Muslim Names
- Nima
Origin:
Hebrew, Arabic, and HindiMeaning:
"thread, hair; blessing; margosa tree"Description:
Multicultural name often heard in the Near East. Also spelled Neema and Nimah.
- Safir
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"ambassador, messenger"Description:
Also spelled Safeer or Saphir, this rare Arabic name connotes power and beauty.
- Anas
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"friendliness"Description:
Anas is an Arabic name uncommon in the US -- it was given to 130 baby boys last year -- but popular in Spain, England and Wales, Italy, and especially France.
- Adil
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"just, fair"Description:
Also spelled Adel, this name of Arabic origin is also used in Urdu, Turkish, and Persian. It comes from the Arabic root adala meaning "to act justly", linking it to honesty and fairness — aspirational qualities for anyone to possess. It is popular in the Arabic speaking world, and is familiar in the UK and France.
- Aleena
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"soft, delicate"Description:
A twist on Alina or Alena, this name popped into the Top 500 for the first time in 2014. Also an Arabic name, meaning "soft, pliable, delicate".
- Aleah
Origin:
Arabic, "high, exalted"Meaning:
"high, exalted"Description:
Simple and melodic, this spelling offers an alternative to the more-popular Aliyah or Aaliyah -- the name of the late R&B singer who propelled the name into the US Top 100.
- Zakaria
Description:
Zakaria is a masculine name of Arabic and Hebrew origin, serving as a variant of Zachariah or Zechariah, which means "God has remembered." This name appears in both the Bible and the Quran, where Zakaria (or Zakariya) was a prophet and the father of John the Baptist (Yahya in Islamic tradition). The name is widely used across Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. In Western countries, this spelling is less common than Zachary or Zachariah but has gained recognition with increasing global cultural awareness. Zakaria offers a meaningful spiritual connection while being recognized internationally, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with religious significance and cross-cultural resonance.
- Suhail
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"level, even"Description:
Canopus, the second-brightest star in the sky is called Suhail in Arabic. Several other stars on the southern horizon also contain Suhail, including Al Suhail al Wazn, Al Suhail al Muhlif, and Suhail Hadar.
- Elanur
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"hazel light"Description:
Not, as you may be inclined to think, a variation of Eleanor. Elanur is a modern Turkish compound of the names Ela (meaning "hazel") and Nur ("light.")
- Muna
Description:
Muna is a feminine name with origins in multiple cultures, giving it a rich, cross-cultural appeal. In Arabic, Muna (منى) means 'wish' or 'desire,' symbolizing something precious and hoped for. In Swahili and other East African languages, it carries meanings of 'hope' or 'gift.' The name also appears in Old Norse mythology as a river deity. Muna's brevity and melodic quality make it accessible across language barriers, contributing to its growing international usage. The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly in multicultural communities. Its positive connotations, easy pronunciation, and cross-cultural nature make Muna an increasingly attractive choice for parents seeking a name that's both meaningful and globally accessible.
- Amayah
Origin:
Variation of Amaya or Amaia, Spanish, Basque, JapaneseMeaning:
"mother city; the end; night rain; heavenly valley"Description:
A multicultural choice, Amayah and its variations have been rising up the charts in recent years. This particular form entered the US Top 1000 back in 2016 and a recent year saw in rank just within the Top 700.
- Faiz
Origin:
Arabic, Urdu, PersianMeaning:
"victorious, triumphant, successful; grace, abundance, plenty"Description:
Faiz derives from either the Arabic Fa'iz meaning "triumph, success" or from the Persian Feyz meaning "grace, abundance, overflow". Also transcribed as Fayiz, Fayez, and Faizan this name has a determined and strong feel to it.
- Adyan
Description:
Adyan is a masculine name with Arabic origins, derived from 'adyan' meaning 'religions' or 'faiths' in Arabic. It can also be considered a variation of Adyan or Adian. The name has gained modest popularity in Muslim communities across various countries, appreciated for its spiritual connotations and melodic sound. In recent years, Adyan has seen increasing usage in multicultural societies as parents seek names with meaningful origins. Though not among the most common names in Western countries, its uniqueness and cultural significance make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name with depth and international appeal.
- Layan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"soft, delicate"Description:
Gentle, pleasant, and succinct, Layan is a popular choice across the Arab world and related to other well-loved Arabic choices, such as Alina, Leen, and Lina. Familiar in The UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium too, it has been on the rise in the US since the early 2000s and now sits just outside the Top 1000. With Leila, Lila, and Aaliyah already well known among English speakers, Layan could translate well. In sound, it is a little like Leanne, while in appearance it is reminiscent of Lainey and Layla - all of which makes it a friendly, cross-cultural choice with a nice meaning.
- Ayaz
Origin:
Turkish and AzerbaijaniMeaning:
"frost"Description:
A wintery name of Turkish origin that would suit a baby born during the colder months. Notably borne by the slave and later companion of an 11th century sultan, it is a popular choice in Turkey with actor Ayaz Khan being a more contemporary bearer.
- Hadiya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"guide to righteousness"Description:
A pleasant, welcoming Middle Eastern choice.
- Sadira
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"lotus tree"Description:
Intriguing name with great symbolic meaning in Eastern religions.
- Sahar
Origin:
Arabic, PersianMeaning:
"dawn, morning, awakening"Description:
This is a soft and strong Arabic and Persian name commonly heard in the Middle East.
- Hussain
Description:
Hussain is a masculine name of Arabic origin, a variant of Hassan, meaning 'handsome' or 'good.' The name holds particularly deep significance in Islamic tradition as it was the name of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussain ibn Ali, a revered figure especially among Shia Muslims. Due to its religious and historical importance, Hussain remains widely used throughout Muslim communities worldwide. The name carries connotations of nobility, courage, and moral integrity based on the historical Hussain's legacy. In Western countries, the name has become more familiar as Muslim communities have grown. Hussain combines cultural depth with an accessible pronunciation, making it a name that travels well across linguistic boundaries.
- Mecca
Origin:
Arabic, exact meaning unknownMeaning:
"holy city; temple; place of great importance"Description:
The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca, now known as the holiest city in Islam. Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.