78 Middle East Baby Girl Names With Meanings

middle-east-baby-girl-names-with-meanings

Middle East baby girl names carry deep meanings. They serve as special keys unlocking stories of the past, connecting families and cultures. Selecting a name isn't just about picking a nice-sounding title for your princess but also honoring ancestors and passing on the traditions across generations.
Unlike the Western tradition of first, middle, and last names, Arabic names often follow a longer format that reflects deep cultural and linguistic heritage. Instead of a single name, individuals typically have a sequence of names that often include their given name, their father's name (sometimes also the grandfather's name), and the family name (1). These names are like a chain connecting an individual to their family and cultural background.
What's fascinating is that most Arabic and Middle East names are not just arbitrary terms; they usually have specific meanings as typical words in a language. These meanings are often tied to qualities, virtues, or aspirations parents wish their children to embody.
In certain Middle Eastern countries, sons often carry the names of their father and grandfather, like passing down a memorable treasure. But interestingly, the women usually keep their original last names even after they get married. Some families stick to their old traditions, passing names down from grandfathers to fathers to sons and daughters. Others mix in a modern style, putting the family name front and center.
Furthermore, Middle East names often connect people to their religious and cultural heritage. Many names have historical significance, linking individuals to notable figures in Islamic history, literature, and philosophy. This adds a layer of depth to the naming process, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging within a larger community.
In the below-given collection, we present to you a selection of Middle Eastern baby girl names that beautifully capture the heritage and culture of the region. Dive into this list and find the perfect Middle Eastern baby girl name for your family's newest addition.

Name Gender Meaning
heart image Aanisah Baby Girl Sign Girl Pious-hearted lady; One who is good-natured
heart image Ashaki Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is beautiful
heart image Aymelek Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon angel
heart image Ayperi Baby Girl Sign Girl Moon fairy
heart image Ibtihaj Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy
heart image Imtithal Baby Girl Sign Girl Polite obedience
heart image Intisar Baby Girl Sign Girl Triumph
heart image Izdihar Baby Girl Sign Girl Flourishing; Blooming
heart image Khazbiika Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful
heart image Khepri Baby Girl Sign Girl Morning sun
heart image Kinnette Baby Girl Sign Girl Harp
heart image Kirioth Baby Girl Sign Girl The cities; The callings
heart image Kittim Baby Girl Sign Girl Breaking or bruising
heart image Kurbiika Baby Girl Sign Girl Proud
heart image Nijah Baby Girl Sign Girl A beautiful rose
heart image Saahirah Baby Girl Sign Girl Earth; Moon; Spring which flows constantly
heart image Saar-rah Baby Girl Sign Girl Lady whose charming manner brings joy
heart image Sawsan Baby Girl Sign Girl Lily of the valley
heart image Sefa Baby Girl Sign Girl Pleasure
heart image Segulah Baby Girl Sign Girl Treasure
heart image Serap Baby Girl Sign Girl Mirage
heart image Sevgili Baby Girl Sign Girl Darling
heart image Sevinc Baby Girl Sign Girl Joy; Delight
heart image Seyyal Baby Girl Sign Girl Traveler
heart image Sezen Baby Girl Sign Girl Feeling
heart image Shabanna Baby Girl Sign Girl Belonging to night
heart image Shadha Baby Girl Sign Girl Aromatic
heart image Shadiyah Baby Girl Sign Girl Singer
heart image Shaheena Baby Girl Sign Girl Falcon
heart image Shaia Baby Girl Sign Girl Sister; Young girl
heart image Shakufa Baby Girl Sign Girl The opening bud
heart image Shamaamah Baby Girl Sign Girl Fragrance; Scent; Perfume
heart image Shamsa Baby Girl Sign Girl The Sun
heart image Shareefah Baby Girl Sign Girl She who is noble and gentle
heart image Sharonda Baby Girl Sign Girl Plain
heart image Shirilee Baby Girl Sign Girl My song
heart image Sigliah Baby Girl Sign Girl Violet
heart image Songl Baby Girl Sign Girl The last rose
heart image Suhaymah Baby Girl Sign Girl Small arrow
heart image Talora Baby Girl Sign Girl Dew of the morning
heart image Taslimah Baby Girl Sign Girl Salutation; Peace
heart image Tirsa Baby Girl Sign Girl Pleasant
heart image Tzafrirah Baby Girl Sign Girl Morning breeze
heart image Uhuru Baby Girl Sign Girl Freedom
heart image Umayma Baby Girl Sign Girl Little mother
heart image Wahibah Baby Girl Sign Girl Giver; Donor
heart image Walidah Baby Girl Sign Girl Newborn
heart image Wijdan Baby Girl Sign Girl Ecstasy; Sentiment
heart image Wisal Baby Girl Sign Girl Communion in love
heart image Wordah Baby Girl Sign Girl Rose
heart image Ximena Baby Girl Sign Girl He has heard
heart image Yalanda Baby Girl Sign Girl Form of Yolanda; Violet flower
heart image Yaminah Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is right-handed
heart image Yegane Baby Girl Sign Girl A woman of incomparable beauty
heart image Yeira Baby Girl Sign Girl Light
heart image Yildiz Baby Girl Sign Girl Star
heart image Yoninah Baby Girl Sign Girl Little dove
heart image Yosifa Baby Girl Sign Girl God will increase; Feminine form of Joseph
heart image Zahavah Baby Girl Sign Girl Golden
heart image Zahirah Baby Girl Sign Girl Shining; Luminous
heart image Zahrah Baby Girl Sign Girl Flower
heart image Zakiyah Baby Girl Sign Girl A lady of keen perception and sharp mind
heart image Zakiyyah Baby Girl Sign Girl Pure
heart image Zaleekhah Baby Girl Sign Girl A variant of Zulaikha, meaning brilliant beauty
heart image Zambak Baby Girl Sign Girl Lily
heart image Zarifah Baby Girl Sign Girl A graceful woman
heart image Zeinab Baby Girl Sign Girl Beautiful
heart image Zel Baby Girl Sign Girl Private or special
heart image Zemira Baby Girl Sign Girl A branch
heart image Zikiya Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is smart and intelligent
heart image Zimora Baby Girl Sign Girl A branch
heart image Zivah Baby Girl Sign Girl One who is bright and shining
heart image Ziynet Baby Girl Sign Girl Ornament
heart image Zlem Baby Girl Sign Girl Longing, yearning
heart image Zubaydah Baby Girl Sign Girl One who has a soft body
heart image Zuhairah Baby Girl Sign Girl Blossom; Radiant; Shining
heart image Zumarrad Baby Girl Sign Girl Emerald or precious stone
heart image Zurah Baby Girl Sign Girl The heavenly body Venus

From the vast sandy deserts of Saudi Arabia to the shimmering coasts of Bahrain and several other stunning landscapes spanning the region, the Middle East girl names reflect various cultures coming together with a shared tradition of naming baby girls with deep consideration. These names connect to enchanting history, cherished values, and aspirations of parents. Choosing from these names can serve as a way to link the past and future while also embracing the present moment in its entirety.

Infographic: Majestic Middle Eastern Baby Girl Names

Middle Eastern baby girl names hold deep cultural and historical significance, reflecting values rooted in the region's heritage. These names carry profound meanings that evoke nature, emotions, and beautiful things. Explore the poetic charm of Middle Eastern names with this infographic and choose the perfect name for your precious daughter.

magnificent baby girl names from the middle east (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some powerful girls' names in Arabic?

Arabic has several girl names that have powerful meanings. Names like Amira (meaning ‘commander’ or ‘princess’), Aaliyah (meaning ‘exalted’ or ‘sublime’), Zahra (meaning ‘shining,’ ‘brilliant,’ and ‘bright’), Sana (meaning ‘brilliance’ or ‘radiance’), and Layla (meaning ‘night’) are some examples of powerful girl’s names.

2. What are rare Arabic girl names?

Some rare Arabic girls’ names include Dalal (meaning ‘coquettishness’), Hala (meaning ‘halo around the moon’), and Karima (meaning ‘generous’ and ‘noble’).

3. What Arabic girl name means pure?

Several Arabic girl names mean pure. These names include Safiya, Zakia, Tahira, and Safaa.

4. What Arabic girl name means love?

Arabic girl names like Habiba, Aziza, Widad, and Janan mean love. Some parents could consider names like Layla (‘night’), Jumana (‘pearl’), and Lina (‘tender’) to be associated with love as well.

5. Are there any specific characteristics or traits parents may associate with Middle Eastern baby girl names?

Some Middle Eastern baby girl names are associated with beauty, characteristics, culture, and spirituality. Names like Ruwa, Bahiyya, and Zaynab exemplify the beauty of a baby girl. Other names like Aisha and Fatima are linked to Islamic tradition.

6. What naming conventions are adopted in the Middle East for naming baby girls?

Arabic names are traditionally long names and can contain four names or more. These are a list of a person’s first name, father’s name, grandfather’s name, and family name. Girls have a nasab which indicates their pedigree. The nasab for daughters is bint. For example, Alia bint Sayyed indicates that Alia is the daughter of Sayyed. In some cases, a laqab or a religious epithet is also used to describe a quality of a girl. One of the most common laqab is Abd which is used for boys. Its feminine counterpart is Amat al-(characteristic). For instance, we have the name Amat Allah or Amatullah, meaning ‘servant of Allah’ (1) ( 2).

7. What popular Middle Eastern baby girl names have made their way into Western culture?

Rapid globalization has made several Middle Eastern baby girl names popular in the West. Certain names like Layla (‘night’) gained popularity because of Eric Clapton’s song Layla or Colleen Hoover’s book by the same name. Similarly, Jasmine, derived from the Arabic Yasmin, caught on in the West after the release of the Disney classic Aladdin.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Culture: Arabic names and titles;
    https://openbooks.lib.msu.edu/elemarabicll/chapter/culture/
  2. Period Arabic Names And Naming Practices;
    https://heraldry.sca.org/names/arabic-naming2.htm
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