Similar to Abu (Ab), which is father in Arabic. Some scholars believe that Allah came from the Hebrew word Elohim (plural of El) meaning God. It's all very interesting, I plan on learning Hebrew after I get a good grasp on Arabic.
I'm not sure what sect of Judaism my father is from, I'll have to find out. My mother always tells me I am not Jewish when I try to say I am, so I guess I am not. ;) I still like to believe that I am amongst the chosen! :)
Hebrew and Arabic are pretty close in some respects. I know a little Hebrew and some Yiddish, but its been years since I used it. I cant write either one, however.
The argument of whether one is Jewish or not based on Halacha interpretations is very complex, so take your time. At least three sects of Judaism recognize you, and several others dont, put basically.
I never really gave it a second thought, to be honest, until it was time to teach my children about their heritage. A rabbi once told he "some people have Jewish souls, and they swim like salmon upstream to find God". I suspect that is the feeling you have..LOL
Shalom I see where you are coming from now!