"Siddiqi" is a surname commonly found in the Middle East and South Asia. Its spelling can be tricky for those unfamiliar with Arabic transliteration. The word is phonetically transcribed as /sɪˈdiːki/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The "si" sound is pronounced like "see", with emphasis placed on the "di" and "qi" sounds. The "q" is a challenging letter to pronounce for those who do not speak Arabic, making it easy to misspell "Siddiqi". Remembering to include the double "i" at the end is also essential to correct spelling.
The word "Siddiqi" is an Arabic surname derived from the Arabic term "Siddiq". "Siddiq" (صديق) is an Arabic word meaning "truthful" or "honest". It originates from the Semitic root "Ṣ-D-Q", which also has similar meanings in other Semitic languages such as Hebrew and Aramaic. In Islamic tradition, the honorific title "Siddiq" is used to refer to Abu Bakr, the first caliph and companion of the Prophet Muhammad, who was renowned for his honesty and loyalty. Over time, the term "Siddiqi" became a surname, commonly used by individuals or families of Arab or Muslim origin.