This is a soft and strong Arabic and Persian name commonly heard in the Middle East.

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).

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.

One of the most appealing Muslim names, both in sound and meaning.

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.

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.

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.

Talib is a North African name with an admirable meaning, associated with rapper Talib Kweli.

Muna is a feminine name with origins in multiple cultures, giving it a rich, cross-cultural appeal. In Arabic, Muna (منى) means 'wish' or 'desire,' symbolizing something precious and hoped for. In Swahili and other East African languages, it carries meanings of 'hope' or 'gift.' The name also appears in Old Norse mythology as a river deity. Muna's brevity and melodic quality make it accessible across language barriers, contributing to its growing international usage. The name has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly in multicultural communities. Its positive connotations, easy pronunciation, and cross-cultural nature make Muna an increasingly attractive choice for parents seeking a name that's both meaningful and globally accessible.

Not related to Zack, Zacky, Zachary, or Zachariah – but many will assume it is.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A North African choice, particularly popular in Tunisia and Syria.

Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."

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