By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
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…
Arabic
"lamb"
Alternative for the ultrapopular Jamal.
Ismeal is a male name that appears to be a spelling variation of Ishmael or Ismael. The traditional name has Hebrew origins meaning 'God will hear' or 'God has heard.' In Biblical tradition, Ishmael…
Ismeil is a masculine name variant of Ismail (or Ishmael), with Arabic origins. The traditional form Ismail appears in both Islamic and Judeo-Christian traditions as the name of Abraham's son. The…
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…
"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.
"lord, master"
For several years this name ranked high with African-American parents, but it's definitely started to slide.
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."
"lucky, happy"
A popular name in the Arab community, with an upbeat meaning.
"peace through faith"
A name with considerable history, as the celebrated sultan of Egypt and Syria in the time of the Crusades.
"coward"
Despite its disagreeable meaning, this name has a distinctive literary heritage: the eminent Kiswahili writer Shabaan Roberts is called the Shakespeare of East Africa.
Spelling variation of Shakir; Arabic
"thankful"
Shaquille O'Neal came almost as close as he could to a Junior when he selected this name for his son.
