to Arabic-sounding names once they become Muslim. (e.g. "Shaw" becomes "Shah")
Reply:Does it matter? If you think he is cute, ask him out. Talk to him and somehow find a way to bring it up in casual conversation.
Reply:He could be Somalian? They usually have Arabic names like that. :)
Reply:You might want to ask him.

vine