Arabic Boy Names

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

Tabari has a haunting, rhythmic feel.

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.

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.

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

Could present pronunciation problems.

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.

Intriguing David alternative, though American tongues will have trouble wrapping themselves around three vowels in a row.

Kadir is derived from Qadir (many Arabic K names are phonetic versions of Q-starting names); a classic Muslim name reflecting one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah.

Well used in the Arabic world, as is the related Aditya.

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.

An Arabic name with Quranic connections -- it represents one of the essential qualities -- that would have no trouble assimilating. Sabira or Sabirah is a form used for girls, and Sabri can be used for either sex.

Related to Amir and Amira, an antiquated name that holds some modern appeal.

The capital of Saudi Arabia makes a difficult first name.

Pleasant and accessible and not as widely-used as some other African names.

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

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

Alternative for the ultrapopular Jamal.