Muslim Baby Names

Top 100 Male & Female Muslim Baby Names with Meanings

A name is the first gift you give to your child. In Islam, a name holds deep meaning. It can reflect faith, beauty, strength, and hope for your child's future. A good name is a blessing and a part of a person's identity.

This list provides 100 beautiful names for baby girls and 100 strong names for baby boys. Each name includes its meaning to help you find the perfect one for your new arrival.

Names for Your Baby Girl

pastel nursery with name blocks

This table lists 100 popular Muslim names for girls and their beautiful meanings.

Name Meaning
Aisha Living, life
Fatima Captivating, one who abstains
Maryam Mother of Prophet Isa, Alaihis Salaam (Jesus)
Zainab Fragrant flower
Sarah Princess, noblewoman
Nour / Noor Light, divine light
Leila Night, born at night
Sumaya High above, lofty
Sana Brilliance, radiance
Amira Princess, commander
Hana Happiness, bliss
Safiya Pure, righteous
Ayah Sign, verse of the Quran
Salma Peaceful, safe
Yusra Ease, prosperity, success
Yasmin Jasmine flower
Asma Excellent, lofty
Amina Trustworthy, faithful
Farida Unique, precious pearl
Rania Queenly, to gaze
Khadija First wife of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
Layla Night, dark beauty
Zara Blossoming flower, princess
Lina Tender, delicate, palm tree
Nada Generosity, dew
Rabia Spring, fourth
Houda Right guidance
Amaani Wishes
Aziza Beloved, powerful
Dina Religion, way of life
Dunya The world, close
Fadila Virtuous, excellent
Farah Joy, happiness
Fathima Captivating (variant of Fatima)
Firdaus The highest garden in paradise
Ghada Graceful woman
Habiba Beloved, darling
Hafsa Lioness, young lioness (name of a wife of the Prophet, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
Halima Gentle, patient, mild-tempered
Hamida Praised, praiseworthy
Hannah Mother of Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet Isa, Alaihis Salaam (Jesus)
Hawa Eve, mother of humankind
Iman Faith, belief
Inaya Care, concern, protection
Iqra To read (the first word of the Quran revealed)
Jamila Beautiful
Jannah Garden, paradise
Jumanah Silver pearl
Karima Generous, noble
Khalida Eternal, immortal
Khawla Gazelle
Latifa Kind, gentle, pleasant
Lubna Storax tree (known for its fragrance)
Mahira Skilled, expert
Malika Queen
Maram Aspiration, wish
Mawada Affection, love
Maysa To walk with a proud gait
Muna Wish, desire
Nadia Hope, announcer
Nadira Rare, precious
Nahla A drink of water
Naima Tranquility, comfort
Nawal Gift, present
Noura Light
Rabea Spring, fourth
Rana To gaze, beautiful
Rawan Soul, softness
Rihana Sweet basil
Saffiya Pure, best friend
Sahar Dawn, early morning
Samira Pleasant community, entertaining friend
Shadia Singer
Shaima Having a birthmark, good nature
Shamira One who is protected
Shaza Fragrance, scent
Sultana Queen, ruler
Tahira Pure, chaste
Umnia Wish, desire
Umra Lifetime, population
Warda Rose
Yara Small butterfly
Zehra Flower, blossom
Zenab Fragrant flower (variant of Zainab)
Zoya Life, alive, loving
Zuhra Brilliance, planet Venus
Aalia High, sublime
Basma Smile
Dalal Passion, coquetry
Elham Inspiration
Haniya Happy, delighted
Izza Power, might
Jouri Rose
Lamis Soft to the touch
Mai Water (from the sky)
Nahlah Bee, a drink of water
Naseem Breeze, fresh air
Parisa Like a fairy
Reem Gazelle
Salsabil A spring in paradise
Tasneem A spring in paradise
Yasmine Jasmine flower (variant of Yasmin)

Names for Your Baby Boy

zakariyya nursery with pastel decor

This table lists 100 popular Muslim names for boys and their strong meanings.

Name Meaning
Muhammad Praised, commendable
Ali High, elevated, champion
Omar / Umar Long-lived, flourishing
Hassan Handsome, good, benefactor
Ahmed Most commendable, one who praises God
Abdullah Servant of God
Yusuf / Yousuf God will increase
Ibrahim Father of many (Prophet Abraham, Alaihis Salaam)
Khalid Eternal, immortal
Hamza Lion, strong
Amir Prince, commander, leader
Adam Man, earth (first Prophet, Alaihis Salaam)
Ahmad Most commendable (variant of Ahmed)
Anas Friendliness, love
Aziz Beloved, powerful
Bilal Water, moisture (name of the first muezzin)
Emir Prince, commander (variant of Amir)
Farhan Happy, joyful
Hamid Praiseworthy
Haris Guardian, protector
Husain / Hussein Handsome, good (grandson of the Prophet, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
Imran Exalted nation (father of Maryam)
Idris To study, interpreter (a Prophet)
Isa Jesus (a Prophet)
Jabir Comforter, consoler
Kamran Successful, fortunate
Kareem Generous, noble
Khalil Friend, companion
Laith Lion
Malik King, master
Mustafa Chosen one (name for Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
Nabil Noble, high-born
Nadir Rare, precious
Nasser Victorious, supporter
Osama Lion
Qasim Distributor (a name of the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
Rayan Watered, luxuriant (gate of paradise for those who fast)
Ridwan Pleasure, acceptance (angel of paradise)
Saif Sword
Salman Safe, secure (name of a companion of the Prophet, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam
Sami Elevated, exalted, sublime
Tariq Morning star, one who knocks
Umar Long-lived (variant of Omar)
Usman Baby bustard bird (name of a companion caliph)
Waleed Newborn
Yahya John (a Prophet)
Yasin A chapter of the Quran
Zakariyya Zechariah (a Prophet, father of Yahya)
Zaid Abundance, growth, superabundance
Zain Beauty, grace, adornment
Aamir Prosperous, full of life
Aariz Respectable man, leader
Abbas Stern, lion
Adil Just, fair, righteous
Akram Most generous
Arman Wish, desire
Arsalan Lion, fearless
Asim Protector, defender
Ayman Blessed, fortunate, on the right
Ayyub Job (a Prophet known for patience)
Azhar Bright, shining, luminous
Babar Tiger
Burhan Proof, evidence
Danish Knowledge, wisdom
Dawood David (a Prophet)
Ehsan Goodness, kindness, charity
Fahad Lynx, panther
Faisal Decisive, judge
Faris Horseman, knight
Farooq One who distinguishes right from wrong
Fawad Heart, soul
Ghazi Conqueror, warrior
Haidar Lion (another name for Ali)
Hammad One who praises
Haroon Aaron (a Prophet)
Hasan Handsome, good (variant of Hassan)
Hazem Decisive, firm
Imad Pillar, support
Irfan Knowledge, awareness, learning
Ismail God will hear (a Prophet)
Iyad Strength, power, support
Jabbar Powerful, mighty
Jahid Striver, hard-worker
Jalal Greatness, glory, majesty
Jaleel Great, majestic, revered
Jameel Handsome, beautiful
Javed Eternal, everlasting
Junaid Soldier, warrior
Marwan Solid stone, quartz
Mikail Michael (the archangel)
Mubeen Clear, evident
Musa Moses (a Prophet)
Muslim One who submits to God
Naeem Blessing, comfort, tranquility
Noor Light (used for boys and girls)
Qadir Powerful, capable
Qays Lover, firm
Raheem Compassionate, merciful
Rashid Rightly guided, mature
Riaz Meadows, gardens
Saad Good fortune, happiness
Saeed Happy, fortunate
Safwan Rock, steadfast
Shakir Thankful, grateful
Sufyan Name of a companion, walking fast
Sultan Ruler, king, power
Talha A type of tree, name of a companion
Waseem Handsome, graceful
Zaki Pure, intelligent
Zayd Abundance (variant of Zaid)
Zubair Strong, wise

How to Pick the Right Name for Your Baby

Choosing a name is a big decision. Here are a few simple things to think about.

  • Say the name out loud. Does it sound nice with your last name?
  • Think about the meaning. You are giving your child a word that will define them. Pick a meaning you love.
  • Consider nicknames. What will people shorten the name to? Make sure you like the nickname too.
  • Spell it simply. A name that is easy to spell will save your child trouble later.
  • Talk to your family. It is good to get ideas from people you love.

A Name is a First Prayer

nurturing love in soft light

Your baby's name is more than a label. It is a first prayer and a hope for their character and path in life. Whether you choose a classic name from Islamic history or a name that reflects a beautiful quality, the meaning you choose is a gift that will last a lifetime.

We hope these tables help your family find a name that you will all love.

Which meanings speak to you the most? Discuss these names with your family to find your perfect choice.


Naming a Boy Muhammad: A Guide for Parents

Many parents wonder if there is a specific hadith about naming a boy Muhammad. The answer is yes, and the encouragement behind it is beautiful. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) directly advised the practice.

The Direct Hadith

The most clear hadith on this topic is:

"Name yourselves with my name, but do not use my kunya." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Let's break down what this means:

  • "Name yourselves with my name": This is a clear instruction to call children by his name, 'Muhammad'.
  • "But do not use my kunya": A 'kunya' is an Arabic nickname, usually 'Abu' (father of) or 'Umm' (mother of), followed by the name of the eldest child. The Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) kunya was Abu al-Qasim (Father of Qasim, after his son who passed away in infancy). He told his companions not to use this specific title to avoid confusion, as people would call for 'Abu al-Qasim' and it would be unclear if they meant him or someone else.

This hadith shows the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) permission and desire for his name to be used within the Muslim community.

Why This Name is Encouraged

The virtue of the name Muhammad goes beyond a simple instruction. It is linked to the status of the person who bears it.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"On the Day of Resurrection, the one who has the best name among the people will be a man called Muhammad." (Musnad Ahmad)

This does not mean every person named Muhammad will automatically enter Paradise. Rather, it highlights the honor and blessing of carrying the name of the final Messenger. It serves as a constant, positive reminder for the individual to live up to the noble character and conduct associated with that name.

A Practical Ruling from the Scholars

There is a related and often misunderstood hadith:

"Do not name your boy Muhammad and then say 'I am giving it to you' or 'I am gifting it to you'. And do not say [to him] 'O Muhammad'." (Musnad al-Bazzar)

Scholars explain that this was a very early prohibition, likely from the first days in Medina. The concern was that if someone said, "I am giving this to you, O Muhammad," it could be misinterpreted as addressing the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself, creating confusion. Once Islam was established and the name became common, this initial prohibition was lifted, as evidenced by the first hadith, which actively encourages it.

What This Means for You as a Parent

Naming your son Muhammad is a highly recommended and blessed act. It is a way to express love for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and to hope your child embodies the beautiful manners he taught.

It is important to remember that the name carries a responsibility. The real blessing comes from raising a Muhammad who is honest, kind, merciful, and righteous—striving to follow the example of the great man he is named after.

Have you chosen a name that reflects your hopes for your child's character?


Frequently Asked Questions

Is it obligatory to name a boy Muhammad? No, it is not obligatory. It is a highly recommended (mustahabb) and virtuous act, but parents are free to choose any name with a good meaning.

Can a person named Muhammad be criticized or held accountable? Yes, absolutely. The name does not grant a person immunity from sin or criticism. Every individual is accountable for their own actions. The hadith about it being the "best name" is understood to be a virtue of the name itself, not an automatic guarantee for the person.

What is the ruling on using the name 'Abu al-Qasim' as a kunya today? The majority of scholars hold that the prohibition of using the kunya 'Abu al-Qasim' was specific to the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) lifetime to avoid direct confusion. After his passing, this specific concern no longer exists, and it is generally permitted. However, out of respect, many people still choose to avoid it.

Are there other names from the Prophet's (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) life that are recommended? Yes, names of other Prophets (Ibrahim, Yusuf, Musa, Isa), his companions (Ali, Hamza, Umar, Bilal), and his family members (Hassan, Hussein) are all excellent and highly regarded choices.

Does the child named Muhammad have any special responsibilities? While not a formal religious responsibility, there is a social and ethical expectation. It is hoped that a person with this noble name will strive to exhibit good character and avoid actions that would bring dishonor to the name.

What is the most popular Muslim baby name? For boys, Muhammad is by far the most popular name globally. For girls, Aisha and Fatima are among the most common and beloved choices.

Do Muslim names have to be in Arabic? No. While Arabic names are very common because the Quran is in Arabic, Muslims from different cultures use names from their own languages (like Turkish, Persian, or Urdu), provided the meaning is positive and not against Islamic principles.

Why do some names start with 'Abdul'? 'Abdul' means 'servant of the.' It is combined with one of the 99 names of Allah. For example, Abdul Rahman means 'Servant of the Most Merciful,' and Abdul Malik means 'Servant of the King.' These names express devotion.

Is it okay to use the names of Prophets? Yes, it is encouraged and considered an honor to name children after the Prophets, such as Ibrahim, Yusuf, Musa, and Isa, peace be upon them. The name Muhammad is the most popular example of this.

How important is the meaning of the name? The meaning is very important. A hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) encourages parents to choose good names because on the Day of Judgment, they will be called by their names and their fathers' names. A good meaning is a positive influence.

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