Many families of Lebanese descent take great pride in choosing Lebanese baby names for their newborns, honoring their cultural heritage. Naming the newborn baby is one of the first and most important responsibilities of a parent. Most parents today look for a classic and traditional name, just to be on the safe side. But if you don’t want your baby’s name to drown in the crowd, you have to step out of your comfort zone and pick a name from a different culture or country. Lebanon is a Middle Eastern country that is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The culture of the nation is predominantly viewed as conservative and the people deeply value traditional Arab customs (1). Due to this reason, the naming customs and conventions of Lebanon are similar to that of Arabic. Names derived from the Holy Quran are a favorite, followed by Biblical and names inspired by locations. But that doesn’t mean Western names are not used in Lebanon. Anthony was the top name for baby boys in Lebanon last year. A typical Lebanese name consists of a personal name, followed by the father’s personal name and grandfather’s personal name or family name. Lebanese names are not chosen just for their meanings but the sound and flow of the name also play a significant role. The Lebanese naming convention, just like the Arabic naming convention, contains five elements. They are the ‘ism,’ which is a personal or a given name bestowed upon the baby after birth or on the third or seventh day after birth. The second element is the ‘kunya,’ which is an honorific name, and the third is the ‘nasab,’ or the pedigree name. The fourth element is the ‘laqab,’ usually a combination of religious words constituting a byname, and lastly, ‘nisba,’ which can be occupational, geographical, or of descent, indicating the ancestry of an individual. Traditionally, a Lebanese woman does not change her name upon marriage, but she may adopt her husband’s family name. It’s totally upon her. Take a look at our list of Lebanon baby names with meanings. We’re pretty sure you’ll find the one you are looking for from this list.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Saadee | Boy | The lord; The master | |
Sahiqa | Girl | Rain | |
Saib | Boy | A man who is sound in judgment | |
Sair | Boy | A passionate and enthusiastic human being | |
Salib | Boy | Lebanese term; Pointing out someone’s error | |
Sameed | Boy | A leader, king, or lord; One who is beneficence | |
Sameh | Boy | One who is forgiving | |
Sareena | Girl | Princess; Beautiful as a princess | |
Sarikh | Boy | The one who redresses grievances | |
Satwat | Boy | Majesty; Royal Majesty | |
Sehrish | Girl | A woman with a fascinating and enchanting personality | |
Shafeek | Boy | One who is compassionate and merciful | |
Shahood | Boy | One who is always at the service of others | |
Shanifa | Girl | One who is loyal, faithful, and true to herself and others | |
Soad | Boy | A lucky boy | |
Sobia | Girl | A well-dressed woman | |
Soraya | Girl | Rich; Princess | |
Tajamal | Boy | Adornment; Magnificence or decoration | |
Tanizia | Boy | Tanizia is the name of a flower in Lebanon | |
Tanzeel | Boy | Tanzeel is an Arabic term for revelation of the holy Quran | |
Tazeen | Girl | Decoration; Adornment; Makeup | |
Tijasar | Boy | One who is brave, daring, and fearless | |
Toufie | Girl | A successful, elegant, and royal being | |
Udaysah | Girl | The narrator of the Hadith, Ahban al-Ghifariyah’s daughter | |
Vardah | Girl | Rose | |
Waali | Boy | The one who directs; The governor | |
Wadih | Boy | Alone; One who likes solitude | |
Wael | Boy | Rescue; Seeking shelter | |
Wafic | Boy | Arbitrator in Lebanese; Successful; Triumphant | |
Waleed | Boy | A newborn baby ; Of tender age | |
Waris | Boy | A successor | |
Wasi | Boy | Advice; Testament; Counsel | |
Wisam | Boy | Badge of honor | |
Yad | Boy | Jade | |
Yahya | Boy | The almighty is gracious | |
Yaqinul Islam | Boy | One who believes in Islam | |
Zabian | Girl | A worshiper of heavenly bodies | |
Zaeem | Boy | A prominent personality; A chief or leader | |
Zahli | Girl | Beautiful and bright | |
Zaib | Girl | A graceful and beautiful woman | |
Zaigham | Boy | A man as brave as a lion | |
Zaina | Girl | Beautiful | |
Ziad | Boy | Enlarging or abundance | |
Zikra | Girl | Recollection; Memory; Remembrance, Thoughts of the past | |
Ziyad | Boy | Enlarging | |
Zoobia | Girl | One who has the blessings of the almighty | |
Zoona | Girl | A sensible, wise and intelligent woman | |
Zoraiz | Boy | The one who spreads light |
Lebanese baby names are often traditional in nature inspired by the Holy Quran or famous Biblical characters. However, names inspired by other cultures and regions are also adopted by Lebanese parents. Being a conservative nation, Lebanese names follow the Arabic naming practice which consists of five different naming elements. Lebanese names are also deeply intertwined with family ties due to the specific format they follow, emphasizing the incorporation of personal names, father's names, and grandfather's names, creating a strong familial connection.
Infographic: Enigmatic Lebanese Baby Names With Meanings
Lebanese baby names are captivating and striking because of their strong religious connections. Parents put much thought into choosing names for their children, often favoring ones that encapsulate powerful traits to instill a sense of pride and self-identity in their children. Discover some of these thoughtful names in this infographic below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some traditional or cultural Lebanese baby names?
Traditional or cultural Lebanese baby names encompass Rana (meaning beautiful or eye-catching), Ziad (meaning abundance or growth), Layla (meaning night), and Jamil (meaning handsome or attractive).
2. What are some unique Lebanese baby names?
Unique Lebanese baby names encompass Nour (signifying light), Elie (meaning my God is help), Hani (meaning happy), and Imad (support or pillar).
3. How do Lebanese baby names differ from other Arabic baby names?
Lebanese baby names stand out from other Arabic names by embracing influences from Lebanon's diverse heritage. With a mix of French, Phoenician, regional, and Arabic roots, they create a distinct naming tradition that reflects the country's rich history and cultural fusion.
4. How do parents in Lebanon typically choose their baby's name?
In Lebanon, parents usually choose their baby's name by picking a gender-specific given name, while the surname is given by the grandparents. This traditional approach highlights the significance of parental choice and family lineage in the naming process.
5. Who are some religious or historical figures that influence Lebanese baby names?
Lebanese baby names can be influenced by religious or historical figures, such as Maryam (a wished-for child), Youssef (he will add), and Khadija (the wife of Prophet Muhammad). These names bear the influence of revered individuals, reflecting Lebanon's cultural and religious heritage.
6. How have Lebanese baby names evolved over time?
Lebanese baby names have undergone changes influenced by historical, cultural, and global trends. While traditional names with Arabic and religious origins continue to be favored, Lebanon's multiculturalism and modern influences have expanded the array of naming choices available to parents in the country.
7. What are some gender-neutral Lebanese baby names?
Gender-neutral Lebanese baby names that are popular include Dana (meaning wise or knowing), Joud (meaning generosity), and Amal (meaning hope or aspiration).
8. Have any Lebanese baby names gained popularity outside of Lebanon?
Names like Aaliyah (meaning high and lofty), Amir (meaning prince or commander), and Hasan (meaning handsome) have become increasingly popular in various countries due to their melodic sounds, cultural appeal, and positive meanings.
9. What is the process of legally registering a baby's name in Lebanon?
The process of legally registering a baby's name in Lebanon involves several steps. Parents must obtain a birth certificate from the municipality or the National Registry Office, provide required documentation, such as the parents' identification papers, and submit the chosen name (2).
References
- Lebanese Culture.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/lebanese-culture/lebanese-culture-core-concepts - BIRTH REGISTRATION; UNHCR
https://www.refugees-lebanon.org/en/section/26/birth-registration