Muslim Boy Names
- 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.
- Omar
Origin:
Arabic, HebrewMeaning:
"flourishing, thriving; eloquent"Description:
Omar has a perfect mix of unusuality and familiarity, with the added plus of a strong, open initial O. Commonly used among Muslim families, Omar was long associated with twelfth-century Persian poet Omar Khayyam, though it sounds anything but ancient now.More recent well-known bearers have been World War II General Omar Bradley and actors Omar Sharif(born Michael) and Omar Epps.
- 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."
- Rayan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"land that is lush and rich in water"Description:
Popular Arabic name for boys and sometimes girls too, that's also a term of authority in India.
- Sahil
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"guide, leader"Description:
A name that could set an Indian boy on a path to leadership.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ahmed
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"greatly praised"Description:
This variation of Ahmad is one of the most popular Arabic names among Muslim families the world over and is now the most used spelling in the USA. It shares the same root as other popular Arabic names, including Muhammad and Hamid.
- Yaqub
Description:
Yaqub is the Arabic and Persian form of the biblical name Jacob, meaning 'he who follows' or 'supplanter.' With roots in Semitic languages, it has been used throughout the Islamic world for centuries, honoring the prophet Yaqub mentioned in the Quran (known as Jacob in the Bible). The name carries connotations of strength, persistence, and spiritual heritage. While traditional in Muslim communities across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, Yaqub has gained modest recognition in Western countries with diverse populations. The name maintains its authentic cultural significance while being relatively straightforward for non-Arabic speakers to pronounce.
- Rehan
Description:
Rehan is a masculine name with multicultural origins, primarily used in Arabic, Persian, and South Asian cultures. In Arabic, it means 'sweet-smelling herb' or 'fragrant plant,' often specifically referring to basil or myrtle. In the Quran, Rehan is mentioned as one of the plants of Paradise. The name also appears in Indian and Pakistani communities, sometimes spelled as Rayhan, Raihan, or Reyhan. It has gained popularity in recent decades as multicultural names have become more widespread globally. Parents are drawn to Rehan for its pleasant meaning, melodious sound, and cross-cultural appeal. While traditional in origin, it fits well with contemporary naming trends that favor short, distinctive names with positive associations.
- Omari
Origin:
Swahili, ArabicMeaning:
"populous, flourishing"Description:
This name, like Omar and Amari, has been in the US Top 1000 for many years. After taking a downturn in 2008, it's now again on the upswing. Actor Omari Hardwick keeps it in the public eye.
- 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.
- Huzaifa
Description:
Huzaifa is a masculine name of Arabic origin with deep Islamic significance. The name honors Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, a revered companion (sahabi) of the Prophet Muhammad and an important figure in early Islamic history. The name Huzaifa means 'one who preserves' or 'guardian,' reflecting noble qualities of protection and care. Popular throughout Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in Pakistan, India, and Middle Eastern countries, the name carries spiritual significance for many families. Huzaifa has grown in usage in recent decades as parents seek names with religious meaning and historical importance. The name's distinctive sound and spiritual heritage make it a meaningful choice with strong cultural connections.
- 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.
- Hakeem
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"judicious, wise"Description:
Muhammad approved all ninety-nine attributes of Allah as worthy names, and this is one of the most popular. It was in the US Top 1000 for the first time since 1998 in 2016, when it was one of the 10 fastest-rising boys' names. Perhaps the most well known person in America with the name is former Houston Rockets center and Basketball Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.
- Rami
Origin:
Finnish, Arabic, Sanskrit "wise protector; father of multitudes; archer; pleasing"Meaning:
"wise protector; father of multitudes; archer; pleasing"Description:
Rami has gained notoriety in the English-speaking world as the first name of the Oscar-nominated actor Rami Malek, whose parents immigrated to the US from Egypt. Rami also feels more approachable thanks to the stylish Remi, Romy, and Rumi. The only challenge is keeping the pronunciation on track.
- Ehan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"full moon"Description:
An unusual Arabic name, given to a handful of boys in the US each year, also spelled Ehaan or Ihan.
- Daniyal
Description:
Daniyal is a masculine name of Arabic origin, representing a variant spelling of Daniel. The original Hebrew name Daniel means 'God is my judge' and appears prominently in the Bible and Quran. This particular spelling is most common in Muslim communities across the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Central Asia. Daniyal has ancient roots but continues to maintain steady popularity in Islamic cultures, appreciated for its religious significance and melodious sound. The name bridges multiple cultural traditions, recognized in Abrahamic faiths including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. With growing global interconnection, Daniyal has become more visible internationally while maintaining its strongest presence in Muslim-majority regions, where it's valued for both its spiritual associations and pleasant phonetics.
- 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.
- Hamza
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"lion or strong"Description:
Hamza was the legendary uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, hero of The Hamzanama, the Story of Hamza.