Arabic Boy Names

In this country, very much tied to PLO leader Arafat.

Attractive name, but it does sound feminine. Some have changed it to Nakari. Although it does not make the U.S. Top 1000, Nakia is among the ten fastest-rising names for both boys and girls.

The q-ending of this common name adds a quirky element.

This romantic name of a city in Yemen was chosen for her son by supermodel Liya Kebede.

A z almost always adds zest to a name.

This common Arabic name is related to Aaron, but feels far more distinctive in the US. Haroun Khalifa is the protagonist of Salman Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories.

A popular name in the Arab community, with an upbeat meaning.

A North African choice, particularly popular in Tunisia and Syria.

Classic Muslim name representing one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah; Queen Latifah has drawn attention to the feminine form of the name.

One of several Arabic names that can be spelled with a Q or a K, rarely heard outside the Muslim community.

Also spelled Adel, this name of Arabic origin is also used in Urdu, Turkish, and Persian. It comes from the Arabic root adala meaning "to act justly", linking it to honesty and fairness — aspirational qualities for anyone to possess. It is popular in the Arabic speaking world, and is familiar in the UK and France.

Prevalent Arabic name that suggests a man who is sure of himself.

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.

A frequently used Arabic name.

Familiar and handsome, Jamil is a name of Arabic origin. Its literal meaning is "beautiful" and while this can refer to physical beauty, as a Quranic name, it more specifically refers to beautiful behavior, such as patience, kindness, and courteousness.

Historic name commonly found in the Arab world.