111 Popular Middle Eastern Baby Names With Meanings

Middle Eastern baby names originate from the region located in western Asia. Fondly referred to as the ‘cradle of civilization,' the Middle East has been home to some of the earliest accomplishments of humanity. This region is the origin point of various belief systems and religions such as Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, defining modern civilization. With a wide variety of people, cultures, and religions, the Middle East boasts some of the most gorgeous and exotic baby names.

Since Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Yemen, Oman, and other Middle Eastern countries, the majority of the population bears Arabic names. Typically, Middle Eastern names carry linguistic roots and are handed down through generations. For instance, many Arabic names reflect one of the 99 attributes of Allah. Christian and Hebrew names are usually derived from the Bible or Old Testament.

Arabic names are often long, detailed, and have familial ties. Sample the name Saleh ibn Tariq ibn Khalid al-Fulan. Saleh is the given name, while ‘ibn’ means ‘son of.’ In this case, Saleh is the son of Tariq, who is the son of Khalid, making Khalid Saleh’s grandfather, and al-Fulan is the family name or surname. For daughters, instead of ‘ibn,’ ‘bint’ is used as it means ‘daughter of.’ Arabic names can either be single given names or compound names that may begin with Abd, Abd al, and Abdul, which means ‘servant’ or ‘servant of.’ These names are often combined with the different names of Allah. Arabic names may also end with al-din, ad-din, el-din, eddin, or uddin, translating to ‘of the religion.’

There are also Arabic Christians living in the Middle East, and their choice of names is different from the Muslim Arabs. They often choose Arabic versions of Christian names, names from Greek, Armenian, and Aramaic origins, and European names like Émile and George. They may also use names such as Abd al-Yasu for boys and Amat al-Yasu for girls, as a way of reverence to Jesus Christ. Our extensive list helps you discover a whole new world of Middle Eastern baby names for your boy and girl. Have a look.

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NameGenderMeaning
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Mustapha
Baby Boy Sign Boy The chosen one
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Zubayr
Baby Boy Sign Boy Strong and powerful
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Shabaka
Baby Boy Sign Boy An Egyptian ruler
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Zayid
Baby Boy Sign Boy Increasing; Growing
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Yaminah
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is right-handed
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Ashaki
Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is beautiful
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Kishon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Hard sore
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Korian
Baby Boy Sign Boy Name of a historian
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Yeira
Baby Girl Sign Girl Light
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Shadiyah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Singer
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Zakiyyah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Pure
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Sharonda
Baby Girl Sign Girl Plain
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Yalanda
Baby Girl Sign Girl Form of Yolanda; Violet flower
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Zurah
Baby Girl Sign Girl The heavenly body Venus
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Todros
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's graceful gift
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Abd-al-Alim
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of all-knowing
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Abd-al-Bari
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of Allah
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Abd-al-Hakim
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of the wise
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Abd-al-Jabbar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of mighty
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Abd-al-Matin
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of strong
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Abd-al-Qadir
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of capable
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Abd-al-Rashid
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of the guided
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Abd-al-Sami
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of all hearing
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Abd-er-Rahman
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of the merciful one
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Arqa
Baby Boy Sign Boy One having refined tastes
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Arvio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Wanderer
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Aymelek
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon angel
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Aymil
Baby Boy Sign Boy Middle Eastern form of Emil; Excellent
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Ayperi
Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon fairy
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Barakaa
Baby Boy Sign Boy Blessings or abundance
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Bassaym
Baby Boy Sign Boy The smiling one
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Bassma
Baby Boy Sign Boy A smile
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Casildo
Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who carries a lance.
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Chakir
Baby Boy Sign Boy The chosen one
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Chelem
Baby Boy Sign Boy Dream
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Fadahunsi
Baby Boy Sign Boy The King's favor
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Ikrimah
Baby Boy Sign Boy Pigeon
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Imtithal
Baby Girl Sign Girl Polite obedience
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Izz-al-Din
Baby Boy Sign Boy Might of the faith
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Khazbiika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful
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Khentimentiu
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mythical god of the dead's destiny
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Khnurn
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mythical reborn sun
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Kinnette
Baby Girl Sign Girl Harp
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Kirioth
Baby Girl Sign Girl The cities; The callings
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Kirjath
Baby Boy Sign Boy City vocation meeting
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Kolariah
Baby Boy Sign Boy Voice of the lord
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Kolb
Baby Boy Sign Boy From Kolb
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Ksathra
Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler
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Kurbiika
Baby Girl Sign Girl Proud
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Matek
Baby Boy Sign Boy Gift
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Mufid
Baby Boy Sign Boy Useful
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Muhtadi
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is rightly guided
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Muki
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who shines
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Mulazim
Baby Boy Sign Boy Tenacious, persisting
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Murtadi
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is satisfied, content
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Mushin
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who confers favors; A variant of Mohsin
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Muwaffaq
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is successful
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Muwakkil
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who can be trusted
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Ohannes
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is gracious
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Saahirah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Earth; Moon; Spring which flows constantly
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Saar-rah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Lady whose charming manner brings joy
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Sarni
Baby Boy Sign Boy The elevated one
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Segulah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Treasure
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Sevgili
Baby Girl Sign Girl Darling
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Sevinc
Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy; Delight
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Seyyal
Baby Girl Sign Girl Traveler
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Seyyid
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mister; Sir
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Shabanna
Baby Girl Sign Girl Belonging to night
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Shaeen
Baby Boy Sign Boy A royal white falcon
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Shaheena
Baby Girl Sign Girl Falcon
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Shakufa
Baby Girl Sign Girl The opening bud
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Shamaamah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Fragrance; Scent; Perfume
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Shareefah
Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is noble and gentle
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Sharifu
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is noble and honorable
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Shawar
Baby Boy Sign Boy Comet
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Shebaro
Baby Boy Sign Boy A gypsy boy of marriageable age
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Shirilee
Baby Girl Sign Girl My song
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Sigliah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Violet
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Songl
Baby Girl Sign Girl The last rose
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Suhaymah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Small arrow
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Sukru
Baby Boy Sign Boy Grateful
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Syman
Baby Boy Sign Boy A form of Simon; Listen
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Talora
Baby Girl Sign Girl Dew of the morning
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Taslimah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Salutation; Peace
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Tibon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Nature lover
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Tzafrirah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Morning breeze
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Ubaida
Baby Boy Sign Boy Servant of God
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Umarah
Baby Boy Sign Boy A non-mandatory pilgrimage made by Muslims to Mecca
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Varten
Baby Boy Sign Boy Rose giver
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Wahibah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Giver; Donor
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Wajdi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Passion and love
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Walidah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Newborn
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Walliyullah
Baby Boy Sign Boy Supporter of God
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Wordah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Rose
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Xantheus
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is golden-haired
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Yasuf
Baby Boy Sign Boy He will increase
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Yegane
Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman of incomparable beauty
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Yoninah
Baby Girl Sign Girl Little dove
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Yosifa
Baby Girl Sign Girl God will increase; Feminine form of Joseph
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Kibzaim
Baby Boy Sign Boy Protected
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Although the majority of the names have roots in Arabic, there are also Arabic Christians who take inspiration from other sources such as Armenian, Greek, Aramaic, and European names. Arabic names are detailed and often reflect religious attributes and familial ties. While Muslim Arabs prefer choosing names inspired by the 99 attributes of Allah, Christian Arabs prefer Arabic versions of Christian names. Our list carries a mix of both, explore to find the perfect fit for your little one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are some famous historical figures with Middle Eastern baby names?

Yes, many famous historical figures have Middle Eastern names, reflecting the region's rich history and cultural significance. The Arabic name Harun refers to Harun al-Rashid, the fifth Abbasid Caliph, who ruled from 786 to 809. Similarly, the Arabic name Omar traces back to Omar Khayyam, a Persian mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet.

2. How have Middle Eastern baby names evolved over time?

Middle Eastern baby names have evolved significantly and were influenced by cultural, religious, and social changes. For example, traditional names like Fatima (to abstain) and Hasan (handsome or good), often reflect virtues, spiritual significance, or familial heritage. In modern times, there is a trend towards names that blend traditional elements with contemporary sounds or meanings. Names like Layla, meaning ‘night,’ and Zayn, meaning ‘beauty’ or ‘grace,’ have gained popularity due to their simplicity and modern appeal. This evolution showcases Middle Eastern cultures' dynamic nature and ability to adapt to changing times while honoring their rich heritage.

Infographic: Exquisite Middle Eastern Baby Names With Meanings

Middle Eastern baby names are rich in variety and religious significance since the Middle East is the birthplace of important religions like Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. These names are not limited to only Arabic names but are a blend of Aramaic, Greek, and names from other languages, too. The following infographic lists a few enchanting Middle Eastern names.

distinctive middle eastern baby names with meanings (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team


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Benidamika holds a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Assam Don Bosco University and another masters degree in English Literature from North Eastern Hill University. At MomJunction, Benidamika writes on human psychology and relationships.

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