Rod, I have not been able to figure out what Al-Shamardal or Shamardal means. However, I found the word shamar wich means clear night with stars (but no moon or moonlight). Though, I do not know if that word actually is related to Shamardal.
I also asked my Arabic friends about it but the only thing the could tell me is that it is a proper (sur)name. It's not very common but it's not unheard of either.
My guess would be that even though it's used as a name in Arabic speaking countries it most likely has its origin in the Persian laguage.
This message was edited 5/15/2008, 5:57 AM