Arabic Names for Boys

Zadig is the name of the hero and philosopher in Voltaire's 1747 novella, Zadig, ou la Destinée ("Zadig, or The Book of Fate"), though it may be better associated today with the fashion retailer Zadig&Voltaire whose name was inspired by the classic work.
 
Derived from the Arabic Sadiq, meaning "true, sincere, loyal" or from the Hebrew tzadik, a title for a righteous person, it may also be viewed as an Armenian choice, stemming from the word for Easter. The pronunciation can vary depending on where you are in the world: in French, it would be ZA-DEEK, in Armenian, it would be zah-DEEG; in English, it may be said as ZA-deeg.
 
Recent years have seen it gain attention in modern France as a quirky-chic choice.

Zadig

A variation of the Arabic Tahir, most notably used in North Africa, Tahar was a popular choice in Tunisia in the 1950s and also featured in the French Top 500 around the same period. Pronounced as TA-heer in Maghrebi Arabic and as TA-AR in France, it shouldn't be confused with the similarly transcribed Taha.
 
Notable bearers include poet and writer Tahar Ben Jelloun, actor Tahar Rahim, and boxer Tahar Tamsamani.

Tahar

A name with two possible meanings, Azri is short, zippy, and fresh.
 
As a Malay name, it has its roots in the Arabic ʿadhriyy, giving it the meaning "pure, clean, chaste", while as a Hebrew (or perhaps contemporary) name, it likely borrows from names like Azriel, Azariah, and Ezri, meaning "help".

Azri

Yashtahi is a masculine name with Indigenous American origins, likely derived from Native American languages. While specific information about this uncommon name is limited in mainstream sources, it appears to be connected to tribal naming traditions. Names in many Native American cultures often carry significant meanings related to nature, spiritual qualities, or important events. The rhythmic quality of Yashtahi suggests a name that would have ceremonial significance within its original cultural context. Names from Indigenous American traditions have increasingly been appreciated for their distinctive sounds and cultural depth, though it's important to approach such names with respect for their heritage and traditional meanings within specific tribal communities.

Yashtahi

Literally referring to dawn, daybreak, and beginnings, Fajr is also the name of the Islamic morning prayer. While it is used predominantly for girls, it is sometimes given to boys too.

Fajr

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.

Basul

A relative of  Barak and Baraka, this upbeat Arabic name is associated with good fortune. Also appearing as Barakat, it is used predominantly for boys, though recent years have seen it rise up the England and Wales charts for girls too.

Barkat

A cheerful Arabic name, associated with good fortune and multiple blessings, Barakat  is a relative of Barack and Baraka. 

Barakat

Strong name, with a regal, romantic natural imagery image. 

Badar

An Arabic name used predominantly in North Africa, Achraf is a name with a gentler sound but plenty of grandeur and splendor. Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi is a notable bearer. 

Achraf

A bright, glowing name of Arabic origin, Nibras is connected to light and guidance, via its "lamp", "lantern", and "beacon" meanings. 

Nibras

A multicultural and unisex choice, Matara is both a variation of the Hebrew and Arabic Matar ("rain"), and a Sri Lankan place name ("the great ferry; the great crossing"). Used predominantly in India, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Chad, it is a rare name with an approachable feel.
 
From its Arabic and Hebrew roots, it has the cool weather and nature connection, while from its Sri Lankan connections, it is the name of a scared place for Buddhists.

Matara

Related to Amir and Amira, an antiquated name that holds some modern appeal.

Ammiras

Not a variation of Max, as those unfamiliar may assume on looking at it, Maxamed is a  Somali form of Muhammad, the name of the prophet and founder of Islam. Sometimes written as Maxamad and Maxhamed, notable bearers include writer Maxamed Daahir Afrax and musicians Maxamed Maame and Maxamed BK.

Maxamed

Sabik, a star in Ophiuchus, makes for a rather harsh-sounding name. If you're looking skyward for a baby name, you'd do better with Orion or Jupiter. But if you are searching for <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/316/baby-names-that-mean-new-beginnings?all=1">names that mean new beginnings</a>, this is one unusual choice.

Sabik

Samein is a masculine name of Middle Eastern and North African origin, though relatively uncommon even within these regions. It likely derives from Arabic linguistic roots, possibly related to words for elevated status or valuable qualities. The name carries a melodic quality when pronounced, with emphasis typically on the second syllable. Samein remains rare in global usage, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. The name may have variations in spelling depending on transliteration from Arabic script to Latin alphabet. While not widely documented in historical records, Samein represents the rich naming traditions of Islamic cultures where names often carry meaningful connections to desired attributes or religious concepts. Its uniqueness makes it stand out in both its native regions and internationally.

Samein

Introduced to the lexicon by the husband of Little House on the Prairie writer Laura Ingalls Wilder, most scholars agree that this unusual name comes from the Arabic El-Mansur.

Almonzo

This romantic name of a city in Yemen was chosen for her son by supermodel Liya Kebede.

Suhul

Zinedine Zidane is France's biggest soccer star, spawning a legion of little Zinedines in that country. 

Zinedine

The brightest star in Ursa Major, this is one of the major navigational stars used by ships.

Alioth

 include the most popular baby boy name worldwide: Muhammad and its variants. Millions of men and boys bear the name around the globe, and (with variant spellings taken into account) it’s currently the top boy name in Britain and several other European countries.

 as well among Muslim parents. Along with Muhammad, other Arabic names for boys in the US Top 1000 include Ali, Amir, Ibrahim, Malik, Nasir, Omar, Samir, Xavier, and Yusuf. Unique Arabic boy names getting more attention include Amin, Aza, Osman, Rahim, and more.

 include — besides Muhammad — Yusuf, Ibrahim, and Musa, which is the Arabic form of Moses. Boy names popular in the Arabic-speaking world include Yusuf, Mustafa, and Hamza, which means lion or strong.

Arabic names are rich in history and often have particularly deep and powerful meanings. You’ll find over 100 more awesome Arabic boy names in Nameberry’s full tally, below, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry. 

Arabic Boy Names with meanings and popularity, popular with Muslim parents in the US, Britain, and around the world. (Page 10)