Muslim Boy Names
- Muhammad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"praiseworthy"Description:
There are over five hundred names for the Arab prophet who founded the Muslim religion, making it the most common boys' name in the world and explaining the Muslim adage, "If you have a hundred sons, name them all Muhammad."
- Hamza
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"lion or strong"Description:
Hamza was the legendary uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, hero of The Hamzanama, the Story of Hamza.
- Kamran
Origin:
Persian or UrduMeaning:
"prosperous or successful"Description:
Kamran is one of the most easily-translated boys' names from a Middle Eastern to a Western culture, sounding nearly identical to the stylish English name Cameron. While it is not an Islamic name, Muslims are allowed to use it because its meaning is felicitous.
- Eyad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"support; reinforcement"Description:
In the Quran, Eyad (and names with similar roots like Iyad and Ayad) refers to a person/entity that strengthens another. Eyad is one of the modern Arabic names for boys.
- 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.
- Ali
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"supreme, exalted"Description:
This is one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah, deemed by Muhammad to be a recommended name for a male child. In this country, it's been primarily associated with boxing immortal Muhammad Ali, known as "the greatest." But Ali is also one of the most popular unisex names for both boys and girls.
- Musa
Origin:
Arabic, Turkish, and Persian form of MosesDescription:
With its gentle but solid sounds, Musa is a name that feels both dignified and energetic. The Arabic, Turkish, and Persian form of Moses, Musa is popular internationally, from The Netherlands to Turkey to The UK.
- Yanis
Origin:
Greek, French, from HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
One of the relatives on the widely-branching family of John names, Yanis is in the French Top 50 and was a fast rising choice in the UK in 2022, when it went from being outside the Top 1000 to within the Top 700.
- Bilal
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"moist"Description:
The name of a companion of the prophet Muhammad who became the first person to call Muslims to prayer. Bilal is well-used in the US.
- Raife
Description:
Raife is a distinctive masculine name of English origin, representing a modern variation of Ralph. Deriving from Old Norse 'Ráðúlfr,' combining elements meaning 'counsel' and 'wolf,' the name carries connotations of wisdom and strength. This spelling variation offers a contemporary feel while maintaining the name's historic essence. Pronounced 'rayf,' it has a crisp, single-syllable sound that feels both strong and approachable. While Ralph has experienced fluctuating popularity over centuries, Raife remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet historically-grounded name. In the United Kingdom, this spelling has gained some traction among families looking for traditional names with modern flair. The name projects masculinity without being overtly aggressive, combining the wisdom symbolized in its etymology with a stylish, updated appearance.
- Ibrahim
Origin:
Arabic variation of AbrahamMeaning:
"multitudes; father of many"Description:
Well used by Muslim parents across the world, Ibrahim is the Arabic variation of Abraham. Significant in multiple religions and with an international and well-travelled feel about it, Ibrahim has been in the US Top 1000 since the 1990s, and is currently popular in Azerbaijan, France, the UK, and Turkey.
- Miraç
Origin:
Variation of Miraj, ArabicMeaning:
"ascent"Description:
Miraç is currently one of the most popular boy names in Turkey. It's a variation of the Arabic name Miraj, which refers to the ascension into Heaven. Both names are predominantly used by Muslim families.
- Isa
Origin:
Arabic variation of Jesus, GermanMeaning:
"the Lord is salvation; ice"Description:
Isa is an Arabic variation of Jesus found throughout the world and popular among Muslim parents. Alternative spellings include Issa, Esa, and Eissa.
- Imran
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"prosperity; exalted nation"Description:
A Quranic name especially popular in South Asia, it is also used across Europe, from Bosnia to France, from Spain to England. It appears in the Quran as the name of Maryam's (the Virgin Mary) father, and as the father of Moses, making it a counterpart to Hebrew Joachim or a variant of Hebrew Amran. The meaning of Imran isn't listed in the Quran, however, from its Hebrew roots, it could mean "exalted nation", or it could come from the Arabic word eimran meaning "prosperity".
- Hassan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"handsome"Description:
Hassan is among the more familiar Arabic choices, and also one with an attractive meaning. It has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year since 1971.
- Faris
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"rider, knight"Description:
A great uncommon English-Arabic crossover choice, easily pronounceable internationally.
- Samran
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"good friend, converser at night"Description:
A little-known Sam name with a lovely evocative meaning.
- Ayan
Origin:
SomaliMeaning:
"fortune"Description:
The African name Ayan was first seen on the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014. It's both simple and distinctive, a winning combination.
- Zayan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"handsome, beautifier"Description:
Traditionally spelled as Zayyan, this concise spelling variant is more popular in the English speaking world. Similar in sound and in meaning to the popular, international-feeling Zayn, it ranks in the Top 300 in the UK and in France.
- Aahil
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"king, monarch, emperor"Description:
An Arabic name with a strong, regal meaning, Aahil and its alternative spelling Ahil come from the Arabic word for "emperor" or "great leader" and is generally used to refer to someone who rules over a number of nations. It was a rising choice in England and Wales in 2023.