Are you expecting a baby and so looking for some perfect Pakistani baby names with meanings? Then you’re at the right place. Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country where the naming process is strongly influenced by Islam, high-ranking clergy, and religious scholars (1). In Pakistan, names hold a deep significance and reflect the rich history and diverse cultural influences that have shaped the nation. In South Asian Muslim communities, some men may possess a hereditary honorific name or title, which signifies social standing or affiliation with a particular clan or region. On the other hand, Muslim women's names often include female honorific titles such as Begum, Khatoon, and Sultana, which indicate social status or respect. Naming Muslim children is often guided by family traditions, leading to diverse practices even within a single family. For instance, one child may adopt the father's name as a surname, while another might adopt the family name (2). Naming male babies after the prophets and female children after influential women featured in the Quran is common in Pakistan. Also, names derived from Turkish, Arabic and Persian languages are common. Baby boys can be given as many as two or three first names at the time of birth. Out of these names, one is selected to be the ‘most called name’. Baby girls are not given more than two names. Just like most Muslim nations, the use of surnames or family names is not as prominent as in Western countries. If the person has more than two given names, the full name would consist only of the given names. He may append his father's most-called name to his given name if he wants. Another convention is to prefix the given name with a title associated with their tribe. As for the women, the full name is composed of only the first names, appended to father’s most called names. After marriage, her full name is attached with the most-called name of her husband. With roots in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and regional languages, Pakistani baby names encompass a spectrum of meanings. Here’s a comprehensive list of Pakistani baby names with meanings to get you started on the naming journey.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Effat | Girl | Virtue; Chastity | |
Ejlaal | Boy | To honor; To exalt | |
Elaf | Boy | Safety or security | |
Esfandyar | Boy | A character in Shahnameh | |
Eshaal | Girl | Enlivened; Excited; To enliven; Excite | |
Etizaaz | Boy | To become mighty; To become honored | |
Fahmi | Boy | An understanding man | |
Faizan | Boy | One who is charitable | |
Fazli | Boy | A kind and graceful man | |
Fidvi | Boy | One who is ready to sacrifice himself | |
Ghazanfer | Boy | A brave man | |
Gulfaam | Boy | One who is rose-faced | |
Gulnar | Girl | A flower of pomegranate | |
Gulnaz | Girl | Soft like a flower | |
Gulrukh | Girl | Flower appearance | |
Guls | Girl | Flower | |
Gulsan | Girl | A garden | |
Guney | Boy | South | |
Hamza | Boy | Strong; Steadfast | |
Haniya | Girl | Pleasant | |
Harnail | Boy | One who comes from Harnai, a city of Pakistan | |
Hazeem | Boy | A wise and intelligent man | |
Hazeema | Girl | One who is wise and intelligent | |
Hoorain | Unisex | Beautiful angel | |
Hukaymah | girl | Umaymah's and Ruqayqah's granddaughter | |
Hukayman | girl | The daughter of the reciter of the Quran | |
Huzaifa | Boy | A name of the one who accompanies the Prophet | |
Ilma | Girl | Will or desire | |
Inaya | Girl | Concern; Care | |
Iqbal | Unisex | Enliven; To kindle | |
Irhaa | Girl | To make calm; To make serene | |
Jinani | Girl | Heavenly or from paradise | |
Kachela | Boy | A surname for the Samma tribe people found along banks of Indus River in Pakistan | |
Kamori | Unisex | To add; Augment; Forest; Excellent | |
Khaan | Boy | Ruler, He who is the king | |
Kiyani | Unisex | Strong willed and determined | |
Liyana | Girl | A tender and delicate woman | |
Maira | Girl | Gleam; Shine; Sparkle | |
Mashael | Girl | Source of light or radiance | |
Mehnoor | Girl | Radiant light | |
Memona | Girl | Blessings; One who is thriving and prosperous | |
Mizhir | Boy | A place filled with flowers | |
Moeez | Unisex | Respected or honored | |
Mourib | Boy | One who is fluent and eloquent | |
Muhaimin | Girl | A protector | |
Muhallil | Boy | One who pronounces the testimony of faith | |
Muhazzim | Boy | A person who defeats others | |
Muzdahir | Boy | One who is blooming, thriving, and prospering | |
Muzhir | Boy | A plant whose flowers are opening, blooming | |
Muzhirah | Girl | A plant whose flowers are opening, blooming | |
Qudrah | Girl | Power; Ability; Capacity of a woman | |
Raheebah | Girl | A woman who is generous and open-hearted | |
Rahmi | Girl | One who is merciful and compassionate | |
Rahmiya | Girl | A compassionate and kind woman | |
Rahumah | Girl | A woman who is kind, merciful, and compassionate | |
Raim | Girl | A mother who has strong affection for her child | |
Rayan | Boy | Wise; Thinker | |
Rohaan | Boy | One who is as pure as a spirit | |
Ruhaimah | Girl | A compassionate and merciful woman | |
Rusul | Boy | Message-bearers | |
Rutaba | Girl | Reputation | |
Ruwaihim | Boy | One who is kind, compassionate, and forgiving | |
Samama | Boy | A person who is a companion of the Prophet | |
Sanaya | Girl | Praise-worthy; Deserving of admiration | |
Seherunnisa | Girl | The woman of dawn | |
Shahlyla | Girl | Princess; Queen of the night | |
Shahparee | Girl | Royal fairy; King's fairy; One who is extremely beautiful | |
Shaima | Girl | One who is good natured | |
Sharnaz | Unisex | Pride of the king | |
Shehrnaz | Girl | A beautiful and cute woman | |
Shehzeen | Unisex | Graceful, charming, elegant | |
Souma | Boy | Moonlight; A woman as beautiful as the moon | |
Syeda | Girl | She who is a mistress | |
Tadeen | Boy | The one who informs | |
Tafazal | Boy | Old age; An aged man | |
Tahmaseb | Boy | Name of character in Shahnameh | |
Tahoor | Boy | The one who purifies | |
Taial | Boy | Nature | |
Taisir | Boy | Felicitation | |
Tarfaan | Boy | The one who translates | |
Tawkeel | Boy | To trust in God | |
Tirdad | Boy | A character in Shahnameh | |
Tishk | Boy | Sunlight | |
Urrab | Boy | The one who is eloquent and fluent | |
Vahar | Boy | The season spring | |
Xobeen | Boy | Spear | |
Yadid | Boy | A beloved friend | |
Yafir | Boy | The one who leaves a mark | |
Yalina | Girl | One who is soft and delicate | |
Yamar | Boy | Life; Alive | |
Yameena | Girl | One who is prospering | |
Yaquta | Girl | Gold, ruby, pearl, and coral; A term used for gemstones | |
Yaseera | Girl | One who is blessed and living well | |
Yashem | Boy | A green leaf | |
Yazan | Boy | A determined man | |
Yazeed | Boy | He who makes progress | |
Yeraz | Boy | Dream | |
Yergha | Boy | The one who strikes | |
Yesoob | Boy | A guiding person | |
Yureed | Boy | Want; Desire | |
Pakistani baby names with meanings encompass the rich cultural tapestry and diverse heritage of this vibrant nation. From religious names inspired by the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad to names derived from various regional languages, each name carries the essence of religious symbolism. Naming a Pakistani child is a cherished tradition that reflects a strong sense of identity and pride in the child’s cultural roots.
Infographic: Unique Pakistani Baby Names With Meanings
Pakistani baby names display a fascinating blend of culture, history, and religion. With a diverse array of choices inspired by Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and regional languages, each name carries its own unique charm and meaning. From traditional classics to modern innovations, this infographic will enable you to delve into some of the unique Pakistani baby name choices for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some traditional Pakistani baby names?
Some traditional Pakistani baby names include Fatima, Muhammad, Aisha, Ali, Yusuf, Hamza, Maryam, Bilal, and Noor. These names often have Islamic origins and are widely used in the country.
2. What are some family traditions in Pakistan while naming a child?
In Pakistan, it is common for families to consult with relatives, elders, or religious leaders for guidance when naming a child. They may also name the child after a beloved family member or use names that have been passed down through generations.
3. How do Pakistani parents ensure their baby's name is appropriate and respectful?
Pakistani parents consider cultural norms and religious sensitivities to ensure the baby's name is appropriate and respectful. They may consult religious scholars and family members or use online resources to verify the name's meaning and cultural context.
4. What are some popular Arabic baby names used in Pakistan?
Ayesha, Omar, Khadija, Ali, Layla, Hasan, Huda, Zain, Salma, and Youssef are some popular Arabic names used in Pakistan. These names have religious significance in Islam and are widely used across different cultures.
References:
- Personal Names in Pakistan: Onomastic Beliefs, Naming Practices, and Islam's Influence
https://www.jstor.org/stable/ - A Guide to Names and Naming Practices
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf