Muslim Names

Malay form of Sufyan

An attractive Arabic name popular among Muslims.

Cool, bright, and tough, Haider is the Urdu form of the Arabic name Haidar (or Haydar). Notably the nickname of Ali ibn Abi Talib, a son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Shia Imam, it makes a meaningful choice for Shia Muslims, while also appealing as an animal name and a name associated with bravery and strength.

It is a familiar choice in England and Wales, where it ranked in the Top 400 in a recent year.

Strongly identified with peace-accord-seeking Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat.

A name appropriate for boys born during the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca every Muslim is expected to make once in his lifetime.

A strong and simple Arabic name, popular in the UK and more recently in the US where it entered the Top 1000 in 2024. Yusra comes from the Arabic yasira meaning "to be rich, prosperous", adding an air of stateliness and ambition to the name.

Arabic or Islamic spelling of Adam

Appealing crosscultural choice.

Aaishah is a variant spelling of Aisha (also written as Ayesha), a feminine Arabic name meaning 'alive' or 'she who lives.' The name carries significant historical importance in Islamic tradition as Aisha was the name of one of Prophet Muhammad's wives, known for her intelligence and contribution to Islamic teachings. The distinctive double 'a' spelling gives this version a unique appearance while maintaining the traditional pronunciation. Aaishah is less common than the standard Aisha spelling but offers the same rich cultural heritage. The name has gained some international recognition beyond Muslim communities, appreciated for its melodic sound and meaningful etymology. Aaishah combines spiritual significance with a beautiful meaning focusing on life and vitality.

A popular name among Arabic speaking communities, Hind has several meanings. It could relate to the Arabic name for India, alhind, or refer to a large group of camels, in turn associating it with abundance.

A perennially popular choice in India, where it is inextricably linked to Buddha's son. Rahul briefly ranked in the US Top 1000, from 1998 to 2004.

Aaryan is a masculine name of Indian origin, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Arya' meaning 'noble' or 'honorable.' It connects to the ancient term used to describe Indo-Aryan peoples and their culture. The name has grown in popularity in recent decades, particularly in South Asian communities and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. With its modern spelling variation featuring a double 'a,' Aaryan offers a contemporary twist while preserving its traditional roots. Parents often choose this name for its positive connotations of dignity, respect, and high moral character. Aaryan has a melodic quality and provides a strong cultural connection while being relatively easy to pronounce in many languages.

A fast rising name in, Asiya jumped into the UK Top 500 for the first time in 2022. Visually similar to the well-known Aaliyah and Aisha, it is popular choice among Muslim parents. As of 2022, Asiya, Asiyah, and Aasiyah all ranked in the UK Top 1000 and is enjoyed in The Netherlands too.

This attractive Arabic name is gaining attention in the US, used equally for boys and girls. Indeed, its sound (it rhymes with the feminine Tamar but ends with the fashionably masculine -ar sound as in Oscar) and most logical nickname (Sam) make it a choice that's at once accessible and distinctive for both genders.

Roula is a feminine name with Mediterranean origins, particularly common in Greece and Lebanon. In Greek contexts, it often serves as a diminutive of more formal names like Paraskevi or Panagiota, while in Arabic-speaking regions, it may relate to names meaning 'spirit' or 'soul.' The name has a melodious quality with its flowing sounds and balanced syllables. Roula remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries but has established presence in Mediterranean communities worldwide. The name carries warm, friendly associations while maintaining cultural specificity. Its brevity makes it practical across language boundaries, while its distinctive character sets it apart from more common international names. Roula combines accessibility with cultural richness, making it appealing for families with Mediterranean heritage or those seeking a name with subtle exotic appeal.

Most names with the Ab beginning, including the more familiar Abigail and Abner, mean father, as does this streamlined Arabic choice. American children might recognize Abu as the name of Aladdin's pet monkey in the Disney film.

Abdulrahman is a masculine name of Arabic origin, combining 'Abdul' meaning 'servant of' and 'Rahman,' one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam meaning 'the Most Merciful' or 'the Compassionate.' Thus, the name translates to 'servant of the Most Merciful.' Common throughout the Muslim world, this name reflects devotion to Islamic faith and values. Abdulrahman has been borne by numerous scholars, leaders, and historical figures across various Islamic societies. While maintaining strong traditional and religious significance, the name has gained visibility in Western countries through immigration and increased cultural diversity. Parents choosing this name often value its religious meaning and cultural heritage.

Similar to the more popular Zayn - and likely a variation of it - Zayyan is a unisex Arabic name denoting someone who improves the world or makes things beautiful. Currently in the England and Wales Top 600, the alternative spelling Zayan is more popular in the Western world. In the French and UK Top 300, it is used 4 times more often in the US than traditional Zayyan is.