Islamic Baby Names: Quranic Names with Meanings

The tradition of naming in Islam

A child should be named on the seventh day after birth, though naming earlier is permissible. The Prophet encouraged names with good meanings. Names of the prophets, companions, and names derived from the attributes of Allah (with the prefix "Abd") are all considered blessed choices.

Girls' names from the Quran and Islamic tradition

Maryam. The only woman named in the Quran. Surah 19 is named after her. Meaning "beloved." Fatimah. Daughter of the Prophet. Meaning "one who abstains." Khadijah. First wife of the Prophet and first to accept Islam. Meaning "trustworthy." Aisha. Wife of the Prophet and major scholar. Meaning "alive." Aminah. Mother of the Prophet. Meaning "faithful." Hawa. Arabic name for Eve. Meaning "life-giving." Asiya. Wife of Pharaoh who believed despite persecution. Meaning "one who heals." Sumayya. First martyr in Islam. Meaning "elevated." Ruqayyah. Daughter of the Prophet. Meaning "gentle." Zaynab. Name of two of the Prophet's daughters. Meaning "fragrant flower." Hafsa. Guardian of the first written Quran. Meaning "young lioness." Sakina. Divine tranquillity mentioned in the Quran. Meaning "peace." Jannah. Meaning "paradise." Iman. Meaning "faith." Taqwa. Meaning "God-consciousness." Baraka. Meaning "blessing." Nur. Meaning "light." From Surah An-Nur. Rahma. Meaning "mercy." Safa. Meaning "purity." Huda. Meaning "guidance."

Boys' names from the Quran and Islamic tradition

Muhammad. Meaning "praised." The most popular boys' name in the world. Ibrahim. Arabic for Abraham. Mentioned extensively in the Quran. Yusuf. Arabic for Joseph. Surah 12 tells his story. Adam. The first prophet. Meaning "earth." Isa. Arabic for Jesus. A major prophet in Islam. Musa. Arabic for Moses. One of the most mentioned prophets. Dawud. Arabic for David. Meaning "beloved." Sulayman. Arabic for Solomon. Meaning "man of peace." Idris. A prophet known for knowledge and patience. Ilyas. Arabic for Elijah. Ayub. Arabic for Job. Known for patience. Ismail. Arabic for Ishmael. Meaning "God will hear." Harun. Arabic for Aaron. Meaning "exalted." Hamza. Uncle of the Prophet. Meaning "lion." Umar. Second caliph. Meaning "flourishing." Ali. Fourth caliph. Meaning "elevated." Bilal. First muezzin. Meaning "freshness." Khalid. Meaning "eternal." Tariq. Meaning "morning star." Also a surah name. Zain. Meaning "beauty."

Names from the 99 names of Allah

Names formed with "Abd" (servant) and one of Allah's attributes are highly regarded: Abdullah (servant of God), Abdur-Rahman (servant of the Most Merciful), Abdul-Kareem (servant of the Most Generous), Abdul-Malik (servant of the Sovereign), Abdul-Aziz (servant of the Mighty).

Choosing with intention

In Islam, naming is an act of hope. There is no requirement to choose exclusively from Arabic names. The key principle is that the meaning should be positive and dignified. If unsure, consult a knowledgeable person in your community.