Name of gentile by Mi Shebeirach
Question:
If I am praying on behalf of a sick non-Jew, which name should I mention when referring to their parent? Should I use the name of the father, the mother, or the family (last) name?
Answer:
In my opinion, there is no difference in this matter between a Jew and a non-Jew. One should ideally mention the name of the mother. If the mother’s name is not known, then the father’s name may be used. If neither parent’s name is known, one may simply use the individual’s last (family) name. This is based on the various reasons given for mentioning the mother’s name, many of which apply equally regardless of the individual’s background.
Sources:
See Shabbos 66b; Sefer Chassidim 237; Zohar Lech Lecha p. 84; Shemos p. 17; Yisro p. 69; Chochmas Shlomo on Shabbos 66b; Torah Lishma 399; Gevul Yehuda 2; Yabia Omer O.C. 2:11; Betzel Hachochma 3:91; Shulchan Menachem 1:266; Ziv Hasheimos 29