Arabic First Names and Meanings

Did you know that over 300 million people who live in Islamic countries speak the Arabic language? The list of at least 24 countries in the Middle East includes Syria, Egypt, and even Morocco. Many parents choose an Arabic name for their child because of its religious significance, as many of the names are derived from the Hebrew Bible.

Boasting a history that stretches back over 1,500 years, Arabic is not just a language, but a gateway to understanding diverse cultures across the Middle East and North Africa. Recognized as one of the six official languages of the United Nations, Arabic represents a profound global legacy.

What makes Arabic names truly special for parents is their deep significance. Many names are rooted in religious traditions, drawing inspiration from a vast history and cultural traditions.

Arabic Naming Traditions

Unlike the familiar first-name, middle-name, last-name structure, Arabic naming conventions are beautifully complex. Traditionally, an Arabic name is a carefully crafted chain of identifiers that reveal much about a person's background:

• Ism (given or first name): The personal name, chosen with care and often reflecting family hopes and values.
• Nasab (indicating heritage): A reference to lineage and heritage, connecting the individual to their family history.
• Laqab (descriptor of the person): A descriptive name that might function as a nickname, title, or family identifier.
• Nisbah (ancestral name): Indicates ancestral connections—whether to a tribe, city, or country.
• Kunya (familial name): A special epithet often referencing a person's first-born child.

This intricate naming system is more than a mere label—it's a narrative, a personal history wrapped into a few carefully chosen words.

For parents considering an Arabic name, the possibilities are wonderfully diverse. Whether you're drawn to their beauty, culture, or spirituality, Arabic names offer a wonderful way to honor your child's identity.

Common Arabic Girl Names and Meanings

Just because these girl's names are common in Arabic and Arab culture doesn't make them boring! Read on for the meanings of these beautiful Arabic girl names.

1. Aaliyah - Hebrew for exalted; Arabic for heavens or high born 
2. Aisha - Life 
3. Amal - Hebrew for labor; Arabic for hope or lamb 
4. Farah - Old English for beautiful; Arabic for happiness 
5. Fatima - Daughter of the prophet 
6. Jamila - Beautiful 
7. Khadija - The name of the prophet's first wife, meaning trustworthy 
8. Layla - Dark as the night 
9. Malika - Queen or princess; Hindi for jasmine 
10. Rihanna - Meaning sweet basil; derivative of Welsh name Rhiannon 
11. Salma - Ambitious 
12. Shakira - Grateful 
13. Yadira - Hebrew for friend or companion 
14. Zahra - Shining or luminous; Swahili for flowers 
15. Zoya - Love and life 

Common Arabic Boy Names and Meanings

Explore some of the most common and meaningful Arabic names for boys, both in Arab culture and other traditions. 

16. Abdullah - Servant of Allah, a prominent figure in the Quran 
17. Adnan - Settler 
18. Ahmad - Praised one 
19. Allah - This is the name of the only God in Islam 
20. Amir - Princely; this name comes from the Arabic word "emir" 
21. Habib - Beloved 
22. Hassan - Good-looking 
23. Ibrahim - Arabic for Abraham; the ancestor of all Semitic people, including both Hebrews and Arabs 
24. Karim - Generous, charitable 
25. Masood - Happy, lucky; it comes from the word "masud" 
26. Mohammed - Praiseworthy; this is the English spelling of the name Muhammad (well known from the Prophet Muhammad) 
27. Omar - Follower of the Prophet 
28. Qadir - Talented 
29. Rahim - Merciful, compassionate 
30. Yusuf - God increases

Unique Arabic Boy Names and Meanings

For parents seeking a rare name rooted in Arabic, consider the following option that have unique and fascinating meanings.

31. Ajmal - More beautiful 
32. Ali - Exalted, protected by God (included in religious traditions) 
33. Amin - Trustworthy, faithful 
34. Badr - Full moon 
35. Bilal - Moist; this name is shared by the companion of Muhammad 
36. Faisal - Decisive, criterion 
37. Jafar - Little stream; the name of an Aladdin villain 
38. Khalid - Immortal, eternal; you might recognize this name from the American R&B songwriter of the same name 
39. Nasir - Protector, victorious 
40. Zayn - Beauty; popularized by Zayn Malik, former member of the band One Direction 

Unique Arabic Girl Names and Meanings

Discover more unique names from Arabic tradition with the following girls' names and their special meanings! 

41. Aabidah - Worshipper 
42. Amira - Princess (in both Hebrew and Arabic) 
43. Basimah - Smile 
44. Elham - Inspiration (also spelled Ilhami in Turkic languages) 
45. Falak - Heaven 
46. Jannat - Paradise 
47. Nadia - Hopeful 
48. Shokoufeh - A tree flower 
49. Taima - Crash of thunder 
50. Yara - Small butterfly or beloved friend

Most Popular Arabic First Names (With Meanings) 

Popular baby names rooted in Arabic are definitely popular for a reason—check out these lovely Arabic names for boys and girls. 

51. Ahmed - Most praiseworthy; a variation of Muhammad 
52. Aisha - Alive or living; famously the name of one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad 
53. Ali - Exalted or noble; shared by one of Islam's most important figures 
54. Fatima - One who abstains; the name of Prophet Muhammad's daughter 
55. Hassan - Handsome or good 
56. Laila - Night, this is a timeless name celebrated in poetry and literature 
57. Mariam - Beloved or wished-for child; the Islamic version of Mary 
58. Omar - Flourishing or long-lived 
59. Rania - Queen or gazing 
60. Zahara - Flower or radiance 
61. Zahra - Bright, blossoming 
62. Zaki - Pure and virtuous

What Is a Popular Arab Name?

Parents can enjoy popular Arab names like Muhammad for boys and Layla for girls. 

What Is the Prettiest Arabic Name? 

Of course, with all pretty baby names, the selection ultimately is subjective. But many people promote names like Aaliyah ("exalted") or Zayn ("beauty") as some of the most beautiful.

What Is the Arab Name for a Boy?

For boys, names like Omar, Ali, or Karim are commonly used and carry deep cultural and religious significance.