By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 17 pages
of 17
Arabic, Swahili
"wellborn"
See ZULEIKA.
Yushua is a masculine name that represents a transliteration variation of Joshua, which derives from Hebrew and means 'Yahweh is salvation.' This particular spelling reflects how the name appears in…
Arabic and Swahili variation of Zaynab
"beauty, grace"
Zaynab is the name of the Prophet Muhammad's oldest daughter. When written as Zaynabu or Zainabu, it's a name found in both the Arabic and Swahili languages and cultures.
Arabic
"astute, wise"
Unusual Arabic name with an inspiring meaning for a baby girl.
Arabic, Greek
"praise; death"
A multicultural choice with two rather different meanings, Thana is an Arabic name with the spiritual meaning of "praise". It may also appear as Thanaa, Sana, and Sena, the latter spellings…
"friend"
One of several similar names well used in the Muslim community.
"gentle, kind"
Classic Muslim name representing one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah; Queen Latifah has drawn attention to the feminine form of the name.
"tree and spice name"
A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and…
"lord, master"
For several years this name ranked high with African-American parents, but it's definitely started to slide.
Persian
"noble lineage"
The tale-spinning heroine of The Thousand and One Nights , Sheherazade is an extravagantly elaborate name for a little girl. Too extravagantly elaborate? It's lovely and beguiling, and with the rise…
"ready for battle"
The M and the R add welcome strength.
"pretty"
One of many similarly pretty names, this one identifiable as a female form of the familiar Shaquille.
Mozes is a variation of Moses, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning "drawn out of the water," referring to the biblical account of baby Moses being rescued from the Nile River. This particular…
"pure"
Attractive name, but it does sound feminine. Some have changed it to Nakari. Although it does not make the U.S. Top 1000, Nakia is among the ten fastest-rising names for both boys and girls.
"pure, chaste, honest"
A zippy Arabic name with a solid and serious meaning, Nazih has been notably borne by poet Nazih Abu Afach and footballer Amjhad Nazih.
"panther"
Projects an air of power and speed.
"decree, destination"
One of several Arabic names that can be spelled with a Q or a K, rarely heard outside the Muslim community.
"ancient"
More frequently seen with the Kadeem spelling, as in actor Kadeem Hardison.
"springtime"
Not to be confused with Rabbi (a Jewish leader, scholar, and teacher), Rabi is an Arabic name meaning "springtime", that also appears as Rabih and Rabeeh. It can also be used as a variation of Ravi,…
"friend, companion, gentle, kind"
Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."
