Suhail (سُهَيل, approximately pronounced as soo-hail or sue-hail) is the ancient, Arabic name for the second brightest star in the night sky, also known as Canopus in Latin. It is part of the constellation of Carina, and is observable in the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, it is only visible up to certain latitudes, typically from the end of summer. I like to think that when the Arabians of old made out the star as it loomed over the horizon, they interpreted it as a signal of the dying down of dry, hot summer winds and the beginning of a cooler period.

Though not particularly common in the modern Arab world, the name is still quite frequent in some areas, such as Iran or Pakistan. The name used there is often transcribed as Soheil.

I was named after my grandfather, Suhail Matar (1934–2017). He was an intelligent, witty man, and made the best hummus and labani. In his early days, he made and sold batteries (for automobiles, radios, etc.) in his own workshop in Nazareth.