Arabic Names that Start With S
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Sena
Origin:
Korean; Hindi; Turkish; Arabic; EweMeaning:
"this world's beauty or grace; army; to praise; bringing heaven to earth"Description:
Sena is one of those names that is as obscure in the Western World as it is simple and straightforward. Sena exists as a name in a range of languages and cultures and may be pronounced like Senna (with a soft e) or Sienna.
- Samira
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"companion in evening conversation"Description:
Shiny cousin of Samara with an intriguing meaning. Increasingly associated with the charming Samira Wiley, a perennial scene-stealer on "Orange is the New Black" and "The Handmaid's Tale."
- Senna
Origin:
Botanical name; ArabicMeaning:
"brightness"Description:
Senna is a flowering bush common in the tropics, with bright yellow flowers. In herbal medicine, Senna has gained some notice as the active ingredient in so-called "dieter's teas," which works mainly as a laxative. While that is a less-than-savory association, Senna has a pretty sound and is a fresh entry in the flourishing botanical names genus.
- Samir
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"a friend to talk with in the evening"Description:
Samir has a pleasing sound and lovely meaning. One of those distinctive names that can also fit right in—and you could always call him Sam.
- Sana
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"mountaintop, splendid, brilliant"Description:
One of the most easily imported Arabic names.
- Samiya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"high, exalted, praised"Description:
Samiya is a name used by parents of both Arabic and African ancestry. Spelling variations include Samiyah, Samiah, and Samia.
- Safa
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"pure, serenity, clarity"Description:
An English, Persian, and Turkish transcription of Arabic Safaa or Safaa', Safa is a a serene but strong choice and has proved popular among Muslim parents in the UK. Spritually significant, As-Safaa is the name of one of the two sacred hills near Mecca which Muslim pilgrims travel between when performing the pilgrimage of Hajj.
- Scheherazade
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"noble lineage"Description:
Scheherazade -- or Sheherazade --is a legendary Persian queen immortalized as the narrator of all one thousand stories in the One Thousand and One Nights. Her story is even more remarkable than the tales she tells.
- 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.
- Sahar
Origin:
Arabic, PersianMeaning:
"dawn, morning, awakening"Description:
This is a soft and strong Arabic and Persian name commonly heard in the Middle East.
- 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.
- Shaquille
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"well developed, handsome"Description:
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.
- Shakira
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"thankful, woman of grace"Description:
The mononymous Colombian-born singer inspired a popularity blip in the 90s and early 00s.
- Sahara
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"deserts"Description:
A beautiful and evocative place-name that deserves wider use, Sahara brings to mind deserts and heat. Derived from Arabic, it is the name of the world's largest hot desert, located across the North of Africa. Similar in appearance to Sarah and Zahra and similar in feel to Savannah, it was selected by reality TV star Georgia Harrison for her daughter Sahara Jean Stacey in 2025.
- Sabik
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"one who comes in first"Description:
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 names that mean new beginnings, this is one unusual choice.
- Sari
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Sari is a cute spin on Sarah, though some may hear it as "sorry," and it is also an item of clothing worn in India. These days many people will also confuse Sari with Suri, the lovely and unsual name of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' much-publicized young daughter.
- Suleiman
Origin:
Arabic variation of Solomon, HebrewMeaning:
"man of peace"Description:
Also transcribed as Sulaiman or Sulayman, this is the Arabic form of the biblical Solomon. It holds strong historical and religious significance, most famously associated with Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
- Sami
Origin:
Diminutive of Samuel, and ArabicMeaning:
"exalted"Description:
Soundalike cousin of Sammy, cute but slight on its own.
- Safiyah
Description:
Safiyah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'pure' or 'chosen friend.' This beautiful name appears in Islamic history as the name of one of Prophet Muhammad's wives, giving it significant religious and historical importance in Muslim communities. The name has variations including Safiya, Saffia, and Safiyyah, with slight differences in pronunciation across different cultures. Growing in popularity in diverse communities worldwide, Safiyah represents purity, wisdom, and moral clarity. The name has seen increased usage in Western countries in recent decades, appreciated for its melodious sound and meaningful etymology. Parents are drawn to Safiyah for its blend of historical significance, spiritual depth, and contemporary appeal.
- Sharif
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"the honorable one"Description:
Long associated with Egyptian-born actor/bridge expert Omar Sharif, also a title bestowed on descendants of Muhammad.
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