Muslim Names
- Taif
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"specter, visitation, wraith, phantom; one who performs Tawaf"Description:
An Arabic name with two possible meanings, depending on which root your follow, Taif is both a spiritual name in both senses of the word. On one hand, it can come from tayf meaning "ghost, visitation, wraith", while on the other, it can come from taafa meaning "to walk around, to circle something". More broadly, this refers to the performance of Tawaf, an important part of an Islamic pilgrimage in which pilgrims walk round the Holy Ka'abah seven times anti-clockwise.
- Ramazan
Origin:
Turkish variation of Ramadan, ArabicMeaning:
"scorching heat"Description:
The Turkish name for Ramadan, the holy ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims typically fast.
- 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.
- Zaynab
Origin:
Tree name or Arabic,"beauty, grace"Meaning:
"beauty, grace"Description:
Zaynab, from the Arabic word for beauty and the name of a flowering tree, was the name of a granddaughter, daughter and two wives of the Prophet Muhammed. Related names include the simplified forms Zaina and Zayna and the Swahili-inflected Zainabu, along with possibly Zenobia, a name related to the Greek mythological god Zeus. Zaynab is one of the most popular Muslim girls' names around the world.
- Camilia
Description:
Camilia is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Camilla, which has Latin origins meaning "young ceremonial attendant" or "free-born." The name carries a sense of elegance and grace, with historical connections to mythology through Camilla, a swift-footed warrior maiden in Virgil's Aeneid. This spelling variant offers a slightly softer sound than the traditional Camilla, with the 'i' providing a more flowing pronunciation. While less common than Camilla, Camilia has maintained steady usage across various cultures, particularly in Hispanic and Latin American communities. The name combines classical heritage with a feminine quality that appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet not overly common.
- Sania
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza is popularizing this one.
- Amiyah
Origin:
American variation of Amaya and Amaia, SpanishMeaning:
"the end"Description:
While this name is a phonetic variant of Amaya and Amaia, its popularity could also stem from its similarity to names such as Aliyah, Amelia, and Amara too. It entered the US Top 1000 back in 2003, peaked in 2017 at #257, but has been on decline in recent years. Nevertheless, it is one of four variations of Amaia in the Top 1000 and when you combine these names together, they were collectively given to 3256 babies in a recent year, making the name *feel* or at least *sound* like a Top 100 choice, similarly popular to Ruby, Claire, Audrey, or Alice.
- Hidayah
Description:
Hidayah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'guidance' or 'divine guidance.' The name carries significant spiritual meaning in Islamic tradition, where it represents the guidance that comes from Allah. Hidayah embodies the concept of being led on the right path through divine direction. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending, creating both beauty and depth. While traditional in Muslim communities across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, Hidayah remains relatively uncommon in Western countries. The name offers parents the opportunity to choose a meaningful option with spiritual significance that also sounds graceful and distinctive, bridging cultural traditions while carrying profound religious resonance.
- Hala
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"moon halo"Description:
A simple and seamlessly international choice with a joyful sound and beautiful meaning.
- Idrissa
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"interpreter"Description:
The Arabic name Idrissa is related to the more common form Idris, which is the name of a Quranic prophet usually equated with the biblical Enoch). Idrissa is more commonly seen in North and Western Africa. Idrissa Gueye, the Senegalese footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the UK, is probably the most famous person with this name.
- 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.
- Luqman
Origin:
Arabic, Indonesian, MalayMeaning:
"wise, intelligent"Description:
Luqman is an Arabic name of unknown meaning, that is also used in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is the name of a sage in the Quran who was given knowledge by God and while its exact meaning is unknown, it's suggested that it means "wise and intelligent", either from its similarity to the Arabic word hikmah, or by association.
- Raheem
Origin:
Variation of Rahim, ArabicMeaning:
"empathetic, merciful"Description:
A strong Arabic choice with a covetable meaning — one of the most important considerations in the Muslim baby name practice.
- Anwar
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"brighter, clearer"Description:
Strongly identified with peace-accord-seeking Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat.
- Naila
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"attainer"
- Nazli
Origin:
Turkish, PersianMeaning:
"beautiful, delicate"Description:
In Turkish, the name is transcribed as Nazlı, with a dotless I.
- Mahnoor
Description:
Mahnoor is a beautiful feminine name of Persian and Urdu origin, combining 'mah' meaning 'moon' and 'noor' meaning 'light' or 'illumination.' Together, the name poetically translates to 'moonlight' or 'light of the moon.' Popular in Pakistan, India, and among Muslim communities worldwide, Mahnoor evokes serenity, brightness, and natural beauty. The name carries spiritual significance as light represents guidance and blessing in Islamic tradition. Mahnoor has gained increasing recognition globally while maintaining its cultural roots. Parents are drawn to its melodious sound, meaningful etymology, and the gentle, luminous imagery it evokes. The name bestows upon its bearer qualities of radiance, calm guidance, and timeless elegance.
- Shula
Origin:
Arabic or diminutive of Shulamit, HebrewMeaning:
"flame; peace"Description:
Shula is a short form often used on its own in Israel. Sula is another, related, option. As an Arabic name, it has a bright, fiery meaning.
- 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".
- Safiya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"pure"Description:
The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.