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City Names - Middle East

Tabitha_Stone
By Tabitha_Stone
Updated Sat May 20 2023
A list of names that are also the names of cities, towns, and/or villages in the Middle East.
  1. Aden

    • Origin:

      Variation of Aidan, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little and fiery"

    • Description:

      Although this variation is less popular than ultra-trendy Aiden, this simplified spelling doesn't do anything for the name.
  2. Alexandria

    • Origin:

      Variation of Alexandra, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Alexandria turns classic Alexandra into a more distinctive place-name, in both Egypt and Virginia, while also giving it a touchy of frilliness. The name peaked in the 90s when it entered the US Top 100 for the first time, but has since been on decline.
  3. Amarah

    • Origin:

      Variation of Amara, Igbo, Sanskrit, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "grace, immortal, tribe"

    • Description:

      Well-used spelling of Amara, particularly among those using the Arabic variation of the name.
  4. Amman

    • Description:

      Amman is a masculine name with rich historical and geographical connections. Most notably, it shares its name with the capital city of Jordan, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The name has Semitic roots and in Arabic can relate to concepts of security, safety, and trustworthiness. In some cultures, it may be a variant of Aman, meaning 'peace' or 'security.' The name also has connections to ancient Ammonites, a Semitic people mentioned in biblical texts. As a personal name, Amman remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has seen some usage among families with Middle Eastern heritage or those seeking names with international significance. It carries connotations of strength, history, and cultural depth, with a straightforward, strong pronunciation that works well across different languages.
  5. Cairo

    • Origin:

      Egyptian place-name, Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "the conqueror, the victorious"

    • Description:

      Cairo is an exciting place name possibility with upbeat o ending and an on-trend first syllable. Debuting in the US Top 1000 in 2015, it has been climbing ever since, and, as of 2023, it is given to more than 1000 babies each year.
  6. Giza

    • Description:

      Giza is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Egyptian roots, sharing its name with the famous plateau where the Great Pyramids stand. In this context, it carries historical and mysterious connotations. Alternatively, it could be related to the Hungarian diminutive of Gizella, which comes from the Germanic name Gisela meaning 'pledge' or 'hostage' in its ancient context. The name has a striking quality with its distinctive 'z' sound and compact form. Though uncommon in most Western countries, Giza may hold greater familiarity in Eastern European and North African regions. Its cross-cultural nature makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with international resonance and historical depth.
  7. Jazan

    • Description:

      Jazan is an uncommon feminine name with roots that may be traced to Arabic origins. The name could be connected to Jizan (or Jazan), a port city in Saudi Arabia, giving it geographical significance. As a personal name, Jazan has a modern, distinctive sound with its strong consonants and symmetrical two-syllable structure. The name remains relatively rare in Western countries, making it an uncommon choice that stands out. For parents seeking a name with an international flair and distinctive character, Jazan offers both exotic appeal and a straightforward pronunciation. The name's rarity gives a child named Jazan a unique identity from an early age.
  8. Jericho

    • Origin:

      Biblical place-name

    • Description:

      A biblical place name with trumpeting verve and strength.
  9. Mecca

    • Origin:

      Arabic, exact meaning unknown

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Medina

    • Origin:

      Arabic, Old English

    • Meaning:

      "city of the prophet; the middle one"

    • Description:

      Medina commonly refers to a city in Saudi Arabia where the prophet Muhammad began his work to establish Islam. It is considered the second holiest city in Islamic tradition, and is also known as The Luminous City, The Enlightened City, and The City of the Prophet.
  11. Memphis

    • Origin:

      Greek and Coptic place-name

    • Meaning:

      "Enduring and beautiful"

    • Description:

      A place name with plenty of history, Memphis is associated with the place in Ancient Egypt where many of the pyramids were built, and with the bluesy US city that was named after it. With its lovely meaning and cool, musical vibe, it is currently in the US Top 500 names for boys.

      Deriving from the Greek form of the Egyptian name Men-nefer, Memphis has been notably borne by rapper Memphis Bleek and by Dutch footballer, known mononymously as Memphis (who likely inspired its brief appearance in The Netherlands Top 1000 in 2015). In the US, it is a unisex name, however, it is used three times more often for boys, with 610 receiving the name in 2023.
  12. Mocha

    • Origin:

      English, color and coffee name

    • Description:

      Save this for your next run to Starbucks.
  13. Palmyra

    • Origin:

      Greek, place name

    • Meaning:

      "palm tree; pilgrim"

    • Description:

      An ancient city in modern-day Syria, which occasionally makes the roster of girl names. Its etymology is uncertain — locally it is called Tadmor, and Palmyra is the Greek version — but it has traditionally been associated with palm trees. It may also be a feminine form of the Italian Palmiro, meaning "pilgrim", ultimately from palma, again meaning "palm tree".
  14. Pella

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, diminutive of Petronella, or Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "stone or marvel of God"

    • Description:

      This rare name crosses cultures. With the popularity of Ella and Bella, perhaps we'll hear more of Pella one day soon?
  15. Riyadh

    • Description:

      Riyadh is a masculine name of Arabic origin, sharing its name with the capital city of Saudi Arabia. The name derives from the Arabic word 'riyad,' meaning 'gardens' or 'meadows,' conveying images of fertility and natural beauty. Riyadh carries significant cultural importance in Arab communities and has gained international recognition through the prominence of the city. While primarily used in Muslim and Arabic-speaking regions, the name has spread globally with increasing cultural exchange. Riyadh offers a distinctive choice with a clear cultural identity, appealing to parents seeking a name with Middle Eastern roots and a connection to a significant cultural center.

  16. Rosetta

    • Origin:

      Persian

    • Meaning:

      "splendid"

    • Description:

      Associated with the ancient Rosetta stone, this is also the pretty Italian pet form of Rosa.
  17. Samarra

    • Description:

      Samarra is a feminine name of Arabic origin that refers to the ancient city in Iraq. The name carries historical significance as Samarra was an important Islamic cultural center during the Abbasid Caliphate. As a personal name, Samarra evokes images of rich history and cultural heritage. It has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft consonants. While not common in Western countries, Samarra offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Middle Eastern roots and historical depth. The name may also appeal to those looking for a unique alternative to more common 'S' names for girls.
  18. Tanis

    • Origin:

      Variation of Tanith, Phoenician, Native American, Cree

    • Meaning:

      "daughter"

    • Description:

      This obscure name found in Sinclair Lewis's 1923 novel Babbitt is a bit hipper than most other is-ending names like Janis and Doris. Some sources consider it a variation of Tanith, who is a Phoenician moon goddess and fertility figure, while others say it is a North American indigenous name from the Cree culture, meaning daughter. It may in fact have two separate derivations and meanings, but in any case is a lovely and unusual name.
  19. Tayma

    • Description:

      Tayma is a feminine name with Arabic origins, possibly derived from 'taymaa' meaning 'perfect' or 'complete.' It also refers to an ancient oasis city in northwestern Saudi Arabia with rich historical significance, dating back to at least the 6th century BCE. The name carries connotations of historical importance and natural beauty associated with desert oases - places of life, sustenance, and respite. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, Tayma has maintained steady usage throughout the Middle East and North Africa. The name's appealing combination of simplicity and exotic flair has attracted some international attention in recent decades. Tayma offers a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds while remaining concise and easily pronounceable across multiple languages, making it increasingly appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and global accessibility.

  20. Troy

    • Origin:

      Greek, French

    • Meaning:

      "of Troyes"

    • Description:

      Troy shot to popularity as a first name in tandem with that of 1960s heartthrob Troy (born Merle) Donahue; its image has now, thanks in part to the Brad Pitt-starring epic, Troy, receded back to conjuring up the ancient site of the Trojan wars.