Beautiful Arabic Baby Names

Distinguished by association with renowned African diplomat Salim Ahmed Salim, this name is popular in many variations throughout the Arab world. Its use is growing in the US as well, especially in its Salem version.

One of the most easily imported Arabic names.

Majdi is a masculine name of Arabic origin, derived from the root 'majd' meaning 'glory' or 'honor.' Popular throughout the Middle East, particularly in Palestinian, Jordanian, and Lebanese communities, Majdi conveys admirable qualities of dignity and respect. The name carries positive connotations of achievement and high standing in society. While not widely used in Western countries, its growing presence reflects increasing cultural diversity. Majdi has a melodic quality with its soft 'j' sound and ending vowel, making it both distinctive and pleasing to the ear. For parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and uplifting meaning, Majdi represents excellence and noble character.

Amal is an attractive name with a wonderful meaning that has long been used in many Middle Eastern countries, especially Lebanon (and migrant communities). It is of course getting a lot more coverage now since the fame of international human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin Clooney, who's singlehandedly made this one of the best-known Arabic names for girls.

As an Arabic name, the normal transcription is Na'ima, with an apostrophe. It was a Top 200 name in France in the 1970s and '80s, and ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2005 to 2008.

A cross-cultural name which derives either from the Arabic jada "excellence" or from the Hebrew name Yehudah/Judah, meaning "praised".

A popular name in the Arab community, with an upbeat meaning.

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.

The soft and strong name of a 13th-century Persian poet.

Arif is a masculine name of Arabic origin meaning 'knowledgeable,' 'wise,' or 'learned.' It derives from the Arabic word for someone who possesses deep knowledge or insight. The name carries prestigious connotations in Islamic traditions, where an 'arif' refers to a person who has attained spiritual knowledge or enlightenment. Arif is widely used throughout Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and South Asia. The name has remained consistently popular due to its positive associations with wisdom and education. Its simple pronunciation and spelling make it accessible across different languages, while still maintaining its distinctive cultural heritage. Many parents choose this name hoping their son will embody the qualities of wisdom and thoughtful intelligence.

Cool, strong, and distinctive, this Arabic name is associated with bravery and strength, while also being an animal name. It was notably the nickname of Ali ibn Abi Talib, a son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Shia Imam, making this a meaningful choice among Shia Muslims. It can also be spelled as Haidar, Haydar, Hajdar, and Heydar.

Rare and rhythmic.

Qadir is a classic Muslim name that represents one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah. Since the initial Q is pronounced as K, this handsome name is sometimes Anglicized as Kadir.

An Arabic form of Zachariah which may also be spelled as Zakariyya. In Islamic tradition, Zakariya was a priest and prophet, in charge of managing the services at the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

A short, succinct name with a sound as cheerful as its meaning, Hani is an Arabic name that is particularly popular across Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Iraq, and Palestine. Also used as a feminine name in Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, it is sometimes considered a Hawaiian unisex name, meaning "to move lightly", or occasionally a variation of Johann or Johannes.

This is a widely used Arabic choice — but Rashad is more popular here. Actress Rashida Jones represents the feminine version.

A unisex Arabic name with a fresh and nature related meaning, Nasim may also be spelled as Naseem in Urdu and Arabic, and as Nesim in Turkish. Used predominantly on boys in Iran, it leans feminine in Pakistan and Egypt, but is split fairly evenly in India. The strictly feminine form is Nasima.

This traditional Arabic name, found throughout several other Middle Eastern and African languages and cultures, is one of the 99 names of Allah. Colorful and energetic, it was brought into the realm of crossover possibility via the lively personality of Aziz Ansari, stand-up comic and star of "Master of None" as well as a featured actor on "Parks and Recreation," playing cocky Tom Haverford (born Darwish Sabir Ismael Gani).

Name of mythological fiend who seduced young men and then ate them, which inspired the Keats poem "Lamia." Described in mythology as a snake with the head and breasts of a woman, this name has been considered in modern times as a vampire name. And if all that isn't discouraging enough, there's the "lame" connection.