325+ Arabic Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Shaquille O'Neal came almost as close as he could to a Junior when he selected this name for his son.

The Arabic and Urdu form of the cheerful Isaac, itself derived from the Hebrew Ytizchak, Ishaq is familiar in the UK and in France and was a fast rising choice in 2023. In Islamic tradition, Ishaq is the name of a prophet and the son of Ibrahim and Sarah.

A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and intriguing nature name which could honor an ancestral Tammy or Tamar.

Long associated with Egyptian-born actor/bridge expert Omar Sharif, also a title bestowed on descendants of Muhammad.

To Muslims, an auspicious name.

An interesting and unusual choice, with a choral feel.

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

A pretty Arabic possibility which would work well in many languages.

Rashida is an evocative and alluring name, currently represented by Rashida Jones, daughter of Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones, who has been featured in The Office, Parks & Recreation, and The Social Network.

Traditional Arabic choice, used for both boys and girls.

Spelling variant Ameer is much less popular than the original. An Amir is a ruler in the Arab world.

Attractive Middle Eastern choice used in a variety of spellings.

The Arabic form of the biblical Solomon. It holds strong historical and religious significance, most famously associated with Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

This name has considerable meaning in the Islamic world, as Hamzah the brave was the uncle and protector of the Prophet of Islam. A more contemporary Hamzah is the eldest son of the late King Hussein and Queen Noor of Jordan. More commonly encountered in English-speaking countries as Hamza.

The original spelling of a name often Anglicized as Anisa was chosen by singer Macy Gray for her daughter.

Roar! This popular name in the Arab world was once almost unused by English speakers, but is now given to a few boys in the States each year. It can also be spelled Fahad and Fahed.

This more elaborate version of the name is heard occasionally, but Samira or the related Samara is simpler and just as rhythmic.

The name of the Prophet Muhammad's childhood nurse carries special resonance for Muslim parents.

This lovely Arabic name is gaining popularity in the US, used equally for boys and girls. Indeed, its sound (it rhymes with the feminine Tamar but ends with the fashionably masculine -ar sound, as in Oscar) and most logical nickname (Sam) make it a choice that's at once accessible and unsual for both boys and girls.

Singer-actress Queen Latifah -- born Dana Owens -- makes this North African Muslim name sing.