The name "Muhiyudin" describes him as a "reviver of religion". Gilan (Arabic "al-Jilani") refers to his place of birth, Gilan. However, Gilani also carried the epithet "Baghdadi." referring to his residence and burial in Baghdad. He is also called "al-Hasani wa'l-Husayni", which indicates a claim to lineal descent from both Hasan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali may Allah be pleased with them.