Naming of an "Illegitimate" Child

The following question: "My parents conceived me from zina.Whose name do I take and who are my people? Jazakallah khairan."

was addressed to Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Jibreen, who wrote the following response:

Praise be to Allaah.

The correct view is that there is no sin on the child of zinaa because of the sin of his parents, because he did not do anything wrong. The (burden of) sin is on his parents. On this basis, he can call himself after his father who has acknowledged his paternity, so that he can prove that he belongs to him and his state (in official papers). Or he can call himself after his mother who gave birth to him, because this is his line of descent; then he will belong to her tribe and state. He should also do righteous deeds and be upright in his conduct and commitment to Islam. What his parents did should not cause him any harm. A person who is hindered by his bad deeds will not be helped by his lineage [i.e., a person’s origins do not count for anything if his actions are bad]. And Allaah knows best.

Zawaj.com Editor: I would like to add that the Shaykh uses the phrase "child of zinaa" because it is a simple statement of fact, rather than the term "illegitimate" which is a judgement and a wrong one at that. No human being is illegitimate. We are all creatures of Allah. Each of us has a soul, and each of us awaits our judgement, where our deeds will be weighed. The focus in Islam is on belief, conduct and deeds, not lineage.

References :

http://www.zawaj.com/articles/child_zinaa.html

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New Convert: Is Changing Name Necessary?

Question and Answer Details

Name of Questioner Charles   - Canada Title Giving a Muslim Child a Non-Arabic Name Question Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Can you give your child a name that is in a language other than Arabic, as long as it has a good meaning? Jazakum Allah khayran. Date 15/Feb/2003 Topic Children & Parenthood, Pregnancy & newborns, Customs & Traditions

Answer

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.  Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake. Islam does not oblige Muslim people to choose specific names, Arabic or non-Arabic, for their children, whether boys or girls. It is rather up to people to choose the names for their children. However, selecting names should be pursuant to some Islamic rules that will be stated below. Islam emphasizes that Muslims should have good names and give good names to their children. It is reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud) Answering your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “Children are a trust in the hands of parents. Parents, therefore, have a duty to receive this divine gift with a true sense of gratitude and do everything at their disposal to provide the best nurturing. There is nothing better they can do in this regard than by providing them a home filled with love and kindness, and thus contributing to their overall physical, intellectual, ethical and spiritual growth and development. Such a duty begins before the birth of the child and extends all through their lives. Having said this, I must say, that the first important duty when a child is born is to recite the adhan in the right ear in a gentle voice, and give him or her a good name. As for the choice of names, we are given the following guidelines: 1. We must certainly avoid names that indicate any trace of shirk or association of partners with Allah. Therefore it is forbidden to call someone `Abd al-Ka`bah, or `Abd al-Nabi (servant of the Ka`bah or servant of the Prophet), since all of us are servants of Allah alone. 2. We must also avoid names that imply meanings that are offensive or unpleasant in connotations. The Prophet changed names such asHarb (War) with Salam (Peace), ‘Asiyah (Rebellious) with Jamilah (Beautiful), Sa`b (Difficult) with Sahl (Easy to deal with), etc. 3. We are encouraged to give names that have good or noble meanings or associations, for names may inadvertently inspire a person to do great things or stay away from vices. Choosing names of prophets or great persons who have been role models of virtue and piety is an excellent idea. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) named his son Ibrahim, and he said, “I have called him by my father’s name!” Having said this, I must add: There is nothing in the Islamic sources to indicate that we are allowed only to give our children Arabic names. Since Islam is a universal religion, there is no such requirement. Any name is okay so long as we keep in mind the above points. But, at the same time, while choosing names, we must strive our best not to compromise our Islamic identity.” Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: www.islam.ca Do keep in touch. If you have any other question, don't hesitate to write to us.  References : http://www.islamonline.net/

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Giving a Muslim Child a Non-Arabic Name

Question and Answer Details

Name of Questioner Charles   - Canada Title Giving a Muslim Child a Non-Arabic Name Question Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Can you give your child a name that is in a language other than Arabic, as long as it has a good meaning? Jazakum Allah khayran. Date 15/Feb/2003 Topic Children & Parenthood, Pregnancy & newborns, Customs & Traditions

Answer

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.  Dear questioner, we would like to thank you for the great confidence you place in us, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake. Islam does not oblige Muslim people to choose specific names, Arabic or non-Arabic, for their children, whether boys or girls. It is rather up to people to choose the names for their children. However, selecting names should be pursuant to some Islamic rules that will be stated below. Islam emphasizes that Muslims should have good names and give good names to their children. It is reported in a Hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud) Answering your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: “Children are a trust in the hands of parents. Parents, therefore, have a duty to receive this divine gift with a true sense of gratitude and do everything at their disposal to provide the best nurturing. There is nothing better they can do in this regard than by providing them a home filled with love and kindness, and thus contributing to their overall physical, intellectual, ethical and spiritual growth and development. Such a duty begins before the birth of the child and extends all through their lives. Having said this, I must say, that the first important duty when a child is born is to recite the adhan in the right ear in a gentle voice, and give him or her a good name. As for the choice of names, we are given the following guidelines: 1. We must certainly avoid names that indicate any trace of shirk or association of partners with Allah. Therefore it is forbidden to call someone `Abd al-Ka`bah, or `Abd al-Nabi (servant of the Ka`bah or servant of the Prophet), since all of us are servants of Allah alone. 2. We must also avoid names that imply meanings that are offensive or unpleasant in connotations. The Prophet changed names such asHarb (War) with Salam (Peace), ‘Asiyah (Rebellious) with Jamilah (Beautiful), Sa`b (Difficult) with Sahl (Easy to deal with), etc. 3. We are encouraged to give names that have good or noble meanings or associations, for names may inadvertently inspire a person to do great things or stay away from vices. Choosing names of prophets or great persons who have been role models of virtue and piety is an excellent idea. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) named his son Ibrahim, and he said, “I have called him by my father’s name!” Having said this, I must add: There is nothing in the Islamic sources to indicate that we are allowed only to give our children Arabic names. Since Islam is a universal religion, there is no such requirement. Any name is okay so long as we keep in mind the above points. But, at the same time, while choosing names, we must strive our best not to compromise our Islamic identity.” Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: www.islam.ca Do keep in touch. If you have any other question, don't hesitate to write to us.  References:  http://www.islamonline.net/

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Islamic Guidance in Choosing Names

Question and Answer Details

Name of Questioner Shazia   - Pakistan Title Islamic Guidance in Choosing Names Question As-Salamu `alaykum, could you please shed light on the Islamic guidelines in choosing names? In other words, what are the criteria to be followed by Muslim in choosing names? Date 18/Apr/2001 Name of Counsellor Yusuf Al-Qaradawi Topic Customs & Traditions, Children & Parenthood, Pregnancy & newborns

Answer

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.  All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.  Dear sister in Islam, we commend your keenness on getting your self well-acquainted with Islam and its teachings, and we implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake. Islam emphasizes that Muslims should have good names and give good names to their children. It is reported in a hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud) In the choice of names, we should follow certain guidelines as illustrated in the following fatwa issued by the eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi: "Islam does not oblige Muslims to choose specific names, Arab or non-Arab names, for their children, whether males or females. It is rather up to people to decide which names they would like to choose for their children. However, selecting names should be pursuant to some Islamic rules: 1- To be a good name that is neither detestable by people nor to be rejected by the child himself, when he grows up. Such detestable names are like those which bear the meaning of bad omen, evil connotations, names of people known for their oppression and excessiveness, and so on. In this regard, we find that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to change bad names into good ones. For example, he changed the name of someone from "Qalilah" (A few) into "Kathirah" (A lot), and the name of another from "`Aasiyah" (Sinner) into "Jamilah" (Beautiful), and so on. 2- A Muslim should not call his son names such as, "`Abdul-Ka`abah", "`Abdun-Nabi", "`Abdul-Hussayn", and such names that implies`Ubudiyyah (servitude) to others than Allah. Ibn Hazm said that naming children with names as such is, according to the consensus of Muslim scholars, prohibited, except the name of "`Abdul-Muttalib". 3- A Muslim should not choose names that give an impression of pomposity and vainglory. This is supported by the hadith that reads, "The most detestable name for Allah in the Hereafter is that of a man who calls himself "King of All Kings", for Allah is the Lord of the Kings." (Reported by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, and At-Tirmidhi) Muslims are also forbidden to name their children after the Finest Names of Allah, such as "Ar-Rahman (the Gracious), Al-Khalik (the Creator), etc. It is also prohibited to use the Attributes of Allah with a definite article, such as "Al-`Aziz" (the All-Powerful) and "Al-Hakim" (the Most-Wise), as names. But they may be used without a definite article, e.g. "`Aziz" and "Hakim". 4- It is a commendable thing to call children after the Prophets and righteous people, to keep them in memory, so as to take them as a guide and follow in their footsteps. The best of such names are the names that show man's humility before his Lord, as indicated by the hadith that reads, "The best names in Allah's Sight are `Abdullah and `Abdur-Rahman." (Reported by Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah) The same applies to names that consist of two parts, of which the first "`Abd" and the second is one of the Finest Names of Allah, such as "`Abdul-`Alim". 5- As for non-Arab names, there is nothing wrong in using them as names, so long as they bear good meanings in their language. Although the early Muslims were purely Arabs living in a pure Arab atmosphere, they found no harm in non-Arab names, as regards men and women. For example, "Mareyah" (the Mother of the Believers) who gave birth to Ibrahim, the son of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was known for her Coptic name. Also, most of the names of early believers were linguistically names of plants, such as "Talhah", "Salamah", "Hanzalah"; names of animals and birds, such as "Asad", "Saqr"; names of objects and parts of nature, like "Bahr", "Jabal"; adjectives used as names, like "`Amir", "Salim"; names of previous Prophets and righteous people, e.g. "Ibrahim" and "Yusuf". Thus, a Muslim should take into consideration such restrictions while choosing names for their children." References: http://www.islamonline.net/

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Praiseworthy Names

When the parents intend to name their beloved child - whether male or female, then they may choose his or her name from one of the following four classes of names.

Giving the Child a Name Indicating Servitude to Allah (SWT)

The child is given a name indicating servitude to Allah (SWT) by calling him 'Abd (slave of...) followed by one of Allah’s (SWT) names, those which are confirmed for Him and the most beloved of such names to Allah (SWT) - the One free of all imperfections - are 'Abdullah (the slave of Allah) and 'Abdur-Rahman (the slave of the Most Merciful) as shown by the Hadith:

"The most beloved of your names to Allah - the Mighty and Magnificent - are 'Abdullah and 'Abdur-Rahman" (Reported by Muslim & Abu Dawud)

Then these are followed in excellence by similar usage of the rest of Allah’s (SWT) names to indicate the person’s servitude to Him, such as ‘Abdur-Raheem (the slave of the Bestower of Mercy) and ‘Abdul-Lateef (slave of the One knowing the Most Hidden Matters and the One Most Gracious and Kind to His slaves), and so on.

The Messenger (SAW) established the example for us in this by putting into practice, so he called on of his sons ‘Abdullah and he called the son of Abu Talhah: ‘Abdullah. He furthermore called the son of another ‘Abdur-Rahman and there are many more examples. Therefore, we find that a large number of the Companions gave these two names to themselves and their children so that the number of them carrying this name was near to three hundred and Ibnus-Salah mentions that they numbered about two hundred and twenty.

Giving a Child a Name After One of the Prophets of Messengers of Allah

It is said that he (SAW) said:

"Call yourselves by the names of the Prophets." (Part of a Hadith reported by Ahmed & Abu Dawud)

And he (SAW) said:

"You may name with my name." (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

And we find that following this principle, he called his own son Ibrahim - after the name of his forefather Ibrahim (AS), he (SAW) said:

"A son was born to me this night and I called him after my forefather Ibrahim." (Reported by Muslim & Abu Dawud)

He likewise called the son of Abu Musa ‘Ibrahim’ and he called a son of ‘Abdullah ibn Sallaam ‘Yusuf’ after the Prophet (AS). (Reported by Ahmad)

This also used to be practiced by the Bani Israel as the Prophet (SAW) informed us and approved of with his saying:

"They used to name their children after the Prophets and the pious people who came before them." (Reported by Muslim)

Giving the Child a Name After One of the Pious People

Naming after the Pious People - The Companions, The Martyrs and the Scholars - both the Men and Women of Them.

Hoping that the child will grow up to love and respect them and follow their way and adopt their manners in righteousness, knowledge and seeking martyrdom. For this reason the noble companion az-Zubayr ibn al-Awam (RA) chose the names of some of the martyrs from the Companions for his ten sons, hoping that they would become like them. So he named one 'Abdullah after 'Abdullah ibn Jahsh the martyr of Uhud, and 'Urwah after 'Urwah ibn Mas'ood, and Hamzah after Hamzah ibn 'Abdul-Muttalib - the noblest of the martyrs, and Ja'far after Ja'far ibn Abee Talib - the martyr of Mutah, and Mus'ab after Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr - the martyr of Uhud (RU) and what we have just mentioned is not specific to the males - rather it is for both the males and the females. So it is indeed praiseworthy and beneficial for the correct upbringing of daughters that they be called after the names of the pious women and those who participated in Jihad from the female companions and those after them, hoping that they will follow them in piety, chastity and manners, and from these names are: Fatimah, Maryam, Asma, Sumayyah, Nusaybah, Khawlah and others from the pious and believing women.

Good Names Which do not Fall Into the Previous Three Categories

Names that are good in their wordings and meanings carrying meanings of bravery, chastity or piety and easily pronounced, harmonious, and suitable and befitting the person who carries the name. They should be far from that which has been forbidden in the Shariah and from the examples of this type are: Hamzah, Khalid, Anas, Usamah, Thamir, Harith, & Hammam the last two being the most true of names as occurs in the Hadith, and names like them in wording and meaning and from the examples of these for daughters are: Sarah, Hassanah, Su’ad, 'Affaf and other such names beautiful in wording and meaning. This class also covers calling the child after the child’s grandfather or grandmother - if it is a good name- as seen in the Hadith:

"So I named him after my forefather ‘Ibrahim.’" (Reported by Muslim & Abu Dawud)

 

PRAISEWORTHY NAMES

'Abdullah (the slave of Allah, also after 'Abdullah ibn Jahsh - the martyr of Uhud)	'Abdul-Lateef (slave of the One knowing the Most Hidden Matters and the One Most Gracious and Kind to His slaves)
'Abdur-Raheem (slave of the Bestower of Mercy)	'Abdur-Rahman (the slave of the Most Merciful)
Asma (the sister in-law of Muhammad (SAW)	Fatimah (the daughter of Muhammad (SAW)
Hamzah (after Hamzah ibn 'Abdul-Muttalib - the noblest of martyrs)	Ibrahim (after the name of Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) forefather)
Ja'far (after Ja'far ibn Abee Talib - the martyr of Uhud)	Khawlah
Maryam (mother of Isa (AS)	Mus'ab (after Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr - the martyr of Uhud)
Nusaybah	Sumayyah
'Urwah (after 'Urwah ibn Mas'ood)	Yusuf (after the Prophet)

 

GOOD NAMES

Affaf	Anas	Banur-Rashdah (sons of lawful marriage)	Hammam
Hamzah	Harith	Hassanah	Hisham
Husanah (good and beautiful)	Jameelah (beautiful and good)	Khalid	Sa'eed
Sahl (smooth)	Sarah	Silm (peace)	Su'ad
Thamir	Usamah	Zaynab	Zur'ah (sown seed)

  References: http://www.zawaj.com/articles/names_praiseworthy.html

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Naming Issues in Islam

WHEN TO NAME THE CHILD

The Hadith about when the child is to be named falls into two classes:

1. Those which mention naming the child on the seventh day after the birth. Like the Hadith of Samurah - (RA) who said: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said:

"Every child is held in pledge for his' Aqeeqah which is sacrificed for him on his seventh day, and he is named on it and his head is shaved" (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and the remaining 3 Sunan)

The Hadith that the Messenger (SAW) ordered that the child be named on the seventh day, that the harm be removed from him and the sacrifice (the 'Aqeeqah) be performed. (Reported by Al-Tirmidhee)

2. And those which indicate naming the child on the day of its birth. From these is the Hadith of Anas (RA) who said: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said:

"A boy was born to me this night and I have given him the name of my forefather Ibrahim. (Reported by Muslim and Abu Dawud)

Allah's Messenger (SAW) also named 'Abdullaah ibn Abee Taihah. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Another baby was brought to him after birth and he called it al-Mundhir (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) and there are many examples like this.

So from the previous Hadith we can see that the time for giving the name is something flexible - and all praise and thanks are for Allah (SWT) - so it may be named on the day of the birth, or delayed until the seventh day after birth - just as it is allowed between the two and later on. However, the time when it is recommended to name the child is the seventh day after the birth since that occurs in the words of the

Prophet (SWT) and so it is taken to be a recommendation, and the Hadith mentioning the day of its birth report the Prophet's (SAW) action - and are, therefore, taken to show & what is permissible.

WHO NAMES THE CHILD

The father and mother are the ones who are to choose a good name for their child, but if they disagree about the name, then the father has the right to choose the name. If he wishes, he may name it himself and if he wishes, he may give the choice to his wife, and if he wishes he may draw lots with her.

The fact that naming the child is the right of the father is shown by the fact that the child in this world is ascribed and attributed to his father. Allah (SWT) says:

"Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just in the Sight of Allah..." (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:5)

They will likewise be ascribed to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he (SAW) said:

"For every treacherous one a banner will be raised saying: This is the treachery of so and so, son of so and so." (Reported by Al-Bukhari and others)

And the Hadith:

"On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and your fathers names, so make your names good." (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and other)

It is also allowed for the parents to allow someone else to choose the name his grandfather, or grandmother, or someone else, i.e. that they should say: 'Call him so and so', or 'Your name is so and so', or 'His name is so and so' etc., since our Messenger and teacher Muhammad (SAW) used to name some of the children of his Companions - for example he named 'Abdullah ibn Abee Talhah as has preceded and he said to a man: "Call your son 'Abdur-Rahman." (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) And just as he named his grand children - the children of Fatimah. Her husband ‘Ali (RA) said: "When al-Hasan was born, I called him ‘Harb’ (war), then the Prophet (SAW) came and said: "Show me my son, what have you called him?" We said: "Harb." He said, "Rather he is Hasan." Then when al-Husayn was born I called him Harb, then the Prophet (SAW) came and said, "Show me my son, what have you called him?" We said, "Harb." He said, "Rather he is Husayn." Then the third was born I called him Harb, then the Prophet (SAW) came and said, "Show me my son, what have you called him?" We said, "Harb." He said, "Rather he is Muhassin." Then he said, " I have called them with the names of the children of Haaroon: Shabbar and Shabeer and Mushabbir." (Reported by Ahmad and Al-Bukhari in ‘al-Adabul-Mufrad and declared Sahih by al-Haafiz in ‘al-Isaabah. Declared weak by Shaikh al-Albaanee in his checking of: ‘al-Adabul-Mufrad’)

THE RULING FOR NAMING THE MISCARRIED FETUS AND THE ONE WHO DIES BEFORE BIENG NAMED

If it happens that the new-born child dies before it is named, then it is prescribed to give the child a name in this case - just as other children are named, and Funeral Prayer is said upon him, and the rulings for the deceased apply to him. As regards the fetus that is miscarried before the completion of six months - and that is the earliest that life would have been possible for it - then the scholars of the Shaafi'ees and the Hanbalees hold that it is recommended to name him, and they add that if the sex of the fetus is unclear then it should be given a name suitable for either such as: Talhah, Rajaa, Hind and Tarafah. Their support for the first and second questions is that the child will be called on the Day of Resurrection by his name, and this is a good and reasonable argument - if Allah (SWT) wills.

It should also be noted that there are some Hadith reported concerning the encouragement to name the miscarried fetus, however, nothing from them is authentic - and Allah (SWT) knows best.

References: 

http://www.zawaj.com/articles/names_issues.html

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Call Them by Their Fathers' Names

Sheikh Wajdi al-Ghazzawi
Reprinted from al-Jumuah Magazine volume 12 issue 5/6

http://www.zawaj.com/articles/fathers_names.html

What's in a name? More than you think. If you're thinking about changing your name to something more "Islamic," read this article first to avoid mistakes. Our ancestry are to us like roots are to a tree, one cannot truly cut them off.

One of these faults, which are widespread among Muslims, especially those who are serious about their religion, is the changing of the family name to a Muslim name. This is forbidden by Allah, hence He says, "Call them after their fathers. That is most just in the sight of Allah. If you know not their fathers, then call them your brothers in faith and your patrons. There is no blame on you if you make a mistake but you are accountable for what is done intentionally. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Qur'an 33:5]

In his famous tafseer, Imam ibn Katheer said that this verse abrogated a ruling of something that was allowed at the beginning of Islam. Abdullah ibn Umar said, "We used to call Zayd ibn Harithah, the patron of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, Zayd ibn Mohammed until the Qur'an stated, "Call them after their fathers. That is most just in the sight of Allah." (Bukhari) Ibn Katheer said, "Allah ordered us to call them by their real fathers' names. That is only just and fair."

This common mistake among new Muslims in the West, namely changing their family name, typically can lead them to fall into the following prohibitions:

First, Neglect of Allah's Orders:

It makes them subject to the grave warning and the definite threat that came in several ahadeeth. One of these ahadeeth, narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majah from Ibn Abbaas say, that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said that, "Whomever is not named after his father, or who takes as a benefactor and protector other than his supporter, is cursed by Allah, His Angels and all the people." This is a severe and definite warning to those who are not named after their real fathers.

Just because the father's name is a Christian name or a non-Muslim name is not reason enough, in Islam, to change it. And so if one's father name is George, he should not change it to Muhammad or Ali for example. One must be named after his real father's name, even if he is a non-believer (kafir), or the worst enemy to Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sal-lam.

To help illustrate this point, examine the following:

• Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl: This companion of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam became a Muslim in the year of al-Fatih or the concurring of Makkah, and was one of the best Muslims, one who fought for the sake of Allah until he was killed. He was the son of one of the worst of Allah's enemies, Abu Jahl, the man who fought the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, with his hands, tongue and money. Nevertheless, Ikremah never changed his father's name after becoming a Muslim. He kept his real father's name although it was not an honorable one.

• Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan: The Mother of the believers, the wife of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, married the Prophet before her father himself became a Muslim. Yet, she did not change her name and the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, did not order her to change it, although he was one of the Prophet's strongest enemies at the time.

• Safiyyah bint Huyay: Her father Huyay ibn Akhtab was a Jew. When she became a Muslim, the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam married her, and she did not change her father's or her grandfather's name even though everyone knew that they were non-believers, and that they were the enemies of Allah and his Messenger, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. More than that, Safiyyah used to visit her family, and when Umar ibnul Khattab heard that she liked the Jews, he asked her about it. She replied that they were her family, and that as a Muslim she was supposed to keep her kin ties strong and, that that was the reason for her visits with them. Look at this example! Safiyyah did not forsake her family ties and never abandoned her family's name. She did this because she knew that her name would not hurt her or weaken her faith and belief in Allah.

There are many more examples, but in these three I hope that all of us find good enough reasons to rethink the issue, and to avoid doing the opposite of what these three good companions of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, did.

The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "He who knowingly claims to be the son of other than his father, then he is forbidden from entering Paradise." How can those who are running away from the Hellfire, by seeking Islam and becoming Muslims, be so negligent, that they might end up in it anyway, by carelessly misnaming themselves to others than their real fathers? Why would anyone claim to be the son of someone he knows for sure is not his father? One may meet a Muslim who claims that his name is Muhammad Abdurrahman Ali. One would think that this means he is Muhammad the son of Abdurrahman, and the grandson of Ali. But after checking, one would be surprised to discover that Abdurrahman and Ali are not real people at all, and that Muhammad, who happens to be the son of John, the grandson of Roberts, for example, made them up. This is not a good thing to do, for it leads one to fall into the next sin, falsification.

Second, Cheating People and Misleading Them:

In the previous example, when one hears the name Muhammad Abdurrahman Ali, one automatically thinks that the name belongs to a Muslim from a Muslim country. You do not expect it to belong to be an American or a European from a Western non-Muslim father. This is an obvious case of cheating and falsification, especially if the information is presented on paper, like on a resume or other documents, meant for official procedures or employment. This falsification is the same as lying, if not worse.

Third, Injustice and Aggression:

For someone to be called after other than his real father's name is to do great injustice to the father. This is why Allah says, "Call them after their fathers. That is most just in the sight of Allah." It is only just and fair that Allah has made that obligatory on us. How can anyone of us, willingly, choose to do otherwise?

Such acts are not allowed in Islam, whether the father is a Muslim or not. It is imperative that Muslims who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and who have read these scripts and warnings but have fallen into this sin, to repent to Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, and correct their mistake by renaming themselves after their real fathers, John, George or any other.

What Should One Do?

Stating the above, the following question needs to be answered: What can a person who does not know his real father do? This is especially important because promiscuity in the West has made this task difficult. Allah has revealed the answer to this question, "If you know not their fathers, then call them your brothers in faith and your patrons." [5:33] Of the one who does not know his father, we ask, who was the man who raised and took care of you? If the answer is, my stepfather, or this man whose name is, for example, Ibrahim, then we call the person, our brother in Islam, Ibrahim's patron.

If he has no patron, then he can relate his name to his country or city and add his kunia, or nickname, to it. A lot of prominent Muslim scholars have done this in the past. The name can be for example, Abu Muhammad (nickname), Ali (his name) al-Canadi (the Canadian), or al-Ameriky (the American), or al-Britany (the British), so on and so forth.

One excuse for the father's name change that some people use, is the allegation that their fathers' and grandfathers' names are not their real names. They are names, they say, that were given to them by the slave masters. Therefore, they are changing these names so that they change the names, which are related to a bad interval in their history. The answer is that this action is a misconception and a direct contradiction to the above verse. Allah has obliged us to be named after our real fathers. If one's father's real name was changed by force during the period of slavery, and you managed to know the original name, then use it. But if you do not know the real name and you change the current name, then you have committed the same sin as the oppressor, for you have changed a man's name. Such a situation, however, applies only to a number of people in the West.

Another excuse some people use for example, is that one would say, "I am calling myself Muhammad Abdullah (i.e. the slave of Allah) and that should be alright, for we are all slaves of Allah, believers and non-believers." And even though this statement is true in general, people use names to indicate and ascertain a specific blood relationship, and not to make a general statement about the fact that one is the son of a man who was created by Allah. Again, we must be careful so that we do not fall in the name change trap.

Wives Taking Their Husbands' Last Names:

It is important to note that one of the forms of being named after other than your father, is what some newly converted Muslim women do. They change their family names to their husbands' family names, as is the norm in the West. I have seen many Muslim men and women who have fallen into this prohibition. This type of name change actually has two problems. The first is the fact that the woman would fall into the sin of changing the name of her real father who spent his life and money caring for her. What a recompense! The second is making resemblance to the non-believers in a tradition that is permanently a part of their lifestyle.

An Important Question:

Many newly reverted Muslims ask, should they change their names?
The answer is that they should not change their names except in the following situations:

• If the name is forbidden in Islam. For example, if the name implies worshipping other than Allah like Abdush-Shams (slave of the sun), Abdun-Nabi (slave of the Prophet), Abdul-Maseeh (slave of the Christ), etc. Also, if the name symbolizes idols like Naelah, Hubal or Buddha, then it must be changed immediately.

• If the name is typical of the non-believers like Botros, John, Diana, Suzanne or Victoria, then a Muslim should stay away from these names.

• If the name praises oneself, as in the case of Barrah (pious), the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, changed it to Zainab and said, "Do not praise yourself. Allah knows the pious ones more than you do." (Muslim)

• If the name has a bad meaning like the names of animals such as Faar (mouse), Kalb (dog), Hanash (snake). Or pronounced badly in another language such as Tom (many pronounce it Toom, which sounds like garlic in Arabic).

If the non-Muslim name is like one of the above then it must be changed to a good Muslim name, one that is desirable in Islam. For example Abdurrahman, Abdullah, any of the Prophets' names, the companions names, the wives of the Prophet, allallahu alayhe wa sallam, or his daughters.

It should be taken into consideration that only the first name is changed and not the father's name no matter how bad it is. In the Day of Judgment, people will be called by their fathers' names. Bukhari wrote a chapter in his book about people being called by their fathers' names. In it he mentions a hadeeth narrated by Ibn Umar who said that the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "On the Day of Judgment, a sign will be raised for the deceitful saying, 'This is the deceit of Fulan Ibn Fulan (this man the son of such a man).'" It is necessary to mention that we should use the relational noun between names in the Arabic language. For example Muhammad George Al-Ferency (the French) should be called Muhammad the son of George the French.

Finally, after reading this clear account, accompanied by evidences and examples, it now becomes necessary for every Muslim who believes in Allah and the Last Day, to correct such mistakes and go back to his real name. A worshipper is judged by his deeds, and his emaan (faith). Allah knows best who is pious and who is not, and changing names in the way we were discussing does not increase it. As was demonstrated, such an act can in fact hurt one's relationship with Allah. And Allah knows best.

References : 

Sheikh Wajdi al-Ghazzawi

Reprinted from al-Jumuah Magazine volume 12 issue 5/6

http://www.zawaj.com/articles/fathers_names.html

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Prohibited Names in Islam

Taken From Manners of Welcoming the New Born Child in Islaam
By Yoosuf ibn ‘Abdullaah Al-‘Areefee
Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood ibn Ronald Burbank

There are also names which are contrary to the Shariah or which have meanings unacceptable to people of sound intellect and pure souls, so these names are to be avoided, since giving these names to the children would be a crime against their Deen (beliefs) and their manners because they would grow up connected to these names and the meanings which they carry. The prohibited names are of two categories: those which are forbidden in the Shariah and those which are either disapproved of due to the Shariah, or due to manners and good taste. FORBIDDEN NAMES 1. Names indicating servitude to other than Allah (SWT) such as: 'Abdun-Nabee (slave of the Prophet), 'Abdur-Rasool (slave of the Messenger) and 'Abdul - Muttalib - and whatever is like these names. Just the same in meaning are ‘Ghulaamun-Nabee’ and Ghulaamur-Rasool’. 2. Using these names which are particular names of Allah (SWT)- the One far removed from all deficiencies - like: al-Ahad (the One and Only, Unique in his Lordship, names and attributes, and His right to worship. The One having no equal, no assistant, no rival and no one similar to Him), ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful) and al-Khaliq (the Creator). 3. From the names forbidden for our sons and daughters particular to our enemies, the Jews and the Christians, like: George, David, Michael, Joseph, Diana, Jaclyn etc., since use of these names causes - sooner or later - love of them and feeling of closeness to them and imitating them in their manners and their customs and we - the Muslims - have been forbidden to imitate our enemies and to have love for them and ties of friendship. 4. From the names which should also be avoided are the names of tyrants and despots like: Fir'awn (Pharaoh), Qaroon, Abu Jahl and their like, also the names of the leaders of Kufr and the heads of atheism such as Marx, Lenin and so on, since using their names would mean that one was pleased with their actions, and would mean imitation of them, and love of their systems of thought - and all this is forbidden. NAMES DISAPPROVED OF IN THE SHAREE'AH OR DISLIKED DUE TO GOOD MANNERS OR GOOD TASTE 1. Giving names which are meant to show servitude to Allah (SWT) but not known to be from Allah's (SWT) perfect names - like 'Abdul-Mawjood, Abdul-Maqsood and 'Abdus-Sattar. This is because nothing can be affirmed as one of Allah's (SWT) names without an authentic text, and these names do not satisfy this as they are rather attributes and information, so it is to be feared that in this way we might fall into giving Allah (SWT) names which neither He nor His Messenger (SAW) used for Him. 2. From these names are those which carry meanings of pessimism, or blameworthy characteristics which will be disliked or cause aversion or cause the possessor of the name to feel degraded, humiliated and such as will kill his personality - like Harb (war), Himar (donkey), and Kalb (dog) - and their like which are usually given as names by people of the desert of countryside. 3. From good manners is to avoid naming children with names which are suggestive or offend one's meaning of shame - such as: Huyam (one passionately in love), Nuhad (A young woman with full and raised breasts), Saham (summer heat)!, Wisal (sexual union), Ghadah (delicate young woman), Fatin (temptress), Fitnah (temptation), Shadiyah (female singer) and names with similar meanings. So fathers and mothers should steer clear of giving these kind of names to their children - since they are mostly names carried by the lunatic film actresses and dancers and using these names may be a danger to the children’s personality and to their society - since they will grow up having an attachment and fondness for them along with the meaning they convey and for those infamous persons who carry these names. This may then lead them to imitate those people and follow their way, slowly losing their Islamic personality - and it is to Allah (SWT) that we turn for aid. 4. It is also disliked to give names which amount to a declaration of a person's being pious like: Barrah (pious / piety) and the like - due to this meaning the Messenger of Allah (SAW) changed the name of one of his wives from Barrah to Zaynab, as he used to hate that it be said: "He left/went out from 'Barrah' (piety)." 5. From these names which it is disliked to use for naming are the names of the Angels. Particularly if they are used for females - such as Malik since it is to be feared that this involves imitation of the pagans who gave feminine names to the angels. But as regards to their use for males - then that is disliked by Malik, but allowed by a group of the scholars since the Hadith prohibiting it is not authentic. 6. Just as it is disliked to name with the names of Surahs of the Quran such as: TaHa, Yaseen and other names of Surahs. This is the saying of Imam Malik (Ra) - Ibnul- Qayyim also said: "The saying of the common people that Yaseen and TaHa are from the names of the Prophet (SAW) is not correct, there is no 'Sahih' Hadith about it or any 'Hasan' Hadith, nor anything 'Mursal' [having a missing link between the Tabiee and the Prophet (SAW)], nor any narration from any Companion, but rather they are letters like 'Alif Lam Meem', 'Ha Meem', 'Alif Lam Raa' and the like." 7. It is disliked to give names 'Yasar' (Ease), 'Rabah' (Profit), 'Najeeh' (Successful), 'Aflah' Prosperous), 'Ya'la' (Elevated)' and Barakah' (Blessing) since the Messenger (SAW) forbade that with his saying: "Do not call your boy Yasar, nor Rabah, nor Najeeh, nor Aflah, since you will say: Is he there?' So it will be said: 'No'. Indeed they are four, so do not attribute more to me." (Reported by Muslim, Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhee) And the forbiddence of Ya'a and Barakah occurs in another Hadith reported by Muslim. CHANGING PROHIBITED NAMES The Messenger (SAW) used to love names which were good in their wording and meaning and he used to hate other names, prohibit them and change them. From these names which the Messenger (SAW) changed was: · ‘Aasiyah (Disobedient) - he changed her name to Jameelah (Beautiful and Good) (Reported by Muslim & Abu Dawud) · He (SAW) also said to a man, "What is your name?" So he replied: "Hazn." (Roughness). So he (SAW) said: "Rather you are Sahl (Smooth)." (Reported by Al-Bukhari & Abu Dawud) · ‘Barrah (Pious Woman) to Zaynab (Reported by Muslim) · As-Surm (Separation) to Sa’eed (Al-Bukhari) · Asram (Cut Off) to Zur’ah (Sown Seed) (Reported by Abu Dawud) · Jaththamah (Signifying Inactivity) to Husanah (Good and Beautiful) (Reported by al-Hakim) · Shihab (Flame and Fire) to Hisham (Reported by Al-Bukhari) · Harb (War) to Silm (Peace) (Reported by Abu Dawud) · Banuz-Zinyah (Sons of Fornication) to Banur-Rashdah (Sons of Lawful Marriage) (Reported by Abu Dawud). PROHIBITED NAMES ‘Abdul-Maqsood ‘Abdul-Mawjood ‘Abdul-Muttalib ‘Abdun-Nabee (slave of the Prophet) ‘Abdur-Rasool (slave of the Messenger) ‘Abdus-Sattar Aasiyah (disobedient: not same as Pharaoh’s wife) Abu Jahl Aflah (prosperous) al-Ahad al-Khaliq (the Creator) ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful) Asram (cut off) Banuz-Zinyah (sons of fornication) Barakah (blessing) Barrah (pious / piety) David (Name given to Prophet Dawud (AS) in the Bible) Diana Fatin (temptress) Firawn (Pharaoh) Fitnah (temptation) George Ghadah (delicate young woman) Ghulaamun-Nabee Ghulaamur-Rasool Harb (war) Hazn (roughness) Himar (donkey) Huyam (one passionately in love) Jaclyn Jaththamah (signifying inactivity) Joseph (name given to Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the Bible) Kalb (dog) Lenin Malak (name of an angel) Marx Michael Najeeh (successful) Names of Jews and Christians Nuhad (a young woman with full and raised breasts) Qaroon Rabah (profit) Saham (summer heat) Shadiyah (female singer) Shihab (flame and fire) Surah in Quran TaHa (Surah in Quran) Wisal (sexual union) Ya’la (elevated) Yasar (ease) Yaseen (Surah in Quran)

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The Islamic Naming System

Taken From Tafseer Surat Al-Hujuraat By Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

Islam places great emphasis on the clear identification of family relationships. The Prophet (SAW) himself said, "Learn enough about your lineage to know your blood relatives and treat them accordingly." (At-Tirmidhee) That is, family lines should be known well enough to prevent marriages within the forbidden degrees and to determine blood and family obligations. Although it is the duty of the Islamic state to take care of its citizens, the primary responsibility lies first and foremost on family members. Therefore, according to Islamic law, blood relationships should be clearly defined and any tampering with them is strictly forbidden. This is clearly stressed in the Islamic naming system in which each name and its sequences implies a specific genealogical relationship. For example, the name Khaalid ibn Abdullah ibn Zakee al-Harbee, which in present times is written Khaalid Abdullah Zakee al-Harbee means Khaalid the son of Abdullah, the son of Zakee, from the tribe of Harb. This system of naming people after their fathers and forefathers has appeared in most cultures. Even in English, George the son of John in time became George, John's son and eventually became George Johnson. In pre-Islamic times, the Arabs used to change the lineage of their adopted sons to their own lineage and this practice also occurred during the early stages of Muhammed's prophethood (SAW). However, Allah (SWT) forbade it during the Madeenan stage of prophethood in which the majority of the religious, social and economic laws of islam were revealed, Ibn Umar (RA) reported that after the Prophet (SAW) freed Zayd ibn Harithah and adopted him, people used to refer to him as Zayd ibn Muhammed until the verse the following verse was revealed, "Call them by (the names of) their father's, that is more just in the sight of Allah..." (Al-Ahzab 33:5) Once this principle became part of the divine law, the Prophet (SAW) was instructed to further emphasize it by a series of warnings. For example, on one occasion he said, "He who knowingly attributed his fatherhood to someone other than his real father will be excluded from paradise." (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood) Abu Dharr (RA) also related that he heard the Prophet (SAW) say, "He who deliberately lets himself be called the son of someone other than his father is guilty of disbelief (kufr)." (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood) Thus, the Arabic system of naming people according to their father's names which was endorsed by the Prophet (SAW) and approved of by Allah (SWT) is considered the Islamic naming system. Islamic law is comprehensive. It regulates all aspects of human life in order to establish a social system in which human welfare is looked after and the worship of God is enshrined. Consequently, although some facets of the Islamic naming system may be more important than other, none are so irrelevant or unimportant that whether it is done or not makes no difference. The fact that European colonialism has managed to corrupt the application of the Islamic naming system especially among non-Arab Muslims does not in any way alter its validity. By colonial times the western naming system had degenerated into a meaningless jumble of names followed by a family name. Influenced by the Greco-Roman culture in which women were considered to e the property of men, western society erased a woman's family name upon marriage and replaced it by that of her husband. In the Islamic naming system she retains her father's name as it indicates her true lineage. However, both of these degenerative Western trends have been widely adopted in Muslim lands along with other un-Islamic cultural trappings of European colonialism. New Muslims, unaware of the Islamic naming system, often adopt Arabic names in the chaotic European style. In fact, those of African descent often erase even their family names on the basis that these names are remnant from the days of slavery. That is, those of their ancestors who were salves usually adopted the family name of their slave masters and it was the slave masters' name which was handed down from generations to generation. Hence, an individual who may have been called Clive Baron Williams while his father's name was George Herbert Williams may, upon entering Islamic, rename himself Faisal Umar Nkruma Mahdi. However, his name according to the Islamic naming system should have been Faisal George Williams, that is, Faisal the son of George Williams. Whether "Williams" was the name of his ancestors plantation owner or not is not of any consequence. Since his father's name was George Williams, he is, according to the Islamic naming system, the son of George Williams. That much of his father's name is necessary to determine who his relatives are in order to avoid incestuous marriages, discharge inheritance rights and fulfill general responsibilities to blood relations. This becomes especially important in the West where premarital and extra-marital relations are common leading to generations of illegitimate inter-related children. Consequently, when some of these half-brothers and sisters enter Islam under different assumed family names, there exists a very real possibility that some of them may unintentionally contract incestuous marriage. The practice among new Muslims of deleting their family names has frequently created deep resentment among their non-Muslim families which could have been easily avoided if the Islamic naming system had been adopted. Actually, the new Muslim is under no obligation to change even his or her "Christian name" unless it contains an un-Islamic meaning. Thus, the given name clive, which means cliff-dweller need not have been changed whereas "Dennis", a variation of Dionysus which means He of Dionysus, (the Greek god of wine and fertility who was worshipped with orgiastic rites), would have to be changed. Similarly female names like Lois which means desirable or Ann or its diminutive forms Annie and Nancy which means grace, need not be changed while names like Ingrid which means daughter of Ing (a god in Germanic mythology) or Laverne taken from teh name of the Roman goddess of spring and grain would also have to be changed. However,. it is perfectly acceptable for a Muslim, whether a recent convert or not, to change his or her first name. It was the Prophet's (SAW) practice to change peoples first names if they were too assuming, negative or un-Islamic. One of the Prophet's (SAW) wives was originally named Barrah (pious) and he changed it to Zaynab (collected by Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood) as Allah (SWT) had said in the Quran, "Do not claim piety for yourselves for He knows best who is God-fearing." (An-Najm 53:32) Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that another of the Prophet's (SAW) wives was also named Barrah and he changed it to Juwayriyah (collected by Muslim). Ibn Umar (RA) reported that his father, Umar, had a daughter named Aasiyah (disobedient) whom the Prophet (SAW) renamed Jameelah (beautiful - collected by Muslim). Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) decided to forbid names like Ya'laa (elevated), Barakah (blessing), Aflah (successful), Yasaar (wealth) and Naafi (beneficial). (collected by Muslim). However, Allah's Messenger (SAW) never changed the names of people's fathers, no matter how un-Islamic they may have been. For example, when the Sahabi Abdu Shams ibn Sakhr accepted Islam, the Prophet (SAW) cancelled his given nam, Abdu Shams (slave of a sun), and renamed him Abdur-Rahman ibn Sakhr (collect by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalaanee). His father's name, Sakhr (rock), was left untouched. Likewise, the Sahabi, Abu Salamah's name was changed to Abdullah ibn Abdul-Asad leaving his father's name Abdul-Asad (slave of the lion) unchanged (collected by Ibn al-Jawzee). Thus, it can be concluded that erasing one's family name is against both the letter and the spirit of Islamic law. The father's first and last name should be retained and if the father is unknown, the mother's first and last name should follow the Muslim's given or chosen name. However, it should be noted, that there are other titles and descriptive names which may be added to either or both the beginning and the end of a person's actual name. According to the Islamic naming system, prefixed names known as Kunyah consist of Abu (the father/owner of) in the case of males and Umm (the mother of) in the case of women followed by the name of the person's oldest child or male child, a child wished for or a trait the person is noted for. Some people became so well known by their Kunya that their actual names are almost forgotten. For example, among the Sahabah: Abu Bakr (Abdullah ibn Uthman), Abu Hurayrah (Abdur Rahman ibn Sakhr), and Abu Laylaa (Bilal al-Ansari); and among the legist: Abu Haneefah (Nu'maan ibn Tahabit). The suffixed tittles are of two types, the Laqab, a descriptive trait, for example, Abu Bakr was titles by the Prophet (SAW) "as-Siddeeq" (the truthful) and Umar, "al-Farooq" (the discerner). The second type is known as Nisbah which refers to the place or tribe with which one is associated. For example, the Sahabi, Abu Dharr "al-Ghifaaree" (from the tribe of Ghifaar) and Hadith scholars such as al-Bukhari (Muhammad ibn Ismaa'eel), from the city Bukhara and at-Tirmidhee (Muhammad ibn Eesaa) from the city of Tirmidh. The Nisabah suffix may also refer to a profession. Care should also be taken in naming girls, as the practice of giving girls two or three female names before the family name is a fairly recent western practice which is inconsistent with the Islamic naming system. For example, a girl named Asmaa Jameelah Zaynab Abdullah whose father's name was Zayd Abdullah should really be called Asmaa Zayd Abdullah, that is, Asmaa the daughter of Zayd Abdullah. This principle is due to the fact that a man's or woman's given name, according to the islamic naming system, should only be followed by the name of his or her mother if the father was unknown, or the child was illegitimate and the parents were not married. Thus, the name Asmaa Jameelah Zaynab Abdullah in the Islamic naming system means Asmaa was the illegitimate daughter of Jameelah and her mother Jameelah was also the illegitimate daughter of Zaynab, the daughter of Abdullah.

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Muslim Girls Names

A . B . C . D . E . F . G . H . I . J . K . L . M . N . O. P . Q . R . S . T . U . V . W . X . Y . Z

A

Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Abal             'Abal             Wild rose 
Abeer            Abeer             Fragrance, perfume
Abia             Abia              Great 
Abida            Abida             Worshipper 
Abidah           'Abidah           Worshipper
Abir             'Abir             Fragrance, perfume 
Abla             Abla'             Perfectly formed
Ablaa            Abla'             Perfectly formed
Ablah            'Ablah            Perfectly formed 
Abra             Abra              Example, lesson 
Abrar            Abrar             Devoted to God 
Aadab            A'dab             Hope and need 
Adara            Adara             Virgin 
Adawiyah         'Adawiyah         Summer plant 
Adeela           'Adilah           Equal, just, honest
Adiba            Adiba             Well-mannered, cultured, polite; writer 
Adila            'Adilah           Equal, just, honest 
Adn              'Adn              Paradise 
Afaf             'Afaf             Chaste, virtuous, decent, pure 
Afifah           'Afifah           Chaste, modest 
Afnan	         Afnan             Tree branches or twigs 
Afra,Afraa      'Afra'             White 
Afya             Afya              Shadows 
Ahd, Ahad       'Ahd               Pledge, commitment, delegation 
Ahlam            Ahlam             Witty, imaginative; one who has pleasant dreams 
Aidah, Aida     'A'idah            Visiting, returning; reward 
Ain             Ain                Eye, thus "precious" 
Aini            Aini               Spring, flower, source, choice 
Aisha, Aishah   'A'ishah           Living, prosperous; youngest wife of the Prophet 
Akilah          Akilah             Intelligent, logical, one who reasons 
Aalaa           Ala'               Signs of Allah 
Alhena          Alhena             A ring; (A star in the constellation Gemini) 
Alima           Alima              Wise 
Alimah	        Alimah             Skilled in music or dance 
Alia, Aliyah    A'lia              Exaulted, elevated, highest social standing 
Aliyyah        'Aliyah             Exaulted, elevated, highest social standing
Almas           Almas              Diamond 
Altaf           Altaf              Kindness, politeness 
Aludra          Aludra             Virgin 
Alya           'Alya'             Loftiness 
Al Zahra        Al Zahra           The illuminated; nickname of the Prophet's daughter, Fatimah 
Alzubra         Alzubra            A star in the constellation Leo
Amal, Aamal     A'mal              Hope, aspiration 
Amala           A'mala             Hope, aspiration
Aman            Aman               Security, peace, safety 
Amani           Amani              Wishes, aspirations 
Amatullah       Amatullah          Female servant of Allah 
Amber           Amber              Jewel 
Ameena          Ameena             Trustworthy, faithful, secure; name of the mother of the Prophet
Ameera          Ameera             Princess, leader
Aminah          Aminah             Trustworthy, faithful, secure; name of the mother of the Prophet 
Amineh          Amineh             Trustworthy, faithful, secure; name of the mother of the Prophet
Amirah          Amirah             Princess, leader 
Amjad           Amjad              Magnificence, splendor 
Amsah           Amsah              Friendly; of good company 
Anaan           'Anan              Clouds 
Anbar	        'Anbar             Perfume, ambergris 
Anbarin	        'Anbarin           of ambergris 
Aneesa          Aneesa             lose, intimate, good friend
Anisah          Anisah             lose, intimate, good friend 
Anjum           Anjum              Stars 
Anmar           Anmar              Leopard 
Anwar, Awaar    Anwar, Awaar       Rays of light, blossoms 
Aqilah          'Aqilah            Wife, spouse; the best, the pick 
Ara             Ara                Opinions 
Aram            Aram               Signs, flags 
Areebah         Areebah            Witty, smart 
Arij, Areej     Arij, Areej        Fragrance, sweet smell 
Arub, Aroob     'Arub              Loving to her husband 
Asalah          Asalah             Nobility of descent 
Ashwaq          Ashwaq             Love, affections 
Asil            Asil               Smooth 
Asilah          Asilah             Noble origin, pure 
Asimah, Asima   'Asimah, Asima     Protector 
Asiya, Asiyah   Asiya, Asiyah      One who tends to the weak, one who heals, comforts, consoles 
Asma, Asmaa     'Asma'             Excellent, lofty, eminent, precious; daughter of Abu Bakr 
Asra            Asra               Travel by night 
Asrar           Asrar              Secrets 
Asriyah         'Asriyah           Modernist 
Athir           Athir              Favored, preferred 
Atifa, Atifah   'Atifah            Affectionate, compassionate, sympathetic 
Atika, Atikah   'Atikah            Virgin, pure, clear 
Atiya, Atiyah   'Atiyah            Gift, present 
Atyaf           Atyaf              Fantasies 
Awatif          'Awatif            Emotions 
Ayah, Ayeh      Ayah, Ayeh         Qur'anic verse, clear evidence, sign of God 
Ayishah         'A'ishah           Living, prosperous; youngest wife of the Prophet
Ayat            Ayat               Qur'anic verses, clear evidences, signs of God 
Azhar, Azhaar   Azhar              Flowers, blossoms 
Aziza, Azeeza   'Azizah            Precious, cherished, beloved, dear 
Azza, Azzah     'Azzah             Young, female gazelle 

B
 




Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Badia, Badiah    Badi'ah, Badi'a   Unprecedented, amazing, admirable, unique 
Badra            Badra             Full moon 
Badriya          Badriya           Resembling the full moon
Badriyah         Badriyah          Resembling the full moon
Badriyyah        Badriyyah         Resembling the full moon
Baheera          Baheera           Dazzling, brilliant, noble lady 
Bahijah          Bahijah           Magnificent, splendid 
Bahira, Bahirah  Bahira, Bahirah   Dazzling, brilliant, noble lady
Bahiya, Bahiyaa  Bahiya, Bahiyaa   Beautiful, radiant 
Bahiyah          Bahiyah           Beautiful, radiant
Balqis           Balqis            Name of the Queen of Sheba 
Balsam           Balsam            Balsam, balm 
Ban              Ban               a kind of tree 
Banan            Banan             Delicate, finger tips 
Baraah           Bara'ah           Innocence 
Baraka, Barakah  Baraka, Barakah   Blessing; white one 
Bariah           Bari'ah           Excelling 
Barika           Barika            Bloom, be successful 
Barirah          Barirah           Faithful and devoted 
Baseema          Baseema           Smiling
Bashair          Basha'ir          Good news, good omens 
Basheera         Basheera          Bringer of good tidings, joy
Bashirah         Bashirah          Bringer of good tidings, joy 
Basilah          Basilah           Brave 
Basimah          Basimah           Smiling 
Basinah          Basinah           Kitty, kitten 
Basmah, Basma    Basmah, Basma     A smile 
Batul, Batool    Batul, Batool     Ascetic virgin 
Bayan            Bayan             Clearness, eloquence 
Baysan           Baysan            to walk with pride 
Bilqis, Bilqees  Bilqis, Bilqees   Queen of Sheeba 
Bisar            Bisar             Adolescent 
Budur            Budur             Full moons 
Buhaisah         Buhaisah          Walking with pride
Buhaysah         Buhaysah          Walking with pride 
Buhjah           Buhjah            Joy, delight 
Buhthah          Buhthah           Happy, delighted when seeing others 
Bushra           Bushra            Good omen, good news 
Busr             Busr              Unripened dates; star, height 
Buthainah        Buthainah         Of beautiful and tender body
Buthayna         Buthayna          Of beautiful and tender body
Buthaynah        Buthaynah         Of beautiful and tender body


C
 




Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Cala             Cala              Castle 
Cantara          Cantara           Small bridge 


D
 







Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Daad             Da'd              Old Arabic name 
Dahab            Dahab             Gold 
Dalal            Dalal             Treated or touched in a kind and loving way 
Daliyah          Daliyah           Grape vine 
Daniyah          Daniyah           Closer, nearer 
Dhakirah         Dhakirah          One who remembers God frequently 
Dhakiyah         Dhakiyah          Bright, intelligent 
Dhukaa           Dhuka'            Name of the sun 
Dimah            Dimah             Cloud which carries rainwater 
Dua              Du'a'             Prayer 
Duha, Dhuha      Duha, Dhuha       Forenoon 
Dunya            Dunya             World 
Dunyana          Dunyana           Our world 
Durar            Durar             Pearls 
Durrah           Durrah            Pearl 
Durriyah         Durriyah          Shining, bright 


E
 


F
 


Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Fadheela         Fadheela          Virtuous, outstanding, superior, cultured and refined
Fadilah          Fadilah           Virtuous, outstanding, superior, cultured and refined 
Fadiyah          Fadiyah           Redeemer, self-sacrificing 
Fadwa            Fadwa             Name derived from self-sacrifice 
Fahimah          Fahimah           Intelligent 
Faiqah           Fa'iqah           Surpassing, excellent 
Faiza, Faizah    Fa'iza, Fa'izah   Victorious, winner 
Fajr             Fajr              Dawn, morning prayer 
Fakhriyah        Fakhriyah         Honorary 
Falak            Falak             Star 
Fanan            Fanan             Tree branch or twig 
Farah            Farah             Joy, cheerfulness 
Farhah           Farhah            Lively 
Farhanah         Farhanah          Happy 
Faridah, Fareeda Faridah, Fareeda  Unique, matchless, precious pearl or gem 
Farihah, Fareeha Farihah, Fareeha  Happy, joyful, cheerful, glad 
Farizah          Farizah           Arch 
Fathiyah         Fathiyah          Beginning 
Fatimah, Fatima  Fatimah, Fatima   Accustom; daughter of the Prophet 
Fatin, Fatinah   Fatin, Fatinah    Fascinating, captivating, alluring, enchanting 
Fawz             Fawz              Victory or success 
Fawzah, Fawza    Fawzah, Fawza     Success 
Fawziya          Fawziya           Successful, victorious
Fawziyyah        Fawziyyah         Successful, victorious 
Fayha, Fayhaa    Fayha'            Fragrant 
Fayruz           Fayruz            Turquoise 
Fazia            Fazia             Successful, victorious
Fellah           Fellah            Arabian jasmine 
Fida             Fida'             Redemption 
Fiddah           Fiddah            Silver 
Fikriyah         Fikriyah          Intellectual 
Firdaws, Firdoos Firdaws, Firdoos  Highest garden in Paradise
Firyal           Firyal            Old Arabic name 
Furat            Furat             Sweet water 
Futun            Futun             Fascinations 


G
 




Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Ghaaliya         Ghaaliya          Dear, beloved, fragrant, expensive
Ghadah, Ghaada   Ghadah, Ghaada    Beautiful 
Ghadir           Ghadir            Stream 
Ghaliyah         Ghaliyah          Dear, beloved, fragrant, expensive 
Ghaniyah         Ghaniyah          Pretty girl, beautiful woman, beauty 
Gharam           Gharam            Love 
Ghayda, Ghaydaa  Ghayda', Ghaydaa  Young and delicate 
Ghazal           Ghazal            Flirt, words of love 
Ghazalah         Ghazalah          Female gazelle 
Ghufran          Ghufran           Forgiveness, pardon 
Ghunwah          Ghunwah           Indispensible 
Ghunyah          Ghunyah           Indispensible
Ghusun, Ghusoon  Ghusun, Ghusoon   Branches of a tree 


H
 




Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Habibah, Habeeba Habibah, Habeeba  Beloved, sweetheart, darling; a wife of the Prophet 
Hadeel           Hadeel            to coo (like a dove) 
Hadiyah, Haadiya Hadiyah, Haadiya  Guide to righteousness, calm 
Hadiyyah         Hadiyyah          Gift 
Hafa             Hafa              Gentle rain 
Hafizah          Hafizah           Heedful, mindful 
Hafsah, Hafsa    Hafsah, Hafsa     Wife of the Prophet 
Hafthah          Hafthah           Preserved, protected 
Haifa, Hayfa     Hayfa'            Slender, of beautiful body 
Hajar            Hajar             Name of the wife of the prophet Ibrahim 
Hala             Hala              Sweetness 
Halah, Haala     Halah, Haala      Aureole 
Halimah, Haleema Halimah, Haleema  Gentle, patient, mild-tempered; 
				   name of the Prophet's nursing mother 
Hamdiyah         Hamdiyah          One who praises a lot 
Hamidah, Hameeda Hamidah, Hameeda  Praiseworthy 
Hana             Hana'             Happiness, bliss 
Hanan            Hanan             Mercy; affectionate, loving, tender 
Haniah           Hani'ah           of happiness, bliss 
Haneefa          Haneefa           True believer
Hanifah, Hanifa  Hanifah, Hanifa   True believer 
Hanin            Hanin             Longing, yearning 
Haniyyah, Haniya Haniyyah, Haniya  Pleased, happy 
Hasibah          Hasibah           Respected, noble 
Hasna            Hasna'            Beautiful
Hasnah           Hasna'            Beautiful 
Hawa, Hawaa      Hawa'             Eve 
Hawadah          Hawadah           Pleasant 
Hawazin          Hawazin           Name of an Arabic tribe 
Hawra            Hawra'            Having eyes with a marked contrast of black and white 
Hayah, Hayat     Hayah, Hayat      Life 
Hayam, Hayaam    Hayam, Hayaam     Deliriously in love 
Hayed            Hayed             Movement, motion 
Hayud            Hayud             a mountain 
Hazar            Hazar             Nightingale 
Hessa            Hessa             Destiny 
Hibah            Hibah             Gift, present 
Hibat Allah      Hibat Allah       Gift of God 
Hidayah          Hidayah           Guidance 
Hijrah           Hijrah            Migration (of the Prophet, from Makkah to Madinah) 
Hikmah, Hikmat   Hikmah, Hikmat    Wisdom 
Hind             Hind              India 
Hiyam            Hiyam             Love 
Hooriya          Hooriya           Angel; a Houri, virgin of paradise
Hubab            Hubab             Aim, goal 
Huda, Hooda      Huda, Hooda       Right guidance 
Hudun            Hudun             To become quiet 
Hulyah           Hulyah            Jewelry, ornament, finery 
Huma             Huma              Bird who brings joy 
Humairah         Humairah          Of reddish complexion; nickname the Prophet gave 
                                   to his wife 'A'ishah 
Humayrah         Humayrah          Same as Humairah
Hunaidah,        Hunaidah          Diminutive of Hind 
Hunaydah         Hunaydah          Diminutive of Hind
Hur              Hur               Virgins of paradise 
Huriyah          Huriyah           Angel; a Houri, virgin of paradise 
Huriyyah         Huriyyah          Angel; a Houri, virgin of paradise
Husn             Husn              Beauty 
Husna            Husna             Most beautiful 
Husniyah         Husniyah          Beautiful 
Hutun            Hutun             Clouds with rain 
Huwaidah         Huwaidah          Gentle
Huwaydah         Huwaydah          Gentle 


I
 

Name                 Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Iba                  Iba'              Pride, sense 
Ibadah               'Ibadah           Worship 
Ibtihaj, Ibtihaaj    Ibtihaj, Ibtihaaj Joy, delight 
Ibtihal              Ibtihal           Supplication, prayer 
Ibtisam              Ibtisam           Smiling 
Idhar                'Idhar            Fluff 
Iffah, Iffat         'Iffah, 'Iffat    Chaste 
Iftikar              Iftikar           Thought, contemplation 
Iftikhar             Iftikhar          Pride, glory 
Ijaz                 I'jaz             Inimitability of the Qur'an 
Ijlal                Ijlal             Respect, honor 
Inayah, Inayat       'Inayah, 'Inayat  Care, concern 
Ikhlas               Ikhlas            Sincerity 
Ikram, Ikraam        Ikram, Ikraam     Honor, hospitality, generosity 
Ilham, Ilhaam        Ilham, Ilhaam     Intuition 
Iman                 Iman              Faith, belief 
Imtithal             Imtithal          Polite obedience 
Inam, Inaam          In'am, Inaam      Kindness, benefaction, bestowal 
Inas                 Inas              Sociability 
Inaya                Inaya             Concern; solicitude 
Insaf                Insaf             Justice, equity 
Intisar, Intisaar    Intisar, Intisaar Triumph 
Isa                  Isa'              Spacious, generous 
Isad                 Is'ad             To bring happiness, to provide help 
Isaf                 Is'af             Relief, help 
Isar                 Isar              Fascinating 
Ishfaq               Ishfaq            Compassion, affection 
Ishraq               Ishraq            Radiance 
Ismah, Ismat         'Ismah, 'Ismat    Purity, modesty, infallibility 
Isra                 Isra'             Nocturnal journey; night journey of the 
                                       Prophet from Makkah to Jerusalem 
Istilah              Istilah           Agreement 
Itab                 'Itab             Censure 
Itaf                 'Itaf             Clock 
Ithar                Ithar             Preference 
Itidal               I'tidal           Straightness, tautness 
Itimad               I'timad           Reliance, dependencen 
Izdihar, Izdihaar    Izdihar, Izdihaar Flourishing, blossoming 
Izzah                'Izzah            Might, power 


J
 




Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Jabirah          Jabirah           Comforter, consoler 
Jada             Jada              Gift, present 
Jadwa            Jadwa             Gift, present 
Jala             Jala', Jala       Clarity, elucidation 
Jalilah          Jalilah           Splendid, lofty 
Jamilah, Jameela Jamilah, Jameela  Beautiful, graceful, lovely 
Jana             Jana              Harvest 
Janan, Janaan    Janan, Janaan     Heart, soul 
Jannah           Jannah            Garden, paradise 
Jawa             Jawa              Passion, love 
Jawahir          Jawahir           Jewels 
Jawharah         Jawharah          Jewel 
Jawl             Jawl              to move freely 
Jawna'           Jawna'            The sun 
Jihan            Jihan             A river in Iran 
Jilan            Jilan             Courtier 
Jinan            Jinan             Gardens, paradise 
Johara           Johara            Jewel 
Jud              Jud               Generosity 
Judi             Judi              Name of a mountain mentioned in the Qur'an 
Juhanah          Juhanah           Young girl 
Juhainah         Juhainah          Name of an Arab tribe 
Juhaynah         Juhaynah          Name of an Arab tribe 
Juman            Juman             Pearl 
Jumanah, Jumaana Jumanah, Jumaana  Silver pearl 
Jun              Jun               Inlet, bay, gulf 
Junah            Junah             The sun 
Juwairiyah       Juwairiyah        Wife of the Prophet
Juwan            Juwan             Perfume 
Juwayriyah       Juwayriyah        Wife of the Prophet 






K
 


Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Kalila           Kalila            Sweetheart, beloved 
Kamilah          Kamilah           Perfect, complete 
Karam            Karam             Generosity 
Karawan          Karawan           Variety of plover birds 
Karida           Karida            Untouched 
Karimah, Kareema Karimah, Kareema  Generous, noble 
Kawakib          Kawakib           Satellites 
Kawkab           Kawkab            Satellite 
Kawthar          Kawthar           River in Paradise 
Khadeeja         Khadeeja          First wife of the Prophet 
Khadijah         Khadijah          First wife of the Prophet 
Khalida          Khalida           Immortal, everlasting
Khalidah         Khalidah          Immortal, everlasting 
Khalisah         Khalisah          Sincere, pure 
Khawlah          Khawlah           Female deer 
Khairiya         Khairiya          Charitable, beneficent, good 
Khayriyah        Khayriyah         Charitable, beneficent, good 
Khayriyyah       Khayriyyah        Charitable, beneficent, good 
Khitam           Khitam            Conclusion 
Khulud, Khulood  Khulud, Khulood   Immortality, eternity, infinity 
Khuzama          Khuzama           Lavender 
Kifah            Kifah             Struggle 
Kulthum          Kulthum           Daughter of the Prophet 
Kulthoom         Kulthoom          Daughter of the Prophet 
Kulus            Kulus             Clearness, purity 






L
 


Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Labibah          Labibah           Sensible, intelligent 
Lama             Lama              Darkness of lips 
Lamah            Lam'ah            Brilliancy 
Lamiah           Lami'ah           Shine 
Lamis, Lamees    Lamis, Lamees     Soft to the touch 
Lamya            Lamya'            Of dark lips 
Lana             Lana              to be gentle, soft, tender 
Latifah, Lateefa Latifah, Lateefa  Gentle, kind, pleasant, friendly 
Layali           Layali            Nights 
Layan            Layan             Gentle and soft 
Layla, Leila     Layla, Leila      (Born at) night; rapture, elation 
Lazim            Lazim             Essential, imperative 
Leena            Leena             Tender 
Lina, Linah      Lina, Linah       Tender 
Lubab            Lubab             The best part 
Lubabah, Lubaaba Lubabah, Lubaaba  The innermost essence 
Luban            Luban             Pine tree; denotes long neck 
Lubanah          Lubanah           Wish, desire 
Lublubah         Lublubah          Affectionate, tender 
Lubna            Lubna             Kind of tree 
Luja             Luja              of great depth 
Lujain, Lujayn   Lujain, Lujayn    Silver 
Lulu             Lu'lu'            Pearls 
Luluah           Lu'lu'ah          Pearl 
Lunah            Lunah             Date palm 
Lutfiyah         Lutfiyah          Delicate, graceful 


M
 




Name             Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------
Ma'ab Place to which one returns 
Ma'ali  Noble things 
Mada  Utmost point, degree 
Madihah, Madeeha  Praiseworthy, commendable 
Maha  Wild cow; has beautiful eyes 
Mahabbah  Love, affection 
Mahasin  Beauties 
Mahbubah Beloved 
Mahdiyah  Rightly guided 
Mahibah  Noble, respected 
Maimoona, Maymunah Auspicious, blessed; a wife of the Prophet 
Ma'isah, Maisa  Walking with a proud, swinging gait 
Maizah  Discerning 
Majidah, Majida  Glorious 
Makarim, Makaarim Of good and honorable character 
Makkiyah  From Makkah 
Maladh  Protection, shelter 
Malak  Angel 
Malakah  Talent 
Maliha  Praising 
Malikah  Queen 
Manab  Deputyship, share 
Manal, Manaal  Attainment, achievement 
Manar, Manaar  Guiding light 
Maram, Maraam  Aspiration 
Mariam, Maryam  Arabic form of "Mary"; Mother of Jesus 
Mariyah  Fair complexion; name of the wife of the Prophet 
Marwah  a mountain in Makkah (Al Safa wa al Marwah) 
Marzuqah  Blessed by God, fortunate 
Masarrah  Delight, joy 
Mas'udah, Mas'ouda  Happy, lucky, fortunate 
Mawaddah Affection, love, friendliness 
Mawahib Talents 
Mawiyah, Mawiya The essence of life; clear mirror 
May  Old Arabic name 
Maymunah  Fortunate, blessed; name of the wife of the Prophet 
Mays, Mais  Proud gait 
Maysa', Maysaa Walking with pride 
Maysam  Beautiful 
Maysan  a star 
Maysarah Left-hand side 
Maysun, Maysoon  To walk with a proud, swinging gait 
Mayyadah, Mayyada  To walk with a swinging gait 
Mayyasah  To walk with a proud gait 
Masahir  Ancient Arabic lute 
Mina  a place near Makkah 
Minnah  Kindness, grace, blessing 
Mirah  Provisions, supply 
Mishael Torch, light 
Mu'azzaz  Powerful, strong 
Mubin Clear, obvious 
Mufi'ah  Obedient, compliant 
Mufidah, Mufeeda Useful, helpful, beneficial 
Muhibbah   Loving 
Muhjah, Muhja  Heart's blood, soul 
Muhsinah Charitable, benevolent 
Mukarram  Honored 
Mukhlisah  Devoted, faithful 
Mumayyaz  Distinguished 
Mu'minah  Pious believer 
Muna, Mona  Wish, desire 
Munawwar  Radiant, illuminated 
Munirah, Muneera Illuminating, brilliant 
Mu'nisah  Friendly 
Muntaha  The utmost, highest degree 
Murjanah  Small pearl 
Murshidah  Guide 
Muruj Meadows 
Mushirah, Musheera  Giving counsel, advising 
Muslimah  Devout believer; submitting oneself to God 
Musn  Rain, clouds 
Musnah  Rain, clouds 
Muyassar  Facilitated, wealthy, successful 


N
 




Nabihah, Nabeeha  Intelligent 
Nabilah, Nabeela  Noble 
Nada  Generousity, dew 
Nadia  The beginning, first 
Nadidah, Nadeeda  Equal, rival 
Nadirah, Nadira  Rare, precious 
Nadiyah Announcement 
Nadwah, Nadwa  Council, generosity 
Nafisah, Nafeesa  Precious thing, gem 
Naflah  Surplus, overabundance 
Nahid  One with full, round breasts 
Nahidah, Naheeda  Big 
Nahlah, Nahla A drink of water 
Na'ilah, Naila  Acquirer, obtainer, one who succeeds 
Na'imah, Na'ima  Comfort, amenity, tranquility, peace; living a soft, enjoyable life 
Najah, Najaah  Success 
Najat  Safety 
Najibah, Najeeba Distinguished; of noble birth 
Najiyah  Safe 
Najla  Of wide eyes 
Najmah  Star 
Najwa  Confidential talk, romantic talk, secret conversation 
Najya Victorious 
Namar  Name of a mountain 
Narjis  Narcissus 
Nashida  Student 
Nashita  Energetic, full of life 
Nashwa  Fragrance, perfume, that which intoxicates 
Nasiha  One who gives valuable advice 
Nasim  Fresh air, breeze 
Nasira  Victorious, helper 
Nasmah  Breeze 
Nasrin  Eglantier 
Nathifa  Clean, pure 
Nawal  Gift 
Nawar  Flower; one who dislikes bad deeds 
Nawrah  Blossom, flower, happiness 
Nawwar  May 
Nazahah, Nazaaha  Purity, righteousness, honesty 
Nazihah, Nazeeha  Honest 
Nazirah, Nazeera  Like, equal, matching 
Nibal, Nibaal  Arrows 
Nibras  Lamp, light 
Nida' Call 
Nihad  Height 
Nihal Drink 
Ni'mah, Naeema  Blessing, loan 
Ni'mat, Nimaat  Blessings, loans 
Nisrin  Kind of aromatic plant 
Niyaf  Tall and pretty 
Nouf  Highest point on a mountain 
Nudar, Nudhar  Gold 
Nuha  Intelligence 
Nujud  Noble, wise 
Nu'ma  Beautiful and pleasant; happiness 
Nunah  Dimple in the chin 
Nur, Noor  Light 
Nurah, Noorah Corolla, blossom 
ur al Huda  Light of the faith 
Nuriyah  Radiant, brilliant 
Nusaibah, Nusaybah Old Arabic name 
Nuwairah, Nuwayrah  Small fire 
Nuwwar  Blossoms, flowers 
Nuwwarrah Blossom, flower 
Nuzhah  Pleasure trip, promenade 


O





P
 






Q
 


Qadr  Fate, destiny 
Qadriyah  to believe in God's will 
Qamar  Full moon 
Qismah  Destiny, fate, ordained by God 
Qubilah  Concord 
Qudsiyah  Glorious, sacred


R
 




Rabab  White cloud 
Rabi'ah, Rabeea Garden, springtime 
Rabiyah  Hill 
Radiyah, Radhiya Content, satisfied 
Radwa, Radhwaa  a mountain in Medina 
Rafa', Rafa Happiness, prosperity 
Rafah  Pleasant, luxurious life 
Ra'fah, Ra'fat Mercy 
Rafal  to trail a garment 
Rafi'ah  Sublime, exquisite 
Rafidah  Support 
Rafif  to gleam, shimmer 
Raghad or Raghda'  Pleasant 
Raghidah  Pleasant 
Raha  Peaceful 
Rahaf  Delicate, fine 
Rahimah  Merciful, compassionate 
Rahiq  Nectar 
Rahmah  Mercy 
Ra'idah, Raaida Leader 
Ra'ifah  Merciful 
Raja', Raja  Hope 
Ramlah  Old Arabic name 
Ramziyah  Symbolic 
Rana  To gaze, look 
Rand  Bay laurel 
Randa  Tree of good scent 
Ranim, Raneem  To recite in a sing-song voice 
Raniyah, Raniya Gazing 
Rasha  Young gazelle 
Rashad  Straight 
Rashidah, Rasheeda  Wise, mature 
Rasmiyah  Official, formal 
Raw'ah  Charm, beauty, splendor 
Rawdah, Rawdha Garden 
Rawhah  Nice 
Rawhiyah Spirituality 
Rawiah, Raawiya  Transmitter of ancient Arabic poetry 
Rayhanah  Aromatic sweet basil 
Rayya, Rayyaa Sated with drink 
Razan, Razaan Sensibility and respect 
Rida  Favored by God 
Rihab  Vastness, expanse 
Riham  Lasting, fine rain 
Rihana  Sweet basil 
Rim, Reem  Gazelle 
Rima, Reema White antelope 
Ru'a  Dreams, visions 
Rubaa  Hills, height 
Rubadah Ash-colored 
Rudainah, Rudaynah  Old Arabic name 
Rufaidah, Rufaydah  Support 
Rukan  Steady, confident 
Rumailah, Rumaylah  Old Arabic name 
Rumaithah, Rumaythah  Old Arabic name 
Ruqayyah, Ruqayya  Gentle; name of the daughter of the Prophet 
Rushd  Sensible conduct 
Ruwaidah, Ruwaydah  Walking gently 
Ru'yah  Dream, vision 








S
 








Saba'  Sheba, a town in Yemen 
Sabaa  a nice wind 
Sabah  Morning 
Sabihah  Beautiful 
Sabirah, Saabira  Patient 
Sabr  Patience, self-control 
Sabriyah  Patient 
Sadad  Right thing to do, lucky hand 
Sa'dah  Happiness 
Sa'diyah  Fortunate 
Safa'  Pure 
Safaa  Clarity, purity, serenity; name of a hill in Makkah 
Saffanah  Pearl 
Safiyyah, Safiya Untroubled, serene, pure, best friend; wife of the Prophet 
Safun  Breezing 
Sahar Dawn 
Sahlah, Sahla Smooth, soft, fluent, flowing 
Sa'idah  Happy, fortunate 
Saihah  Good, useful 
Saja  to be calm and quiet 
Sajidah  Prostrating to God 
Sakinah, Sakeena  God-inspired peace of mind, tranquility 
Salihah Correct, agreeable 
Salimah, Saleema  Peaceful, flawless, faultless, safe, healthy 
Salma  Peaceful, safe, healthy; a wife of the Prophet 
Salsabil, Salsabeel  Spring in Jannah 
Salwa  Solace; quail 
Samah, Samaah  Generosity 
Samar  Evening conversation 
Samarah  Soft light 
Samawah  Summit, height 
Sameh  Forgiver 
Samihah, Sameeha  Generous 
Samirah, Sameera Entertaining female companion 
Samiyah, Saamiya  Elevated, exhalted, lofty 
Samra'  Soft, light tanned color 
Sana, Sanaa  Brilliance, splendor 
Sana', Sanaa'  Eminence, sublimity 
Saniyah Resplendence, brilliance 
Sarah  Name of the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim 
Sauda, Sawdah  Wife of the Prophet 
Sawsan  Lily of the valley 
Sayyidah  Lady, woman 
Sfiyah  Righteous 
Shadan  Young gazelle 
Shadha, Shadhaa  Aroma 
Shadhiyah  Aromatic 
Shadiyah  Singer 
Shafiqah  Compassionate, sympathetic 
Shahd  Honey, honeycomb 
Shahidah  Witness 
Shahirah  Well-known, famous 
Shahlah Blush 
Shahrazad  Teller of "Tales of 1,001 Nights" 
Shakirah  Thankful 
Shamilah Complete, comprehensive 
Shams Sun 
Sharifah, Shareefa  Noble, honored 
Shawq  Longing 
Shayma, Shaymaa  to look out 
Shifa'  Curing, healing 
Shimah  Nature, habit 
Shiyam  Nature, character 
Shudun  Powerful, straight 
Shuhrah  Fame, reputation 
Shukrah  Thankfulness 
Shukriyah  Of thanks 
Shuruq  Rising, shining 
Sibal, Sibaal Eyes with long lashes 
Siddiqah   Upright, very truthful 
Siham, Sihaam Arrows 
Simah  Sign, characteristic, expression 
Sirah  See "Sarah" 
Sirin, Sireen  Wife of Prophet's companion Hassan ibn Thabit 
Su'ad, Souad  Good fortune 
Subhah  in the morning 
Subhiyah  of the morning 
Su'da  Happy, lucky 
Suha  Name of a star 
Suhailah, Suhaylah Smooth, soft, fluent, flowing 
Suhaimah, Suhaymah  Small arrow 
Suhair, Suhayr  Proper name 
Sukainah, Sukaynah  Charming, likable 
Sulafah  Choicest 
Sultanah  Sultaness 
Sumaira, Sumayra  Diminutive of Samra' 
Sumaiyah, Sumayyah  Name of a lady companion of the Prophet — the first martyr in Islam 
Sunbul  Spikes of grain 
Sundus  Silk brocade 
Sura, Suraa  to travel by night









T
 




Tabassum  Smiling 
Taghrid Singing (as a bird) 
Tahani  Congratulations 
Tahirah, Taahira Pure, chaste 
Tahiyah  Greeting 
Tahiyat  Greetings 
Taima', Tayma' Oasis in Northwest Arabia 
Takiyah  Pious, righteous 
Talah, Taalah Young palm tree 
Talibah  Seeker after knowledge 
Tamadur  Brilliant 
Taqiyah  Heedful of God 
Taqwa, Taqwaa  Piety, devoutness, heedfulness of God 
Tarub Merry 
Tasnim  Fountain in paradise 
Tawbah  Repentence 
Thana', Thanaa' Thankfulness, commendation, praise 
Thara', Tharaa'  Wealth 
Tharwah  Wealth 
Thawab  Reward 
Thuraiya, Thurayya  Star, constellation Pleiades 
Thuwaibah, Thuwaybah  Deserving of God's reward; name of a female companion of the Prophet 
Tibah  Goodness, kindness 
Tuba, Tubaa Blessedness, beautitude 
Tuqa, Tuqaa  Heedfulness of God 


U
 




'Ubab, 'Ubaab Waves, heavy rain 
'Uhud  Commitment, pledge, delegation 
'Ula  Uppermost, highest 
Ulfah  Harmony, intimacy 
Umamah  Young mother; name of the Prophet's granddaughter 
Umaymah  Young mother 
Umm Kalthum Name of the Prophet's daughter 
Umniyah  a wish, an aspiration 
Usaimah, Usaymah  Old Arabic name 
Uwaisah, Uwaysah  Bilberry, whortleberry 






V





W
 


Wa'd  Promise 
Wadha, Wadhaa  Bright 
Wadi'ah  Calm, peaceable 
Wafa', Wafaa' Faithfulness 
Wafiqah, Wafeeqa  Successful 
Wafiyah  Loyal, faithful 
Wahbiyah  Giving 
Wahibah  Giver, donor 
Wahidah  Exclusive, unique 
Wajd Passion, strong emotion 
Wajihah  Eminent, distinguished, notable 
Wala', Walaa' Loyalty 
Walidah  Newborn 
Walladah  Frequently producing, prolific 
Wardah, Wordah Rose 
Warqa', Warqaa'  Pigeon 
Wasfiyah  Depictive 
Wasimah  Pretty, beautiful 
Wi'am  Harmony, agreement 
Wid  Loving, affectionate 
Widad, Widaad  Love, friendship 
Wifaq  Harmony, consent 
Wijdan  Ecstacy, sentiment 
Wisal, Wisaal Reunion, being together, communion in love 
Wisam, Wisaam  Medal, badge of honor 
Wurud  Roses 






X
 






Y
 





Name                    Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Yafia, Yafiah           Yaafi'ah          Proud high, adolescent
Yakootah                Yakootah          Emerald 
Yakta                   Yakta             Unique, Incomparable
Yamama                  Yamaamah          Dove, Pigeon
Yamha                   Yamha             Dove 
Yaminah                 Yaminah           Right and proper; blessed 
Yaqoot                  Yaaqoot           Hyacinth, Sapphire
Yarah                   Yarah             Warm 
Yasamin, Yasmin,        Yaasmeen          Jasmine, Flower
Yasmeen  
Yasirah                 Yasirah           Lenient 
Yumn                    Yumn              Good fortune, success 
Yumnah, Yumna           Yumnah            Happiness, Success
Yumna                   Yumna             Right side, Right hand, fortunate, blessed
Yusra, Yusraa           Yusra             Left side, Easier, Most prosperous 
Yusriyah                Yusriyah          Most prosperous 





















Z
 
Name                    Pronunciation     Meaning
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Zaafira, Zafirah        Zaafirah          Victorious, successful, triumphant
Zaafirah
Zaaida                  Zaida             Increasing, Exceeding
Zabya                   Zabyah            Female gazelle
Zaeema                  Za'eemah          Leader
Zaghlula                Zaghlulah         Young Pigeon
Zahabiyya               Zahabiyyah        Golden, Precious
Zaheera                 Zaheerah          Backeress (female backer)
Zahida, Zahidah         Zaahidah          Ascetic, abstentious, devout
Zahira, Zahirah         Zaahirah          Shining, luminous, outstanding, distinguished
Zahrah                  Zaahiyah          Beautiful, Brilliant, Glowing
Zahra, Zahraa           Zahra', Zahraa'   White 
Zahrah                  Zahrah            Flower, beauty, star 
Zahwah                  Zahwaah           Beauty, pretty 
Zaiba                   Zaibaa            Beautiful, Adorned
Zain, Zayn              Zain              Beauty 
Zainab, Zaynab          Zainab            An ornamented tree; 
                                          Beautiful tree exuding fragrance;
                                          Name of the daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)
					  Name of two wives of the Prophet (pbuh)
					  Name of the daughter of Ali (raa)
Zakirah                 Dhaakirah         One who constantly remembers Allah
Zakiyya, Zakiyah        Zakiyyah          Pure, Intelligent, Bright, Brilliant
Zalikha                 Zalikhah          Charming beauty
Zamurrad                Zamurrad          Emerald, Precious stone
Zanubiya                Zanubiya          Name of a great Syrian queen 
Zareena                 Zareenah          Golden
Zarifa                  Zarifah           Elegant, Witty, Graceful
Zarqa                   Zarqaa            Having bluish green eyes
Zaynah, Zaina           Zaynah            Beautiful 
Zaynaat                 Zaynaat           Beautiful things
Zaytoon                 Zaytoon           Olive
Zeba                    Zeba              Pretty, Beautiful
Zeenat                  Zeenat            Decoration, Beauty
Zhafira                 Zhaafirah         Victorious
Ziba                    Zibaa             Gazelles
Zinah, Zinat            Zinaah, Zeenat    Adornment, ornamentation 
Ziyada                  Ziyada            Increase, addition, surplus
Ziyan                   Ziyaan            Ornament, Decoration
Zubaida, Zubaidah       Zubaidah          Excellent, High hill, 
                                          Name of the wife of Caliph Harun Al Rashid 
Zubda                   Zubdah            Butter
Zuha, Zuhaa             Zuha              Adornment, ornament, decoration
Zuhaira                 Zuhairah          Floret, small flower, spirit, courage
Zuhrah                  Zuhrah            Brightness 
Zuhur                   Zuhur             to flower, to blossom, to glow 
Zumurrud                Zumurrud          Emerald (Also written as Zamurrad)

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