Muslim Boy Names
- Salim
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"safe"Description:
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.
- Youssef
Origin:
Variation of Yusuf, ArabicMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
This alternate spelling of Yusuf leads the way in Spain, where it is among the 100 most popular baby names. In the US, streamlined Yusuf reigns.
- Ahmad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"most commended, praisworthy"Description:
As a form of the popular Arabic name, Hamid, Ahmad could be seen as a contraction for one of the 99 names for Allah, al-Ḥamīd, however, it might also be a variation of Muhammad as they share the same roots. Either way, the name has many variants of its own, the Urdu Ahmed, the Kazakh Akhmet, and West African Amadou.
- Sulaiman
Origin:
Arabic variation of SolomonDescription:
Muslim name very popular in North Africa.
- 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.
- Ayub
Description:
Ayub is a masculine name with rich historical and cultural significance across multiple traditions. It is the Arabic and Persian form of Job, the biblical figure known for his patience and faith through suffering. The name appears in the Quran as well, where Ayub is revered as a prophet. The meaning is often given as 'returning' or 'repentant' in Arabic. Ayub has been used for centuries throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia, particularly in Muslim communities. The name combines simplicity with deep religious and cultural resonance. While not common in Western countries, global migration has brought the name to more diverse communities, where it is appreciated for its cross-cultural history and meaningful associations.
- Rafiq
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"friend, companion, gentle, kind"Description:
Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."
- Mikaeel
Description:
Mikaeel is a multicultural masculine name, representing an Arabic and Quranic variation of Michael, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'who is like God?' In Islamic tradition, Mikaeel (or Mikail) is the name of one of the archangels, believed to be responsible for bringing rain and sustenance to Earth. This spelling variation is particularly common in Muslim communities across various countries. The name carries spiritual significance in multiple faiths, making it a meaningful choice for religiously observant families. While less common in Western countries than Michael, Mikaeel has gained increased usage in multicultural communities. The name combines ancient religious heritage with a distinctive spelling that reflects its Arabic pronunciation.
- Furkan
Origin:
Turkish variation of Furqan, ArabicMeaning:
"proof, testament"Description:
The Turkish transcription of Furqan, another name for the Quran.
- Aayan
Origin:
Persian or ArabicMeaning:
"long night; era"Description:
A common name in the Muslim community, where it may be a Persian name or a variation of Ayan, a name with a timely meaning.
- Abbas
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"lion, stern"Description:
Not one of the five hundred names of Muhammad, but that of his uncle.
- Usman
Description:
Usman is a masculine name of Arabic origin derived from 'Uthman' or 'Othman,' the name of the third caliph of Islam who was a companion of Prophet Muhammad. The name means 'one who is chosen' or 'companion of the falcon.' Usman is widely used throughout Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. In countries like Pakistan, India, Nigeria, and Sudan, it remains consistently popular. The name carries religious significance for Muslims and is often chosen to honor the historical Islamic figure. Variations include Osman (Turkish), Othman (Arabic), and Uthmaan (alternative transliteration).
- Abdullahi
Description:
Abdullahi is a masculine name of Arabic origin, representing a variant form of Abdullah, which means 'servant of Allah' or 'servant of God.' This name holds deep religious significance in Islamic tradition, reflecting devotion and spiritual commitment. Widely used throughout Muslim communities across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, Abdullahi is particularly common in Somali, Ethiopian, and Nigerian cultures. The name carries a sense of dignity and religious heritage, honoring the relationship between the individual and the divine. While traditional in its origins, Abdullahi has gained increased recognition in Western countries through immigration and cultural exchange. The name's rich vowel sounds and meaningful etymology make it both phonetically pleasing and spiritually significant for many families with Islamic backgrounds.
- Adnan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"settler"Description:
Adnan in the Muslim religion was an ancestor of Muhammad. More recently, the name was introduced to many Westerners via Adnan Syed, the young man at the center of the sensational Serial podcast.
- Aman
Description:
Aman is a multicultural masculine name with origins spanning several traditions. In Sanskrit, it means 'peace' or 'tranquility,' while in Arabic it can mean 'security' or 'safety.' The name also appears in Punjabi, Persian, and other cultural traditions, each with similar positive connotations. This cross-cultural versatility has made Aman increasingly popular in diverse communities around the world. Its simple pronunciation, melodic sound, and universal meaning contribute to its appeal. The name carries a gentle strength and projects qualities of harmony and protection that transcend cultural boundaries. Aman's growing popularity reflects the modern trend toward names with positive meanings that work well in multicultural contexts.
- Mohamed
Origin:
Spelling variation of MuhammadMeaning:
"praiseworthy"Description:
This variation of the popular Arabic name has now been in the Top 500 for several years. It wasn't even in the Top 1000 before the 1980s.
- Osman
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"baby bustard"Description:
Its most famous bearer was Prince Osman the First, founder of the Ottoman Empire.
- Salah
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"peace through faith"Description:
Short form of the name Anglicized as Saladin, very popular throughout the Arab world.
- Ammiras
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"commander"Description:
Related to Amir and Amira, an antiquated name that holds some modern appeal.
- Arham
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"merciful"Description:
Rising Muslim boy name.