219 Malay Baby Names With Meanings

Malaysia is the perfect combination of old and new; these Malay names are the same too.

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• Sep 13, 2023

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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.

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Name	Gender	Meaning
Aaaqil	Boy	One who is wise and intelligent
Aadam	Boy	Father of mankind
Aafaaq	Boy	Horizons
Aafiyat	Girl	Health; Freedom from illness
Aarifa	Girl	One endowed with great knowledge
Aati	Boy	The one who is generous
Aatiya	Girl	Giver
Aayiz	Boy	Replacement; Something given to you in place of something you have lost
Aayizah	Girl	Replacement
Abaasa	Girl	Lioness

Adam	Boy	Son of the Earth
Adiputera	Boy	A first son or first prince
Adiputeri	Girl	First daughter or princess
Aeni	Girl	Original, pure, and true
Afan	Boy	Growth and progress
Afeen	Girl	Forgiveness or one of a forgiving nature
Afsah	Boy	An eloquent man
Ahkam	Boy	One who is extremely wise, decisive, and just
Ahmad	Boy	Much praised; Name of prophet Muhammad
Aidan	Unisex	Little fire

Aishah	Girl	Name of one of the wives of the Islamic prophet Mohammed
Ajaar	Girl	Reward
Ajiad	Boy	One who is noble, generous and gracious
Alicia	Girl	Noble
Amaal	Girl	Hopes and expectations
Anoud	Girl	Brave; Strong and courageous
Aqil	Boy	Gifted; Intelligent; Wise; Reasonable
Aqsad	Boy	Achiever; Goal-setter
Arhaa	Boy	Calm; Serene
Arianna	Girl	Very holy; Silver; Melody

Arwaa	Girl	Softness; Lightness
Aryan	Boy	Noble; Illustrious; Honorable
Aswab	Boy	The one who is the best
Atheer	Boy	Light reflected from a sword's blade; A person of high status and good qualities
Awang	Boy	The eldest son
Ayyash	Boy	Long-lived
Azarnoush	Girl	Right in faith
Barzin	Boy	A character in Shahnameh
Bintang	Boy	Star
Bisaam	Boy	One who is always smiling

Budiharto	Boy	One who is wise with the wealth
Bujang	Boy	Bachelor
Bunga	Girl	Flower
Cahaya	Girl	Radiance
Cempaka	Girl	Frangipani flower
Cik	Girl	Malaya word for Miss
Cucu	Girl	A grandchild
Delima	Girl	Ruby; Pomegranate
Dhia	Girl	Splendor; Glow
Dinihari	Girl	Dawn

Esah	Girl	Alive
Fehmeed	Boy	One who is wise and intelligent
Firash	Boy	Perceptiveness, Ingenuity
Fuaad	Boy	Heart; Conscience
Ghazaar	Boy	Etiquette; Manners
Hadees	Boy	Speech or dialogue of the almighty
Haissam	Boy	A sharp sword
Hannah	Girl	Grace; Favor; Lucky life
Hapsah	Girl	Gathering
Haruun	Boy	Warrior lion

Haryati	Girl	Desire
Hatar	Boy	Falcon or eagle
Hazer	Boy	Ready; Prepared
Ibhar	Girl	Open like the ocean
Ibrat	Girl	Wisdom to learn from experience
Ibtisama	Girl	Smile
Idrak	Boy	To comprehend; To understand
Iesa	Boy	Name of a Muslim prophet
Iffaan	Boy	Time; Season; Weather
Ihkam	Girl	Excellence; Mastery

Imen	Unisex	Faith or belief
Indeela	Girl	Like a nightingale
Ishraaq	Boy	Sunrise; Daybreak; A variant of Ishraq
Ishraq	Boy	Sunrise or day break
Ishtiqal	Boy	Independence; Sovereignty
Istiqlal	Boy	Sovereignty; Independence; A variant of Ishtiqal
Iyaan	Boy	Time; Era; Epoch
Izz	Unisex	Honor; Glory; Power
Izzati	Girl	Respect; Honor, Prestige
Jana	Girl	God is gracious

Jazaa	Girl	Recompense; Reward for good deeds
Jebat	Boy	Musk
Jenab	Girl	Malay form of Zaynab: Father's precious jewel
Johan	Boy	God is gracious
Joyah	Girl	Zoya; Life
Junada	Boy	Helper, warrior, or soldier
Kasih	Girl	Love
Kechik	Boy	Small or little
Kembang	Girl	Flower or blossom
Khajeer	Boy	Beauty and elegance

Khatijah	Girl	A name generally given to premature child
Khilaal	Boy	Friendship; Companionship
Kuntum	Girl	Flower bud
Latipah	Girl	One who is gentle and kind
Maarib	Girl	End goals
Mabrura	Girl	A pious girl or woman who is accepted by Allah
Maeen	Girl	Spring of water
Maeena	Girl	One who takes care of others
Mahia	Girl	Life; Earth
Mahsuri	Girl	The great queen

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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.

mesmerizing malay baby names for your bundle of joy (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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

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FAQS.
https://www.kln.gov.my/web/nzl_wellington/faqs

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.