Arabic Boy Names

Strongly identified with peace-accord-seeking Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat.

Used both as a given name and as a surname, Bashir is a familiar but still unusual choice in the USA and UK, even among Muslim families. In 2014, only 25 boys were named Bashir in the US. One reason for its low usage could be a connection to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for war crimes, including genocide, in Darfur.

Commonly used Muslim name, also sometimes chosen to honor Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser.

A name with considerable history, as the celebrated sultan of Egypt and Syria in the time of the Crusades.

To Muslims, an auspicious name.

A Saudi Arabian royal name that has remained within its own culture.

Could cause pronunciation problems.

Short form of the name Anglicized as Saladin, very popular throughout the Arab world.

Its most famous bearer was Prince Osman the First, founder of the Ottoman Empire.

Strong name, with a regal, romantic natural imagery image.

Streamlined spelling of the biblical name, as in basketball great Isiah Thomas, falling fast from its height in the charts.

Name of a son of the Prophet Muhammad, with a particularly positive meaning.

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 five hundred plus variations on Muhammad, this is a favorite Muslim choice.

In the US, Rashad is one of the most popular and best-known Arabic names, through several sports and entertainment celebrities.

The Arabic name Idrissa is related to the more common form Idris, which is the name of a Quranic prophet usually equated with the biblical Enoch). Idrissa is more commonly seen in North and Western Africa. Idrissa Gueye, the Senegalese footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the UK, is probably the most famous person with this name.

Jamir is a modern invention, based on traditional Arabic names like Jamal and Amir.

Worldly and evocative.

A strong name with a strong meaning, like its cousin Zafir.

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