Muslim Names

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.

Intriguing name with great symbolic meaning in Eastern religions.

A meaningful name for a long-awaited child.

Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza is popularizing this one.

Merve is derived from Marwa, a significant name in the Muslim community, as it the name of a mountain in Mecca.

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

This beautiful and fresh name has a timeless meaning. Its popular -eth ending ensures it sits well with traditional names like Judith and Elizabeth, while its uncommon Y beginning makes it a good choice for parents looking for unique baby names. We think this name is a pretty alternative to the tired Yasmin/Yasmeen and the minimalist Yara.

The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.

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

Tahira is a pretty Arabic virtue name, unusual yet accessible.

Variant spelling of Camila, common in Eastern Europe. Kamila and Kamilah are also feminine forms of the Arabic name Kamil, meaning "perfect".

Arabic form of Aaron, featured in the tales of The Thousand and One Nights. The name Harun also appears several times in the Quran.

Passé pasha image.

Anas is an Arabic name uncommon in the US -- it was given to 130 baby boys last year -- but popular in Spain, England and Wales, Italy, and especially France.

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.

Variant of Aisha. In the 19th century novel She, Ayesha is a beautiful 2000-year-old queen of a lost city, and is known as "she who must be obeyed."

Asma is an important name in the Muslim religion. Asma was a niece of Muhammad whose refusal to betray her uncle and father helped them escape to Mecca. Downside in English-speaking countries is that Asma sounds like asthma, the illness that blocks airways and makes it difficult to breathe.

A beautiful and little-known Arabic member of the super-stylish Lu- group of names, with a lovely natural meanings.

Sunehra is an Indian name that is largely unknown in English-speaking countries, except maybe via its friendly short form Sunny.