Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Naming a newborn is a cherished ritual in Islamic culture as it profoundly impacts the child's personality. Islam baby names define a newborn's identity and symbolize hope and blessing for their future. It is essential to know that in Islam, choosing a name for a baby is one of the fundamental aspects of their lives (1). The followers of Islam believe that Prophet Muhammad mentioned in the Hadith that on the day of Judgement, people would be called by their and their father's name. Hence, he ordained parents to give noble names to their children.
Muslim baby names stand out for their meticulous focus on the Islamic heritage inherent in each name. Since Islam shares common roots with the Judaeo-Christian tradition, Muslims trace their origins to Abraham as Christians and Jews. Also, several Biblical narratives in the Old and New Testaments appear in the Qur'an. In Islam, it's also recommended to honor the messengers and prophets of God by naming the children after them. The Islamic naming tradition follows a specific pattern incorporating 'kunya,' denoting paternal or maternal relationship, followed by 'ism,' which is the personal given name. Thirdly, the 'nasab' indicates lineage to forefathers, and finally, the 'nisba' signifies the native place or religious affiliation. Another noteworthy aspect of Muslim baby names is their inclusivity in various languages. Not only are these names commonly used with English spellings, but they are also thoughtfully recognized and written in their original languages, such as Arabic, Persian, or Turkish, using the Arabic script. However, in several Middle-Eastern countries, this naming pattern has significantly transformed (2). These Islam baby names will bless the child and inspire him to lead a righteous life. Finding an Islamic name that fulfills all these qualities will not be easy. Below is our comprehensive collection of exciting and catchy Muslim baby boy and girl names and their meanings.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Zulfiqar |  |  Boy | Cleaver of the spine; Name of the Prophet Muhammad's sword; Name of the legendary sword of Ali ibn Abi Talib |
| Zuli | |  Unisex | Brilliant; Ahead; Forward-thinking |
| Zuljalal | | Boy | One who is blessed with might and glory |
| Zulkifl | | Boy | Name of one of the prophets mentioned in the Quran |
| Zulla | |  Girl | Shade of trees |
| Zulma | | Girl | Famous, renowned leader |
| Zulqarnain | | Boy | Two-horned or possessor of two horns |
| Zuly | | Girl | Healthy; Vigorous |
| Zumar | | Girl | A group or throngs of people |
| Zumarrad | | Girl | Emerald or precious stone |
| Zumi | | Unisex | The one who is experienced or who knows the way |
| Zumurrud | | Girl | Emerald or precious stone |
| Zunair | | Boy | Gift of God |
| Zunaira | | Girl | Beauty, elegance, uniqueness |
| Zunairah | | Unisex | Radiant light |
| Zunaisha | | Unisex | Graceful, charming, beautiful |
| Zura | | Unisex | Strong warrior |
| Zurab | | Boy | Illustrious; Shining; Red water; Georgian form of Sohrab |
| Zurah | | Girl | The heavenly body Venus |
| Zurain | | Unisex | Radiant, enchanting |
| Zuwayhir | | Boy | Radiant and luminous |
| Zuwena | | Girl | Good |
| Zyah | | Unisex | Beautiful; Bright; Shining |
| Zyair | | Unisex | River |
| Zyan | | Boy | Strength, wisdom, shining |
| Zyann | | Unisex | Life and grace |
| Zyir | | Boy | Strong; Confident; Unique |
| Zymal | | Unisex | Unique; Exotic; Graceful |
| Zymir | | Boy | Full of life |
| Zyna | | Girl | Guest; Stranger |
Islamic baby names hold deep cultural and religious significance, reflecting the diverse beauty of Islamic traditions. Inspired by the Quran and Prophet Muhammad's teachings, they convey virtues, blessings, and a strong sense of identity within the global Muslim community. It also serves as a way to embrace the global tapestry of Islamic heritage and contribute to the continuity of tradition and faith across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What girl's name means Allah’s gift?
The Arabic name Ataya,Inaaya, Aifa, Ata. Eira, Hiba, Jana, Ruba, and Syha are some of the many names that mean ‘gift from Allah.’
2. How do Muslim names change in different countries?
Muslim names can change in spelling and pronunciation in different countries. For example, Mohammad in Iran, Mehmet in Turkey, Mamadou in Senegal, Mahomet in France, and Muhammadu in Nigeria. The name Muhammad has the highest spelling variations in English.
3. What are the names of Islamic female leaders and figures?
Many Muslim women leaders and personalities have left a mark on this world. In the religious context, Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh, and Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet and Khadija, are revered.
In politics, Megawati Sukarnoputri was an Indonesian politician who served as the fifth president of Indonesia. In contrast, Pakistani politician and stateswoman Benazir Bhutto served as Pakistan's 11th and 13th prime minister.
4. Can non-Muslim parents choose Islamic baby names for their children, and what should they consider when doing so?
Yes, non-muslim parents can choose an Islamic name if they resonate with its sound, meaning, and history behind it
Infographic: Elegant Muslim Baby Names For Your Child
Islamic names reflect the various pious values and beliefs of the religion. These names also have a royal and elegant touch, making them quite popular across the world. If you've been trying to find a good name for your child, this infographic will list some delightful Muslim names.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References:
- How to choose a Muslim baby name?
https://www.zakat.org/choose-muslim-baby-name - What’s in a name; Law, Religion, and Islamic names
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1577&context=djilp
