There is something magical about Egypt, where the nation's past casts a shadow over the present. When you look at Egyptian baby names, you'll find that, just like the country, they are a perfect blend of the past and present. With the abundant Nile Valley juxtaposed against the harshness of the desert, the elegance and charm of Egypt are indescribable. Since a large percentage of modern Egypt's population comprises Christians or Muslims, most baby names are linked to those communities. However, that doesn’t mean ancient Egyptian names have ceased to exist. These names are still in use in some parts of the country. In Egypt, a baby is given a personal name, followed by the personal names of their father and grandfather. Arab Muslims in Egypt use names drawn from Islam. Arab Christians commonly use biblical or Western names. The arrival of the Jewish community into Egypt intersects with the period when the usage of last names or surnames became widespread. Today, the use of family names has become common in the country. Most family names begin with El, as in El-Masry. Certain family names are derived from place names. They, thus, show a person's place of origin. The meaning of most family names Egyptian Jews is typical of Sephardi Jews. These were the descendants of those expelled from Spain in 1492. They entered Egypt directly from the Iberian Peninsula or via other countries in North Africa, the Balkans, and Turkey. The family names of Sephardi Jews in Egypt are pretty distinct. They include Amarillo, Moreno, Farhi, and Amiga (1). As you may have guessed, there is much variety in Egyptian names. You can pay tribute to the region's rich history by picking an Egyptian baby name for your child. In this post, we have compiled an extensive collection of Egyptian names for both boys and girls. Each of these names includes the meaning and the traditional gender use.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Moises | Boy | Savior; To pull out of water | |
Moishe | Boy | Drew out | |
Moisis | Boy | A noble Lord having or showing a kindly or tender nature | |
Moke | Boy | A person who is sweetened with honey; One who is remarkably fine | |
Montu | Boy | An ancient Egyptian God in the form of a falcon | |
Mosiah | Boy | Born of; Child; Drawn out of the water; A variant of Moses | |
Mostafa | Boy | The one chosen among all | |
Moswen | Unisex | The light-skin toned person | |
Naguib | Boy | Innocent person | |
Nakiya | Unisex | Pure, radiant, graceful | |
Nane | Unisex | A nice-natured person | |
Nanu | Girl | Pretty; Handsome | |
Nefertari | Girl | The most pretty; Gorgeous; Nice looking | |
Neferteri | Girl | The gorgeous one; Prettiest | |
Nefertiri | Girl | The one who is most gorgeous, attractive, and smart looking | |
Nefertiti | Girl | One of the names of the lady monarch | |
Neferure | Girl | Human being; Mankind or woman kind | |
Nefret | Girl | Most stunning; Lovely; Nice looking | |
Neith | Girl | Standing high above others | |
Nelsy | Unisex | Victorious; Determined; Leader | |
Nenet | Girl | The person who is spiritual and divine | |
Nephi | Boy | A good son; Founder of Nephite people | |
Nephthys | Girl | Lady of boundaries of temples | |
Nkosi | Boy | Law and regulations | |
Nour | Girl | Light | |
Nubia | Girl | Gold | |
Odion | Boy | Yellow daffodil flowers | |
Omar | Boy | Flourishing | |
Onofria | Girl | An ancient Egyptian God. | |
Orus | Unisex | King of Troezen; Above; Distant | |
Osiria | Girl | Mystical, powerful, divine | |
Ozymandias | Boy | A name given to the King of Kings | |
Pepi | Unisex | He who belongs to the Sun | |
Pharon | Unisex | Majestic ruler | |
Pilis | Boy | The second-born son | |
Ptah | Unisex | God of craftsmen and architects | |
Ra | Boy | Sun | |
Radames | Boy | Hero | |
Rah | Boy | Sun; A variant of Ra, an Egyptian sun god | |
Rameses | Boy | Son of Ra; The Sun God | |
Ramses | Boy | Son of Ra; Born,Begotten by Ra | |
Rana | Girl | King; Elegant; Fertile fields; Nobility | |
Rehema | Girl | A compassionate woman of a kind heart | |
Sabrin | Boy | Princess | |
Safiya | Girl | One who is pure | |
Sakara | Unisex | Fragrance; Flower | |
Salma | Girl | Safe; Peaceful | |
Saqqara | Unisex | Ancient Egyptian necropolis | |
Sara | Girl | Princess | |
Sarah | Girl | Princess; Noblewoman | |
Seb | Boy | God of the earth | |
Sef | Boy | Yesterday | |
Set | Unisex | Egyptian god of chaos and the desert | |
Seti | Unisex | Pillar; To make solid | |
Shabaka | Boy | An Egyptian ruler | |
Shani | Girl | A wonderful woman | |
Sisa | Unisex | Flower | |
Siyam | Boy | Gift from God | |
Sukari | Unisex | Sweet or sweet like sugar | |
Tanit | Girl | One who owns an estate | |
Tanith | Girl | Derived from the name of the main Goddess of Carthage | |
Tannis | Unisex | Leather maker | |
Tauret | Girl | Goddess of pregnant women | |
Thema | Girl | The queen | |
Tiye | Girl | The deity of light; An ancient Egyptian queen | |
Valis | Unisex | Strength; Bravery; Protection | |
Yostina | Unisex | Faithful; Devoted to God | |
Zosar | Boy | King; Name of a Pharaoh |
Infographic: Elegant Egyptian Names For Your Newborn
Who isn't aware of the fascinating Egyptian mythology? Filled with legends of kings, queens, and goddesses, it makes most people intrigued about the land of Pharaohs. If you've decided to give your little one a name associated with this place, we are here to help. This infographic has the popular names along with their translations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some traditional and popular Egyptian baby names for boys and girls?
Traditional Egyptian baby names such as Ahmed (most praiseworthy), Amr (long life), Ahmose (born of Iah), Moswen (Light in color or white), Tabia (talented), Sai (the Egyptian god, Shai), Nour (light), Kinzi (my treasure), and Layla (night) are popular choices among parents for their baby boys and girls.
2. What are some modern names in Egypt for boys and girls?
Some modern Egyptian names for boys and girls may include Adam (man), Youssef (He will add), Amir (prince, commander), Leila (night), Malak (angel), and Farah (joy, happiness).
3. Can I combine an Egyptian name with a name from another culture?
Yes, you may combine an Egyptian name with a name from another culture. However, remember that your chosen name could have a different meaning in your language. Moreover, check if the names are compatible, both meaning- and sound-wise.
4. Which Egyptian names mean gold?
Several names carrying the meaning of gold exist in Egyptian. However, some notable ancient ones with related meanings include Nubemhat, Nubhetepti, and Nubkhaes, which imply gold is at the front, gold is satisfied, and gold appears, respectively.
References
- Family names of the Jews of Egypt.
https://www.anumuseum.org.il/blog/family-names-jews-egypt/