Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Whether you’re looking for a Malay name that’s easy to pronounce or something that’s cool and edgy, we’ll help you find what you are looking for. Just keep reading. Most of the Malay baby names are drawn from the Arabic language, but names with Sanskrit, Javanese, and Malay origin are also common. Chinese Malaysians prefer sticking to their culture and pick traditional Chinese names. These names have three words, in which the first name is Chinese family name, and the other two parts form the indivisible Chinese given name. A Malay baby name consists of a personal name, which is used in the day-to-day circumstances, and a patronym. Malay people do not use the family name. The patronym for men includes the Arabic word ‘bin’, which means ‘son of’, followed by the personal name of the father. For the women, the patronym consists of the Arabic word ‘binti’, which means ‘daughter of’, followed by the father’s name. Malay women are not required to change their surnames, as done in some cultures. Addenda, the practice of using two names, is also common among Malay people. The common addenda in male names are Muhammad, Mat, Abdul and Ahmed. And the common addenda in female Malay names are Noor and Siti.
Malay baby names usually have roots embedded in the rich Malaysian culture and heritage. They exude strength, faith and a soothing sound, all while carrying forward the language's essence and cultural legacy. Choosing a Malay name for your baby is a celebration of their history, and a pathway to understand the language’s influence on this vibrant culture and identity. And to aid you in selecting the right name for your little one, we have prepared this comprehensive list of names and their meanings. Give them a thorough read, and we hope they help you find the perfect name for your little one.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Mannal |  |  Girl | Attainment or achievement |
| Marjia | | Girl | Desired; Desirable; Wished for |
| Maryam | | Girl | Beloved |
| Masayu | | Girl | Gold; Golden |
| Mawiza | | Girl | Guidance; Admonition; Word of encouragement |
| Mayang | | Girl | Palm blossom |
| Maymuun | |  Boy | Blessed; Thriving; Prosperous |
| Megat | | Boy | Great |
| Melur | | Girl | Jasmine flower |
| Mishkat | | Boy | A shelf to put the lanterns on |
| Mizn | | Boy | White cloud or rain-bearing cloud |
| Mohamed | | Boy | Reliable; Always worthy of trust and belief; Worthy of high responsibility |
| Mubaraka | | Girl | Blessed; Sacred; Blissful |
| Mubdia | | Girl | One who is smart, creative, and innovative |
| Muda | | Boy | A young boy |
| Mudassir | | Boy | Clothed or enveloped in garments |
| Muminah | | Girl | Feminine believer |
| Munah | | Girl | One who is favored by destiny |
| Musawwir | | Boy | Designer, creator of forms |
| Muzakir | | Boy | One who reminds people of Allah |
| Muzn | | Boy | White cloud; A variant of Mizn |
| Nayla | | Girl | A winner; One who goes ahead to get everything |
| Nazra | | Girl | Glow and happiness of a person’s face |
| Nijat | | Boy | Salvation or success |
| Nor | | Boy | Sparkle; Illumination |
| Panjang | | Boy | Long in Malay |
| Perwira | | Boy | Hero or officer |
| Puspawati | | Girl | Female flower |
| Putera | | Boy | Son or prince |
| Puteri | | Girl | Daughter or princess |
| Qawi | | Boy | One who is strong; Powerful; Firm |
| Qazzafi | | Boy | Wide; Spacious; Extensive |
| Qiraat | | Girl | Recitation of the Quran |
| Raahim | | Boy | One who is compassionate, kind and merciful |
| Rabihaat | | Girl | Winners; Acquirers |
| Rabihah | | Girl | Winner; Achiever |
| Rabwah | | Girl | Highland; Hilly area |
| Raqeema | | Girl | One who is intelligent and perceptive |
| Reehab | | Boy | Vastness; Wideness |
| Reheeq | | Boy | One who is smart, handsome, or elegant |
| Rosemah | | Girl | One who is as beautiful as a rose. |
| Rufqa | | Girl | Something that gives benefit |
| Ruwayfi | | Boy | High status; Exalted |
| Sabit | | Boy | Firmly in place; Unshakeable |
| Sabtu | | Boy | Saturday |
| Sajaf | | Girl | Veil; Cover |
| Sajjal | | Girl | Nice; Fine; Beautiful; Well-arranged |
| Samroze | | Boy | A fruitful tree |
| Samsam | | Boy | A sharp sword |
| Samyan | | Girl | Singular; Unique; Incomparable |
| Sanabel | | Girl | Plant ears; Plant spikes; Ears of wheat |
| Sannan | | Boy | A daring person; One who is fearless and dauntless |
| Saqabat | | Boy | One who is in perfect health |
| Sayfudin | | Boy | The sword of Faith |
| Selasa | | Boy | Tuesday |
| Senin | | Boy | Monday |
| Seniya | | Girl | One who is praiseworthy |
| Shanzey | | Girl | Diamond |
| Sibbt | | Boy | Grand child |
| Sibgha | | Girl | Color; Dye |
| Sidratul | | Girl | Cedar of the farthest point |
| Sineen | | Boy | One who is beautiful and radiant |
| Siti | | Girl | A woman of noble qualities |
| Slamet | | Boy | Peace and security |
| Sonbol | | Girl | Ear of wheat; Ear of corn |
| Sophia | | Girl | She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom |
| Soroushi | | Girl | Happiness |
| Suleika | | Girl | A variant of Zuleika |
| Sulung | | Boy | First or eldest |
| Suriani | | Girl | Sun |
| Suriawati | | Girl | Female sun |
| Surintan | | Girl | Queen or diamond |
| Taish | | Boy | Moderation |
| Taqdees | | Girl | Pure; Sanctity and holiness |
| Taseen | | Boy | Acclaim; Appreciation |
| Tasmia | | Girl | To mention the name of Allah. |
| Tembam | | Girl | One who is chubby and plump |
| Tempawan | | Girl | Forge; Weld |
| Tenuk | | Boy | Tapir |
| Teratai | | Girl | Lotus; Water lily |
| Teruna | | Boy | One who is youthful |
| Tijah | | Girl | Malay form of Khadija; Premature child |
| Tipah | | Girl | One who is gentle and kind; A form of Latipha |
| Tuah | | Boy | Luck; Fortune |
| Twaf | | Girl | Circumambulation |
| Umar | | Boy | Variant of Omar; Flourishing |
| Usama | | Boy | Lion; One who is as brave as a lion |
| Uswah | | Girl | Brightness; Ray |
| Waase | | Boy | One of the attributes of Allah |
| Wadd | | Boy | One of the five idols worshiped by Noah's people |
| Wadida | | Girl | Loving; Affectionate |
| Wadood | | Boy | Lover or friend |
| Waleeya | | Girl | Supporter; Caretaker; Companion |
| Waliyudeen | | Boy | Supporter of the faith |
| Wardda | | Girl | Rose flower |
| Wasfi | | Boy | One who is worthy of praise and worthy of speaking about |
| Wasfia | | Girl | Worthy of praise |
| Wasiya | | Girl | One who is gracious, patient, and powerful |
| Wathiq | | Boy | One who is sure and certain |
| Wathiqa | | Girl | Certain; Sure; Confident |
This post on Malay baby names with meaning provides a glimpse into the cultural prospects of this indigenous group, showcasing their traditions and beliefs. These names not only highlight the linguistic beauty of Malaysian culture but also share its values and aspirations. With the help of this list of names, we hope you can embrace this culture's linguistic beauty, respect their beliefs and honor their heritage as you pick the perfect name for your little one.
Infographic: Magnificent Malay Baby Names With Meanings
Malay baby names draw inspiration from various languages and cultures, including Sanskrit, Arabic, and Japanese. These names consist of two parts, namely, a personal name and a patronym. Explore the origins and significance of some distinct Malay names in this infographic. Give it a thorough read, and we are sure it will help you choose a name that resonates well with your beliefs and values.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the naming conventions or restrictions in Malaysia?
Naming conventions in Malaysia adhere to a distinct structure, combining a given or personal name, a patronymic noun (bin for males and binte for females), and the father's given name. So, unlike Western countries, Malay names do not have family names (1). These conventions represent familial ties and are essential to Malaysian naming customs and traditions.
2. How have Malaysian baby names changed over time?
Malaysian baby names have transformed over time, witnessing a decline in the popularity of traditional Malay names, particularly in urban areas. Although these names continue to thrive in rural regions, there has been a noticeable shift towards embracing a broader spectrum of naming influences across Malaysia.
3. How do Malaysian parents incorporate their religious beliefs into their baby name choices?
Malaysian parents integrate their religious convictions into the selection of baby names by choosing names with profound religious and spiritual significance. Popular among Muslims are names like Muhammad, which means 'praised,' Fatimah, denoting 'one who abstains,' and Aisha, symbolizing 'alive.' On the other hand, Hindu parents often embrace titles derived from Hindu scriptures, gods, and goddesses like Laksmi and Shiva. Likewise, Christians may choose names with biblical origins, such as John, Peter, and Isabelle.
4. What are some Malaysian baby names meaning or signifying luck?
Su'ud, signifying 'luck,' Su'ad, meaning 'happiness' or 'luck,' and Sa'adah, representing 'luck' or 'happiness,' are some Malaysian baby names that symbolize luck or good fortune.
5. What are some popular baby names in Malaysia?
Abdul, which signifies 'servant of the powerful,' Ibrahim, a beautiful variation of Abraham, and Ruslan, derived from the enchanting name Yeruslan are some popular baby boy names in Malaysia. Aishah, meaning 'living,' Alya, translating to 'sky' or heaven,' and Siti, the Malay form of Sita, are some common baby girl names in Malaysia.
References
