Muslim Names

This attractive Arabic name is gaining attention 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 distinctive for both genders.

In Islamic tradition, Asiya was the wife of Pharaoh and the adoptive mother of Moses. She is celebrated as an exemplar woman for accepting monotheism and going against her husband's beliefs in order to be faithful to Allah. Some scholars believe that Moses went on to name the continent of Asia in her honor.

Female form of Syed.

Khaled is a widely-used Arabic and Muslim name with a strong appealing meaning. Khalid is another popular spelling. Both versions are among the most familiar Arabic names for boys, perhaps thanks to DJ Khaled.

These letters begin the 20th chapter of the Quran (surah Ta Ha). A noted bearer is Egyptian writer Taha Hussein, one of the most influential 20th-century Egyptian intellectuals, who was nominated for a Nobel prize in literature fourteen times.

This is a widely used Arabic choice — but Rashad is more popular here. Actress Rashida Jones represents the feminine version.

Not one of the five hundred names of Muhammad, but that of his uncle.

This alternate spelling of Yusuf leads the way in Spain, where it is among the 100 most popular baby names. In the US, streamlined Yusuf reigns.

Arabic or Islamic spelling of Adam

Hafsa, the name of a wife of Muhammad, is one of the most popular girls' names among Muslims.

This gender-neutral Arabic name was a fast riser for girls in 2022, possibly in part thanks to a beauty blogger and influencer of the same name. The name can also be spelled Hoda or Houda.

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

Variant of Ayda and Aida, found especially in French-speaking Muslim communities. The trema indicates that the name is pronounced with three syllables: ah-EE-da.

Mawar is another of the "rose" variants that is almost unheard of outside its home country (in this case, Indonesia), but which deserves consideration given its lilting sound.

A lovely Arabic name for girls mostly used for Muslim girls of South Asian descent.