Muslim Names
- Arshiya
Origin:
Arabic, Persian, and UrduMeaning:
"throne"Description:
Arshiya, also spelled Arshia, is a name used for girls and sometimes boys mainly in Iran and among Indo-Persians. seven girls given the Arshiya spelling of the name in the US last year, with another nine girls and five boys named Arshia.
- Zuleika
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"fair, brilliant beauty"Description:
Zuleika is a high-wire act of a name that might appeal to the intrepid baby namer, Like most 'Z'-starting girls' names, it projects a cool, strong aura, as exemplified by the character in Max Beerbohm's satirical 1910 novel, Zuleika Dobson, a heroine so gorgeous that the entire student body of Oxford University committed collective suicide at the sight of her.
- Bilal
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"moist"Description:
The name of a companion of the prophet Muhammad who became the first person to call Muslims to prayer. Bilal is well-used in the US.
- Zainab
Origin:
Variation of ZaynabDescription:
Zainab—the name of a flowering tree and of a granddaughter, daughter, and two wives of the Prophet Muhammed—was a newcomer to the US Top 1000 in 2013. While simplified variations Zaina or Zayna are more Western-friendly, neither makes the US list.
- Kareem
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"noble, generous"Description:
A favorite Muslim name, Kareem first appeared on the US Top 1000 list in 1972 (jumping in at Number 405!), coinciding with the early career of basketball great turned writer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Lewis Alcindor). It has continued to chart every year since.
- Zafira
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"to succeed"Description:
Has a gemlike glow, as in Sapphire.
- Miraç
Origin:
Variation of Miraj, ArabicMeaning:
"ascent"Description:
Miraç is currently one of the most popular boy names in Turkey. It's a variation of the Arabic name Miraj, which refers to the ascension into Heaven. Both names are predominantly used by Muslim families.
- Ammiras
Origin:
Arabic, 'commander"Description:
Related to Amir and Amira, an antiquated name that holds some modern appeal.
- Yusha
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"God is salvation"Description:
Arabic form of Joshua
- Omer
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"sheaf of corn"Description:
A symbolic name for boys born during a period between Passover and Shavuot.
- Layan
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"soft, delicate"Description:
Gentle, pleasant, and succinct, Layan is a popular choice across the Arab world and related to other well-loved Arabic choices, such as Alina, Leen, and Lina. Familiar in The UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Belgium too, it has been on the rise in the US since the early 2000s and now sits just outside the Top 1000. With Leila, Lila, and Aaliyah already well known among English speakers, Layan could translate well. In sound, it is a little like Leanne, while in appearance it is reminiscent of Lainey and Layla - all of which makes it a friendly, cross-cultural choice with a nice meaning.
- Nazli
Origin:
Turkish, PersianMeaning:
"beautiful, delicate"Description:
In Turkish, the name is transcribed as Nazlı, with a dotless I.
- Almira
- Armaan
Origin:
UrduMeaning:
"wish, desire"Description:
A meaningful name for a long-awaited child.
- Manha
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"gift from Allah"
- Bashir
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"the one who brings good news"Description:
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.
- Zeynep
Origin:
Turkish form of Zaynab, ArabicMeaning:
"beauty; fragrant tree"Description:
Pretty and strong, Zeynep is one of the most popular girl names in Turkey, where it has ranked in the Top 10 for more than 40 years — half of which it has spent in the very top spot. Familiar in The Netherlands, the UK, Germany, and France, Zeynep is related to the Arabic Zaynab which is well-used throughout the Muslim world.
- Sadira
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"lotus tree"Description:
Intriguing name with great symbolic meaning in Eastern religions.
- Mecca
Origin:
Arabic, exact meaning unknownMeaning:
"holy city; temple; place of great importance"Description:
The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca, now known as the holiest city in Islam. Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.
- Merve
Origin:
Turkish variation of Marwa, ArabicMeaning:
"white stone"Description:
Merve is derived from Marwa, a significant name in the Muslim community, as it the name of a mountain in Mecca.