325+ Arabic Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
- Nylah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"winner"Description:
Nylah is the Arabic name of a princess -- Nyla is another variation -- that's rising quickly through the ranks, partly thanks to an adorable kitty that enjoyed 15 minutes of YouTube fame. But we predict this attractive and unusual name will get a longer turn in the sun than the pop-culture cat.
- Basul
Description:
Basul is a masculine name with obscure origins, possibly deriving from Arabic or South Asian linguistic traditions. The name may be a variant of Basil, which comes from the Greek word 'basilikos' meaning 'royal' or 'kingly.' In some cultures, it might be connected to the Turkish 'basul' meaning 'pressure' or 'influence.' Basul remains extremely rare worldwide, appealing to parents seeking truly unique names with an exotic sound. The name has a strong, distinctive quality with its combination of soft consonants and clean ending. Its uncommonness means that a child named Basul would likely be the only one in his social circles, offering a truly individual identity.
- Qiturah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"incense, scent"Description:
Twist on the attractive and underused biblical name Keturah.
- Farasha
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"butterfly"Description:
Farasha is butterfly in Arabic, which means that to English-speakers, it feels more like a soft feminine name and less like a fluttery animal. Pretty without feeling flighty.
- Rana
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"queenly"Description:
A favorite in Near Eastern cultures, with a charming meaning.
- Zainab
Origin:
Variation of ZaynabDescription:
Zainab—the name of a flowering tree and of a granddaughter, daughter, and two wives of the Prophet Muhammed—was a newcomer to the US Top 1000 in 2013. While simplified variations Zaina or Zayna are more Western-friendly, neither makes the US list.
- Rafiq
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"friend, companion, gentle, kind"Description:
Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."
- Naji
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"safe"Description:
Spelled Najee, this was chosen by rapper LL Cool J for his son several years ago.
- Sana
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"mountaintop, splendid, brilliant"Description:
One of the most easily imported Arabic names.
- Rashad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"having good judgment"Description:
In the US, Rashad is one of the most popular and best-known Arabic names, through several sports and entertainment celebrities.
- Maliq
Origin:
Spelling variation of Malik, ArabicMeaning:
"king"Description:
The q-ending of this common name adds a quirky element.
- Iman
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"faith"Description:
One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.
- Tabari
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"he remembers"Description:
Tabari has a haunting, rhythmic feel.
- Tahira
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"pure and chaste"Description:
Tahira is a pretty Arabic virtue name, unusual yet accessible.
- Salma
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"safe"Description:
Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek lends a large dollop of glamour to this name that would otherwise resemble the middle-aged Selma.
- Talib
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"seeker of knowledge"Description:
Talib is a North African name with an admirable meaning, associated with rapper Talib Kweli.
- Samiyah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"high, exalted, praised"Description:
Samiyah hovers near the bottom of the US Top 1000, used expecially by Arab-American and African-American families. Variations include Samiya, Samiah, and Samia.
- Yasmina
Description:
Yasmina is a feminine name of Arabic and Persian origin. It is a derivative of the name Yasmin, which refers to the jasmine flower, known for its sweet fragrance and delicate white blossoms. The jasmine flower symbolizes purity, love, and sensuality in many cultures. The addition of the 'a' ending gives the name a more feminine touch in some traditions. Yasmina has gained popularity beyond the Middle East and North Africa, becoming increasingly common in Europe and other parts of the world. The name carries a beautiful exotic quality while remaining easy to pronounce in many languages, contributing to its international appeal.
- Amin
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"faithful, trustworthy"Description:
Amin is a simple but strong name with a solid meaning. It was borne by the sixth Abbasid caliph, a ruler of the Abbasid Muslim Empire in the 9th century, a descendant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.
- Amapola
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"poppy"Description:
A rarely heard flower name, Amapola comes from the Spanish word for "poppy", in turn associating with name with remembrance and the months of August and November. Pronounced as a-ma-POH-la, with the emphasis on the third syllable, it may feel similar enough to Amalia, Amaia, and Paula to work.
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