Beautiful Arabic Baby Names
- Noor
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"light"Description:
More commonly seen as a girl name, where it has roots in both Arabic and Dutch. The masculine variation of Noor is Arabic and used in Islamic communities.
- Khadija
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"premature child"Description:
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).
- Aziz
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"powerful and beloved"Description:
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).
- Ilyas
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"Yahweh is God"Description:
Common Arabic version of Elijah. The Ilyes spelling is a Top 100 name in France.
- Majdi
Description:
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.
- Nuri
Origin:
Arabic or HebrewMeaning:
"light or my fire"Description:
A name used in the Middle East but that could easily work in the US. As a girls' name, Nuri can also be a short form of Nuria. It was chosen by Christy Lefteri for the protagonist of her novel, The Beekeeper of Aleppo which may have familiarized people with the name.
- Hala
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"moon halo"Description:
A simple and seamlessly international choice with a joyful sound and beautiful meaning.
- Hani
Origin:
Arabic, HawaiianMeaning:
"happy, contented; move or touch lightly"Description:
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.
- Jamilah
Description:
Jamilah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'beautiful,' 'lovely,' or 'graceful.' This name has been used throughout the Islamic world for centuries and carries strong positive connotations in Arabic-speaking cultures. The name appears in various forms across different regions, including Jamila, Jameela, and Cemile. Jamilah has gained modest recognition in Western countries as cultural awareness has expanded, though it remains most common in Muslim communities. The name's pleasing sound and uplifting meaning make it attractive to parents seeking a name with both aesthetic appeal and positive significance. Jamilah represents inner and outer beauty in Arabic tradition and carries with it a sense of elegance and charm that transcends cultural boundaries.
- Sharif
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"the honorable one"Description:
Long associated with Egyptian-born actor/bridge expert Omar Sharif, also a title bestowed on descendants of Muhammad.
- Nasim
Origin:
Arabic and UrduMeaning:
"breeze, fresh air"Description:
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.
- Rashid
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"righteous, rightly advised"Description:
This is a widely used Arabic choice — but Rashad is more popular here. Actress Rashida Jones represents the feminine version.
- 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.
- Lamia
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
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.
- Haidar
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"lion, brave"Description:
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.
- Zaki
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"full of virtue, pure"Description:
Not related to Zack, Zacky, Zachary, or Zachariah – but many will assume it is.
- Qadir
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"capable, powerful"Description:
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.
- Suraya
Description:
Suraya is a beautiful feminine name with multicultural origins, primarily from Persian and Arabic languages. It means 'the Pleiades' or 'star cluster,' referring to the constellation. The name has variations across several cultures including Soraya, Thurayya, and Süreyya in Turkish. Suraya carries a sense of celestial beauty and cosmic connection. It has moderate popularity in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian communities but remains distinctive in Western countries. The name combines elegance with meaningful astronomical symbolism, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural depth and natural beauty. Its pronunciation (soo-RAY-ah) flows melodically, adding to its appeal.
- Hanan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"graciousness"Description:
Hanan is an obscure (male) biblical figure, who was a chief member of the tribe of Benjamin. Reminiscent of Hannah, this name could be a cute choice for a little girl whose parents are looking for something that sounds a tad more modern.
- Salim
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"safe"Description:
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.