By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Arabic
"friend"
Kahlil, spelled in various ways, was first brought into the American consciousness by the poet Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet.
"just, fair"
Also spelled Adel, this name of Arabic origin is also used in Urdu, Turkish, and Persian. It comes from the Arabic root adala meaning "to act justly", linking it to honesty and fairness —…
"beautiful"
Familiar and handsome, Jamil is a name of Arabic origin. Its literal meaning is "beautiful" and while this can refer to physical beauty, as a Quranic name, it more specifically refers to beautiful…
"lion or strong"
This name has considerable meaning in the Islamic world, as Hamzah the brave was the uncle and protector of the Prophet of Islam. A more contemporary Hamzah is the eldest son of the late King Hussein…
Arabic and Urdu from Hebrew Yitzchak or Isaac
"laughter"
The Arabic and Urdu form of the cheerful Isaac, itself derived from the Hebrew Ytizchak, Ishaq is familiar in the UK and in France and was a fast rising choice in 2023. In Islamic tradition, Ishaq is…
Hindi; Arabic
"lotus; perfect, perfection"
Kamal carries two positive associations: one of the ninety-nine qualities of Allah listed in the Quran and the evocative lotus flower. Americans might recognize it as the male equivalent of Kamala,…
Arabic, diminutive of Rafiq; Spanish, diminutive of Rafael
Most people will assoicate it with the well-known children's singer.
Appealing Indian and Arabic choice.
"well developed, handsome"
No longer a one-person name, as a number of parents have been inspired by basketball great Shaquille O'Neal to adopt it for their own future athletes.
"patient"
An Arabic name with Quranic connections -- it represents one of the essential qualities -- that would have no trouble assimilating. Sabira or Sabirah is a form used for girls, and Sabri can be used…
"resolute"
A Saudi Arabian royal name that has remained within its own culture.
"the winner"
Commonly used Muslim name, also sometimes chosen to honor Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser.
Arabic and Turkish form of Noah
"rest"
A variant of the highly popular Noah, Nuh has featured in the UK Top 1000 on and off since the 2010s.
"brighter, clearer"
Strongly identified with peace-accord-seeking Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat.
"illustrious"
This evocative Arabic name is often heard in India.
"peace through faith"
Short form of the name Anglicized as Saladin, very popular throughout the Arab world.
Arabic; Polish, Czech, Slovak
"perfect; young ceremonial attendant"
Although popular in the Muslim community as representing one of the 99 qualities of God listed in the Quran, this could be confused with the female Camille. It's also common in the West Slavic…
"righteous, rightly advised"
This is a widely used Arabic choice — but Rashad is more popular here. Actress Rashida Jones represents the feminine version.
Mousa is an Arabic masculine name that serves as a variant of Moses (Musa in Arabic). The name carries deep historical and religious significance, as Moses is an important prophet in Islam,…
"loved one"
A North African choice, particularly popular in Tunisia and Syria.
