Muslim names

Now that Isla Fisher has pushed her once-obscure name into the Top 150, some parents are looking for similar-sounding Scottish names for girls that are further off the beaten path. This one is especially promising, with its cross-cultural appeal. Ayla, a common name in Turkey, is also worth considering.

Esa is a masculine name with multicultural origins. In Finnish, it's a traditional name meaning 'God is my salvation' or 'God helps,' equivalent to the biblical name Isaiah. In Arabic cultures, Esa (عيسى) is the name for Jesus, making it a name of profound religious significance. The name's brevity gives it a modern appeal despite its ancient origins. Esa has remained consistently used in Finland and various Muslim communities, though it's relatively uncommon in Western countries. Its cross-cultural presence, meaningful spiritual connections, and simple pronunciation make it attractive to parents seeking a name with depth that works well internationally.

Well used by Muslim parents across the world, Ibrahim is the Arabic variation of Abraham. Significant in multiple religions and with an international and well-travelled feel about it, Ibrahim has been in the US Top 1000 since the 1990s, and is currently popular in Azerbaijan, France, the UK, and Turkey.

The Greek form of Elijah.

Common Arabic version of Elijah. The Ilyes spelling is a Top 100 name in France.

Isa is an Arabic variation of Jesus found throughout the world and popular among Muslim parents. Alternative spellings include Issa, Esa, and Eissa.

This classic, handsome Arabic name — cognate of the Hebrew Ishmael — was chosen by Tan and Rob France for their son born in 2021. Ismail is the preferred spelling in England, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey, while Ismael ranks higher in countries with native Spanish speakers, including the US.

The Prophet Muhammad's first wife and the first convert to Islam, and a very popular name in the Muslim community. It ranks in the Top 200 girls' names in France, Italy and England & Wales (alongside variant Khadijah just below the Top 200).

Popularized in the 1940s by Lana (born Judy) Turner, today Lana is synonymous with American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits in the popularity "sweet spot" – familiar, but not overused. Simple, sleek and seamlessly international, it makes a great choice.

This pretty, succinct Arabic name is also commonly used as a nickname for names like Carolina.

In Islamic theology, the Mahdi is a prophesized figure who will appear at the End of Times to act as a redeemer of Islam. Said to be descended from the Prophet Muhammad, it is believed he will rid the world of evil. There are questions and varying beliefs around this doctrine as it is not mentioned in the Quran.

Classic Mary has many international variations and the strong, pretty Maryam is the Arabic, Persian, and Urdu form. Popular in many countries across the world, from Azerbaijan to France, The Netherlands to Iran and from England to Russia, Maryam is the form of Mary that appears in the Quran.

One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.

With its gentle but solid sounds, Musa is a name that feels both dignified and energetic. The Arabic, Turkish, and Persian form of Moses, Musa is popular internationally, from The Netherlands to Turkey to The UK.

Noora is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Finnish tradition, it's a variant of Nora or Eleanor, ultimately derived from the Latin 'Honora' meaning 'honor.' In Arabic cultures, Noora (نورة) means 'light' or 'divine light,' making it a name with beautiful significance across different heritages. The name is particularly popular in Finland, Estonia, and various Middle Eastern countries. Noora has a pleasing musical quality with its flowing vowels while remaining short and easy to pronounce across language barriers. The dual cultural significance makes it appealing to multicultural families or those appreciating its international character. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Noora offers a distinctive alternative to more common names like Nora or Hannah, with its own rich cultural associations.

Sakina is a feminine name derived from the Arabic word Sakun/Sakoon meaning peace, tranquillity. Sakina can refer to the sense of serenity, or the reassuring peace that can settle upon an enlightened person. Actress Sakina Jaffrey, best known from her role in House of Cards, is a bearer of this name.

One of the most easily imported Arabic names.

Sofia is a refined variation of the Greek name Sophia, which was derived directly from sophia, the Greek word for wisdom. It was the name of a Roman saint—the mother of Faith, Hope, and Charity—and queens of Russia and Spain.

A common Islamic name, borne by Abu Sufyan, a figure from early Islamic history.

Talia is derived from the Hebrew elements tal, meaning "dew," and yah, in reference to God. In the mythology of one ancient sect, Talia was one of ten angels who attended the sun on its daily course. The occasionally homophonous name Thalia has unrelated Greek origins.