Arabic Names that Start With S

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

One of the most easily imported Arabic names.

Salman is an Arabic name dating back to Salman the Persian, one of Muhammad's companions. In this country it is strongly associated with Anglo-Indian novelist Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses.

Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek lends a large dollop of glamour to this name that would otherwise resemble the middle-aged Selma.

Samiya is a name used by parents of both Arabic and African ancestry. Spelling variations include Samiyah, Samiah, and Samia.

Soundalike cousin of Sammy, cute but slight on its own.

The fact that this is pronounced sah-FEE-yah would cause Western ears to hear it as Sophia.

This is a soft and strong Arabic and Persian name commonly heard in the Middle East.

Distinguished by association with renowned African diplomat Salim Ahmed Salim, this name is popular in many variations throughout the Arab world. Its use is growing in the US as well, especially in its Salem version.

The mononymous Colombian-born singer inspired a popularity blip in the 90s and early 00s.

This female form of Sa'id is one of several eminently usable Arabic S names.

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.

Short form of the name Anglicized as Saladin, very popular throughout the Arab world.

Sama is on the baby name roster in the English-speaking world thanks to its rank at the bottom of the British Top 1000. A variation of the Turkish Sema, Sama may be used as a simpler, fresher alternative to Samantha or one of the most accessible Arabic names for girls.

The M and the R add welcome strength.

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.