Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Urdu, a language steeped in poetic expression, offers a wide range of names that evoke emotions and convey deep meanings. This post on Urdu baby names brings you an exhaustive list of names that you can explore and choose a perfect one for your little angel.
The Ganges-Yamuna region near Delhi is considered the birthplace of the Indo-Aryan language, Urdu. Urdu was initially formed from Hindustani, which was the common spoken language in Northern India before India's partition in 1947 (1).
In India, Pakistan, and their adjoining regions, Urdu is the primary language. Hence, people opt for Urdu names for their children. And why not? After all, Urdu is one of the most magnificent languages. It touches the heart with its lacy words and pronunciations. Eloquent yet indescribable, each of these names is laced with such poetry that it would put a smile on the face of the readers.
From the melodious sounds to the profound significance, Urdu names carry the essence of the culture they belong to. Whether you're seeking a name for your little one or simply intrigued by the linguistic elegance of Urdu, this exploration will certainly enthrall your senses.
One of the remarkable aspects of Urdu names is their inherent connection to nature, spirituality, and attributes. Names inspired by flora, like Tasmeekh, meaning living in fragrance, or Aisa meaning moonlike, emanate a sense of beauty and divinity. Moreover, the profound impact of Islamic culture is evident in names like Abdul (meaning 'religious one') and Emran (meaning 'progress').
Each of these names is laden with rich culture, heritage, and poise. Read along to explore the essence of Urdu names from the past and present times, blending together history and modernity. Take your pick from this vast collection of names and let your child be a part of this rich Asian culture.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Liba |  |  Girl | The one who is the most beautiful of them all |
| Lubena | | Girl | A state of purity and innocence |
| Ma | | Girl | The heights |
| Mahabbah | | Girl | An affectionate and loving woman |
| Maham | | Girl | The wife of the mughal ruler Zahir |
| Mahliqa | | Girl | She who has a face like a moon |
| Mahneerah | | Girl | A firstborn twin |
| Mahwish | | Girl | One who is pretty like the Moon |
| Mamoor | |  Boy | A place that is inhabited and civilized |
| Manahil | | Girl | A girl who is like a spring of fresh water |
| Maqadar | | Boy | Fate; Destiny |
| Maqboola | | Girl | A person who is acknowledged and accepted |
| Maqbul | | Boy | A prayer that is accepted by God |
| Maqbula | | Girl | A prayer acknowledged and accepted by God |
| Marqooma | | Girl | A well-defined person; Someone who is good in writing |
| Masheer | | Boy | A person who is a good advisor |
| Mashmool | | Girl | A girl that is sought after |
| Masoon | | Girl | A well protected girl who is always safeguarded |
| Masrurah | | Girl | A delighted and pleased woman |
| Mawara | | Girl | Superior |
| Mawhooba | | Girl | Talented woman |
| Mawhoub | | Boy | A Muslim male name |
| Mawsoofa | | Girl | One who is worthy of being described |
| Mayameen | | Girl | A woman blessed with bravery |
| Mehrvash | | Girl | Like the sun |
| Midhah | | Girl | Tribute or inspiration |
| Midhat | | Girl | The formal expression of praise |
| Mir | | Boy | An aristocrat; A commander; A prince |
| Misaal | | Boy | An example or the one who is compared with |
| Mohaddisa | | Girl | Bright, glittering, and shining like a crystal; Giving shining brightness |
| Mohsana | | Girl | A person bearing the nature and sweetness of Honey |
| Naajy | | Boy | Free from danger or the threat of damage |
| Naaz | | Girl | Self-respecting; Charming |
| Nabawia | | Girl | Foretells events via supernatural means; Farsighted through spiritual mediation |
| Nabawiya | | Girl | A farsighted person through spiritual mediation |
| Nabi | | Boy | Prophet; Beautiful; Butterfly; Apple tree |
| Nafay | | Girl | Full of profitable income and turnover |
| Nafi | | Boy | Beneficial to others |
| Nafia | | Girl | A person who benefits others |
| Nagheen | | Girl | Gem-stone |
| Nahiya | | Boy | Advisor |
| Nahiza | | Girl | Elevated person |
| Nahleejah | | Girl | Cool-tempered person |
| Naif nail | | Boy | Acquirer or earner |
| Nairab | | Boy | Saintly person |
| Nakhat | | Girl | Perfume or scent or bouquet or sweet smell |
| Namazzi | | Boy | One who prays five times a day according to Islam |
| Nashmia | | Girl | Flower garden |
| Nasuh | | Boy | Sincere or faithful person |
| Natila | | Girl | Family member; System; Sake; Relative; Path |
| Naushaba | | Girl | Medicine or solution or tonic |
| Nawla | | Girl | A gift or a grant, a present |
| Nawwaab | | Boy | the richest person of the community |
| Nawwab | | Boy | The title given to the rich person |
| Naz | | Girl | The pride; The delicacy |
| Nazaakat | |  Unisex | The delicacy or the tenderness |
| Nazaam | | Boy | The disciple or the order of the world |
| Nazaat | | Boy | Liberation or freedom |
| Nazafarin | | Girl | The beautiful delicacy of a girl |
| Nazah | | Girl | The purity of a person |
| Nazaha | | Girl | The person who is on right |
| Nazahah | | Girl | The just or fair person |
| Nazakat | | Boy | The delicate person |
| Nazam | | Girl | The poetry defining a particular thing |
| Nazaneen | | Girl | Very beautiful |
| Nazanin | | Girl | A charming lady with delicacy |
| Nazanina | | Girl | One who charm others with her delicacy |
| Nazar | | Boy | The vision; The eyesight |
| Nazara | | Boy | The scenery; A vision of a person |
| Nazarah | | Boy | A beautiful scenery |
| Nazarha | | Boy | A sight or a vision of a person |
| Nazer | | Unisex | The eyesight; A vision of an eyesight |
| Nazgul | | Girl | A beautiful or a delicate flower |
| Nazimuddin | | Boy | The governor of the religion |
| Nazm | | Girl | A poem in context of a particular thing or person |
| Nazma | | Girl | The bright and shining star of the sky |
| Nazmi | | Girl | Arranger |
| Nazmil | | Girl | Like a beautiful poem |
| Nazmin | | Girl | The delicate girl; A beautiful girl |
| Nazmiya | | Girl | The melodious poem |
| Nazneem | | Girl | An exquisitely beautiful girl |
| Nazneen | | Girl | the most beautiful lady |
| Naznin | | Girl | The most charming lady |
| Nazpari | | Girl | The charming or beautiful as a fairy |
| Nazr | | Boy | The present or a gift |
| Nazrat | | Boy | One who is of great pride |
| Nazreen | | Girl | One who is watching the spectators |
| Nazuk | | Girl | A tender or a delicate person |
| Nazz | | Girl | The delicacy; Charm or the pride |
| Nijad | | Boy | The one who is tallest among the people |
| Nijamo | | Boy | One who has governing power |
| Nirmeet | | Girl | Energetic water which is highly necessary to live in this world |
| Nirmesh | | Girl | Honeyed and sweet smelling |
| Nirvikar | | Girl | Bight and powerful nimble |
| Nohreen | | Girl | One who is glittering brightly |
| Noorulhuda | | Boy | Dainty of the true direction |
| Noorullah | | Boy | The brightness of the almighty God Allah |
| Nooruzzaman | | Boy | The bright nimble of the period |
| Noshaba | | Girl | Energetic water which is highly necessary to live in this world |
| Nosheen | | Girl | Honeyed and sweet smelling |
Urdu baby names serve as links to the past and present generations, carrying the wealth of traditions. From nature-inspired names to the strong faith-based ones, each choice reflects values and dreams. So, whether you're soon to welcome a new family member or have embarked on this journey out of curiosity, remember that every name hides a story waiting to be told. Explore the depths of this vibrant culture with this list of Urdu names and share it with close ones who are in pursuit of unique and elegant names.
Infographic: Exploring The Kaleidoscope of Urdu Baby Names
Urdu is a language known for its delicate enunciation of words, leading to a unique charm. Many parents find the language’s sophistication alluring, making them consider an Urdu name for their child. In the following infographic, we have compiled some of the finest Urdu names you may consider for your baby.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Urdu baby names have any special meanings?
Urdu names have great cultural significance. Many names in this culture have an adjective, which conveys how parents want their child to be. The names symbolize qualities that society upholds, such as beauty, strength, patience, and generosity. For example, Aaidah means ‘narrator of hadith.’ Batool means ‘pure and chaste,’ Fiza means ‘open-hearted,’ and Dua means ‘devotion.’
2. Are there any traditional naming customs in Urdu-speaking cultures?
Urdu or Pakistani names have origins in Arabic, Indo-Persian, and Turkish cultures. Since tribal and familial identity is given much consideration, people add their tribe's name to their family’s. Traditional Arabic-Abrahamic names are prolific. Some examples are Muhammad, Yusuf, and Ali. However, today European-style naming systems gained much popularity in Pakistan (2).
3. Are there any gender-neutral Urdu baby names?
Yes. There are some gender-neutral names in Urdu you can use for your child. These include Gohar, meaning precious stone, Lakisha, meaning alive, Hareem, meaning a superior man, and Hamas, meaning enthusiasm.
4. What is the role of religion in choosing Urdu baby names?
The Urdu-speaking people give the first name, sometimes just an honorary name. It shows a connection with the Islamic faith. A second shorter name is then given to the baby, by which they are commonly known. Muslims also avoid using names that convey worshiping anything other than Allah. Parents also seek the suggestions of grandparents and Imam while naming their baby.
References
- Urdu and Persian
https://www.aiislanguageprograms.org/lp/urdu - Pakistani Culture.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/pakistani-culture/pakistani-culture-naming
