ISLAMIC NAMES

When to Name the Child

The Hadith about when the child is to be named falls into two classes:

1. Those which mention naming the child on the seventh day after the birth. Like the Hadith

of Samurah - (RA) who said: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said:

"Every child is held in pledge for his' Aqeeqah which is sacrificed for him on his seventh day, and he is named on it and his head is shaved" (Reported by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and the remaining 3 Sunan)

The Hadith that the Messenger (SAW) ordered that the child be named on the seventh day, that the harm be removed from him and the sacrifice (the 'Aqeeqah) be performed. (Reported by Al-Tirmidhee)

2. And those which indicate naming the child on the day of its birth. From these is the Hadith of Anas (RA) who said: Allah's Messenger (SAW) said:

"A boy was born to me this night and I have given him the name of my forefather Ibrahim. (Reported by Muslim and Abu Dawud)

Allah's Messenger (SAW) also named 'Abdullaah ibn Abee Taihah. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Another baby was brought to him after birth and he called it al-Mundhir (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) and there are many examples like this.

So from the previous Hadith we can see that the time for giving the name is something flexible - and all praise and thanks are for Allah (SWT) - so it may be named on the day of the birth, or delayed until the seventh day after birth - just as it is allowed between the two and later on. However, the time when it is recommended to name the child is the seventh day after the birth since that occurs in the words of the

Prophet (SWT) and so it is taken to be a recommendation and the Hadith mentioning the day of its birth report the Prophet's (SAW) action - and are, therefore, taken to show & what is permissible?

Names that are preferred, and that are undesirable.

The name given to the child must be meaningful, lovely and good. On the Day of Resurrection, a person will be called by his name and the names of his parents. Therefore, a good name must be selected. (Abu Dawood) Allah, the Exalted, likes best the names Abdullah and Abdur Rahman. (Muslim)

Those names must not be given to the child, that affect his personality or become a cause of ridicule. The Messenger of Allah, (Sallallaho alaihe Wasallam) always changed names that were derogatory (Tirmizi) The name of one of the daughters of Sayyidna Umar was Asiyah (meaning, disobedient), the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe Wasallam) changed it to Jamilah. (Tirmizi and ibn Majah) Besides, the Noble Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe Wasallam) changed such names as Aziz, Utlah (hardness, thickness), Satan, Hukm, Ghurab (crow), Habab (snake, Satan). (abu Dawood) He also changed the names, Harb (war) into Silm (peace), Muztaja' (one who lies down) into Mumbais (one who is prepared, ready), Banu az-Zania (the product of adultery) into Banu ar-Rushdah (good people) Banu al-Maghwiyah (one who misleads) into Banu ar-Rushdah.

We must not give names that intimate to ill omen or bad character. The grandfather of Sayyidna Sa'id bin al Musayyab presented himself before the Noble Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe Wasallam) asked him his name "Hizn" was the reply (meaning, hard ground, surliness). He said, "Your name is Sahl (easy) . He replied, "How can I change the name given to me by my father?" Sayyidna Sa'id says that from then on hardness of character is found among us. (Bukhari) Sayyidna Yahya bin Sa' id says that Sayyidna Umar asked a person his name. He replied, " Jamrah" (live coals "And the name of your father?" ' Shihab (meteor). "With whom are you connected? He replied, "Harqah" (burning). Sayyidna Umar asked him, "Where do you live?" "Harrat un-Nar" (heat of fire). "Where is it?" "Zat Lazza" (flames of fire). Sayyidna Umar e (Radhiallaho Anho) said to him, "Go home, quickly! The people of your house have perished from burning". It turned out so truly (Malik in Muwatta)

The name selected for the child must be other than a name of Allah; thus, it should not be Ahad, Khaliq or Razzaq. It is permissible, however, to name the child Abdul Ahad, Abdus Samad or any other name of Allah compounded with Abdul.

When Sayyidna Hani came to Madinah with his people, they called him Abu Hakm. The Messenger of Allah, (Sallallaho alaihe Wasallam), said, "Only Allah, the Exalted, is Hakm. He alone is the One Who decides. Why do they call you Abu Hakm?" He replied, "If a dispute arises among my community, they ask me to decide between them. Both the parties are happy with my decision". He said, "This is commendable. We must settle the disputes of our folk. Say, do you have any son?" "I have three sons, Sharih, Muslim and Abdullah." "Who is the eldest?" "Sharih is the eldest." The Prophet said, "Your kuniyah (title) is Abu Sharih.( abu Dawood)

According to a hadith, on the Day of Resurrection, the worst of all persons in the eyes of Allah and liable to punishment will be he whom people will call Shahinshah (King) Only Allah, the Exalted, is Shahinshah (meaning, King of the monarchs) and kingdom belongs to Him alone. (Muslim)

We must not give names to our children that indicate good fortune. Suppose the names to be Aflah (successful) Nafe' (profitable), Ribah (beneficial), Yasr (easy). if in a gathering, someone calls out a person by such a name and he is not there, the answer "not here" might imply that this characteristic is lacking in that assembly. Ahadith says: Allah, the Exalted, likes most four phrases subhaan Allah, wal. hamd u lillah, wa la ilaha ill Allah and Allah u akbar.

Do not give your sons the names of Yasar, Najeeh or Aflah. You will ask for them. If they are not there, the person replying would say 'not here'. These are four names; do not refer to me after adding to these names (abu Dawood, Tirmizi)

While naming their children, parents must ensure that the names they select signify servitude to Allah alone and to no false deity. They may not associate or bondage even to the name Nabi. Certain forbidden names include Abdul Uzza, Abdul Ka'bah, and Abdun Nabi. Similarly, parents must not give names to their children that emphasize love and romance. Some of these names are: Hiyam, Beef'a, Nihau, Sosan, Miyadah, Gadah, Ahlam. These mean 'violent love', 'slim waist', 'large bosomed', 'fragrant flower', 'walks swinging to and fro', 'soft and delicate woman', 'dream'. Islam envisages Muslims as a people of remarkable attributes. When parents select vulgar and romantic names, they risk tainting the character of the child.

The Messenger of Allah,(Sallallaho alaihe Wasallam) has encouraged his follower (Ummah) to call their children with meaningful names. He has suggested names of the Noble Prophets, (Sallallaho alaihe Wasallam) Abdullah or Abdur Rahman. This, because they may stay the best of Ummah and fulfil their duty diligently in guiding humanity to Islam and truth. The words of a hadith are: Keep the names of the Noble Prophets,(Sallallaho alaihe Wasallam) Allah, the Exalted, loves most the names Abdullah and Abdur Rahman. The most truthful names are Harith and Humam. The most disliked names, and vulgar too, are Harb and Murrah (respectively, war and bitter.

Islamic Names for Boys

A

Aban - Old Arabic name
Abbas - Description of a lion
Abbud - Worshipper
Abbudin - Worshippers
Abdul, Abdel - Servant (of Allah)
Abdul-Alim - Servant of the Omniscient
Abdul-Aliyy - Servant of the Most High
Abdul-Azim - Servant of the Mighty
Abdul-Aziz - Servant of the Powerful One
Abdul-Bari - Servant of the Creator
Abdul-Basit - Servant of the Extender
Abdul-Fattah - Servant of the Opener (of the gates of sustenance)
Abdul-Ghaffar, Abdul-Ghafur - Servant of the Forgiver
Abdul-Hadi - Servant of the Guide
Abdul-Hafiz - Servant of the Protector
Abdul-Hakam - Servant of the Arbitrator
Abdul-Hakim - Servant of the Wise One
Abdul-Halim - Servant of the Mild, Patient One
Abdul-Hamid - Servant of the Praised One
Abdul-Haqq - Servant of the Truth
Abdul-Hasib - Servant of the Respected, Esteemed
Abdul-Jabbar - Servant of the Mighty
Abdul-Jalil - Servant of the Great, Revered One
Abdul-Karim - Servant of the Noble, Generous One
Abdul-Khaliq - Servant of the Creator
Abdul-Latif - Servant of the Kind One
Abdul-Malik - Servant of the Master (or King)
Abdul-Majid - Servant of the Glorious One
Abdul-Matin - Servant of the Firm, Strong
Abdul-Muhaimin - Servant of the Supervising, the Guardian, the Protector
Abdul-Mu'izz - Servant of the Giver of Might and Glory
Abdul-Mujib - Servant of the Responder
Abdul-Muta'al - Servant of the Most High
Abdul-Nasser - Servant of the Victorious One
Abdul-Nasir - Servant of the Helper, Protector
Abdul-Qadir - Servant of the Capable, Powerful
Abdul-Qahhar - Servant of the Subduer, the Almighty
Abdul-Quddus - Servant of the Most Holy
Abdul-Rafi - Servant of the One Who Raises, Elevates (intellect, esteem)
Abdul-Rahim - Servant of the Most Compassionate One
Abdul-Rahman - Servant of the Merciful One
Abdul-Rashid - Servant of the Rightly Guided One
Abdul-Ra'uf - Servant of the Most Merciful
Abdul-Razzaq - Servant of the Maintainer, the Provider
Abdul-Sabur - Servant of the Patient
Abdul-Salam - Servant of the Peace
Abdul-Samad - Servant of the Eternal
Abdul-Sami - Servant of the All-Hearing
Abdul-Shakur - Servant of the Most Thankful
Abdul-Tawwab - Servant of the Forgiver
Abdul-Wadud - Servant of the Loving
Abdul-Wahhab - Servant of the Giver
Abdul-Wahid - Servant of the One
Abdullah - Servant of God
Abu Bakr - Name of one of Muhammad's companions
Abu al Khayr - One who does good
Adel - Just
Adham - Black
Adnan - Proper name
Afif, Afeef - Chaste, modest
Ahmad, Ahmed - Most highly adored, or most praised; variation of the name "Muhammad"
Akil - Intelligent, thoughtful, one who uses reason
Akram - Most generous
Ala' - Nobility
Aladdin, Ala' al din - Nobility of faith
Ali, Aliyy - The highest, greatest, excellent, noble
Alim - Wise or learned
Altair - The flying eagle; also refers to a first magnitude star in the constellation Lyra
Amid - General
Amin, Ameen - Faithful, trustworthy
Amir, Ameer - Prince
Amjad - More glorious
Ammar - Builder, constructor
Amr - Old Arabic name
Anis - Close friend
Anwar - Light
Arfan - Gratitude
Arif - Corporal; aquainted, knowledgable
Asad - Lion
Asadel - Most prosperous one
Ashraf - Most honorable
Asif - Forgiveness
Asim - Protector, defender
Aswad - Black
Ata - Gift
Atif - Compassionate, sympathetic
Awad - Reward, compensation
Ayman - Lucky; on the right
Ayyub, Ayoob - A Prophet's name
Aza - Comfort
Azhar - Most shining, luminous
Azeem, Azim - Defender, referring to one of God's ninety-nine qualities
Azzam - Determined, resolved

B

Badr - Full moon
Badr al Din - Full moon of the faith
Baha - Beautiful, magnificent
Baha al Din, Bahiyy al Din - Magnificence of the faith
Bahir - Dazzling, brilliant
Barakah - Blessing
Bashshar - Bringer of glad tidings
Basil - Brave
Bassam, Basim - Smiling
Bilal - Name of the Prophet's Muezzin
Bishr - Joy
Burhan - Proof

D

Dabir - Secretary
Da'ud, Dawud - Arabic form of "David", beloved; a Prophet's name
Dhul Fiqar - Name of the Prophet's sword
Diya al Din - Brightness of the faith

E

Emir - To command
Esam, Essam - Safeguard

F

Fadi - Redeemer
Fadil - Generous, honorable
Fahd, Fahad - Lynx
Faisal, Faysal - Decisive
Fakhir - Proud, excellent
Fakhiri, Fakhry - Honorary
Fakih - Legal expert; one who recites the Qu'ran
Farid, Fareed - Unique
Fariq, Fareeq - Lieutenant General
Faris - Horseman, knight
Faruq, Farooq - One who distinguishes truth from falsehood
Fath - Victory
Fatin, Fateen - Clever, smart
Fawwaz - Successful
Ferran - Baker
Fida - Redemption, sacrifice
Firas - Perspicacity
Fouad - Heart
Fudail - Excellent in character

G

Gamal, Gamali - Camel
Ghalib - Victor
Ghassan - Old Arabic name
Ghazi - Conqueror
Ghiyath - Succorer

H

Habib - Beloved
Hadi - Guiding to the right
Hakeem, Hakim - Wise, one of God's ninety-nine qualities
Hakem - Ruler, governor
Halim - Mild, gentle, patient
Hamal - Lamb
Hamdan - The praised one; variation of the name "Muhammad"
Hamid - The praised one; variation of the name "Muhammad"
Hamzah - Lion
Hanbal - Purity
Hani - Happy, delighted, content
Hanif - True believer
Harith - Ploughman, cultivator
Haroun, Harun - Arabic form of "Aaron"; lofty or exalted; A Prophet's name
Hashim - Broker, destroyer of evil; Hashim was a descendent of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Hassan - Beautiful, handsome
Hatim - Judge
Haytham - Young hawk
Hilal - Moon
Hilel - The new moon
Hisham - Generosity
Hud, Houd - A Prophet's name
Hudhayfah - Old Arabic name
Humam - Courageous, generous
Husain, Hussein - Little beauty; Hussein was a descendent of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Husam - Sword
Husam al Din - Sword of the faith
Husayn - Beautiful

I

Ibrahim - Father of a multitude; a Prophet's name (Abraham)
Idris - A Prophet's name
Ihsan - Beneficence
Imad - Support, pillar
Imad al Din - Pillar of the faith
Imran - A Prophet's name
Irfan - Thankfulness
Isa, Eisa - A Prophet's name (Jesus)
Isam, Issam - Safeguard
Ishaq - A Prophet's name
Isma'il - A Prophet's name
Izz al Din - Might of the faith

J

Jabbar - Mighty
Jabir - Consoler, Comforter
Jafar - Rivulet
Jalal - Glory of the faith
Jalil, Jaleel - Great, revered
Jamal - Beauty
Jamal al Din - Beauty of the faith
Jamil, Jameel - Beautiful
Jawad - Open-handed, generous
Jawhar - Jewel, essence
Jibril - Archangel of Allah (Gabriel)
Jihad - Struggle, holy war
Jumah - Born on Friday

K

Kadar, Kedar - Powerful
Kadeen, Kadin - Friend, companion, confidant
Kadeer, Kadir - Green or green crop (connoting freshness and innocence)
Kahil - Friend, lover
Kaliq - Creative, refers to a quality of God
Kamal - Beauty, perfection
Kamil, Kameel - Perfect; one of the ninety-nine qualities of God
Kardal - Mustard seed
Karif, Kareef - Born in Autumn
Karim, Kareem - Generous, noble, friendly, precious and distinguished
Kasib, Kaseeb - Fertile
Kaseem, Kasim - Divided
Kateb - Writer
Khaldun, Khaldoon - Old Arabic name
Khalid, Khaled - Eternal
Khalil, Khaleel, Kalil - Beautiful, good friend
Khatib - Religious Minister
Khair al Din - The good of the faith
Khairy, Khayri - Charitable, beneficent
Khuzaymah - Old Arabic name

L

Labib, Labeeb - Sensible, intelligent
Latif - Gentle, kind, pleasant, friendly
Luqman - Name of a wise man in Islamic history.
Lutfi - Kind and friendly

M

Mahdi - Guided to the right path
Mahir - Skilled
Mahmud, Mahmoud - The praised one; variation of the name "Muhammad"
Maimun - Lucky
Majdy - Glorious
Majid al Din - Glory of the Faith
Majid, Majd - Glorious
Makin - Strong, firm
Malik - Master, angel, king
Mamdouh - One who is commended, praised, glorified
Ma'mun - Trustworthy
Ma'n - Benefit
Mansur - Divinely aided
Marid - Rebellious
Marzuq - Blessed by God, fortunate
Mash'al - Torch
Mas'ud - Fortunate, happy, lucky
Mazin - Proper name
Misbah - Lamp
Mohammed - Praised; from "Muhammad", name of the Prophet (pbuh)
Mu'adh - Protected
Mu'awiyah - Young fox (first Umayyad Kalifah)
Mu'ayyad - Supported
Mubarak - Happy, blessed
Mufid, Mufeed - Useful
Muhammad - Praised; the name of the Prophet (pbuh)
Muhanned - Sword
Muhsin - Beneficient, charitable
Muhtadi - Rightly guided
Mujahid - Fighter (in the way of Allah)
Mukhtar - Chosen
Mundhir - Warner, cautioner
Munir, Muneer - Brilliant, shining
Muntasir - Victorious
Murtadi, Murtadhy - Satisfied, content
Musa, Moosa - A Prophet's name (Moses)
Mus'ad - Unfettered camel
Muslim - Submitting oneself to God
Mustafa - Chosen one
Muta - Obeyed
Mu'tasim - Adhering (to faith, to God)
Mu'tazz - Proud, mighty
Muti - Obedient
Muwaffaq - Successful

N

Nabhan, Nabih - Noble, outstanding
Nabil, Nabeel - Noble
Nadhir - Warner
Nadim, Nadeem - Friend
Nadir - Dear, rare
Naif Na'il - Aquirer, earner
Naim - Comfort, ease, tranquility
Naji - Safe
Najib, Najeeb - Of noble descent
Najjar - Carpenter
Najm al Din - Star of the faith
Nasih - Advisor
Nasim - Fresh air
Nasir, Nasser - Protector
Nasir al Din - Protector of the faith
Nasser - Victorious
Nawfal - Generous, old Arabic name for the Sea
Nazih, Nazeeh - Pure, chaste
Nazim, Nazeem - Arranger, adjuster
Nuh, Nooh - A Prophet's name
Numair - Panther
Nu'man - Blood
Nur al Din - Brightness of the faith
Nuri, Noori - Shining, brightness

O

Omar - Long life, first son, most high, the Prophet's follower
Omran - Solid structure

Q

Qasim - Divider, distributor
Qays - Firm
Qudamah - Courage
Qutaybah, Qutaiba - Irritable, impatient

R

Rabah - Gainer
Rabi - Spring, breeze
Rafi - Exalting
Rafiq - Kind, friend
Raghib, Ragheb - Desirous
Rahman - Compassionate, merciful; referring to qualities of God listed in the Qu'ran
Ra'id - Leader
Rais - Captain
Rakin - Respectful
Rashad - Integrity of conduct
Rashid - One of good council; rightly guided, having true faith
Ratib - Arranger
Rayhan - favored by God
Reda, Rida, Ridha - (In God's) favor; contentment, satisfaction
Ridwan - Acceptance, good will; name of the keeper of the gates of Heaven
Riyad, Riyadh - Gardens

S

Sabih, Sabeeh - Beautiful
Sabir, Sabeer - Patient
Saad - Good luck
Sadaqat - Charity
Sa'eed, Sa'id - Happy
Safiy - Best friend
Safwan - Rocks
Sahir - Wakeful
Sajid - One who worships God
Salah - Righteousness
Salah al Din - Righteousness of the Faith
Saleh, Salih - Good, right
Salim, Saleem - Safe, whole, flawless
Salman - Safe
Sameh - Forgiver
Sami - High, lofty, exalted
Samir, Sameer - Entertaining companion
Samman - Grocer
Saqr - Falcon
Sariyah - Clouds at night
Saud - Fortunate
Sayyid - Master
Seif, Sayf - Sword (of religion)
Seif al Din - Sword of the faith
Shadi - Singer
Shafiq, Shafeeq - Compassionate, tender
Shakir - Thankful
Sharif, Shareef - Honest, noble, distinguished
Shihab - Flame, blaze
Siraj - Lamp, light
Sofian - Devoted
Subhi - Early morning
Suhail, Suhayl - Gentle, easy; the name of a star
Suhayb - Of reddish hair or complexion
Sulaiman, Sulayman - A Prophet's name (Solomon)
Su'ud, Suoud - Good luck

T

Tahir - Pure, clean
Talal - Nice, admirable
Talib - Seeker (of truth)
Tamir - One who owns date palm trees
Tamam - Generous
Tarif, Tareef - Rare, uncommon
Tariq - Name of a star
Tawfiq - Success, reconciliation
Taymullah - Servant of God
Taysir - Facilitation
Tayyib - Good or delicate
Thabit - Firm
Thaqib - Shooting Star

U

Ubadah, Ubaida, Ubaydah - Servant of God
Ubaid - Faithful
Ubayy - Old Arabic name
Umar - Name of the second Khalifa
Umarah - Old Arabic name
Umayr, Umair - Old Arabic name
Usama, Usamah - Description of a lion
Utbah - Old Arabic name
Uthman - One of the companions of the Prophet (pbuh)

W

Wadi - Calm, peaceful
Wafiq, Wafeeq - Successful
Wahid - Singular, exclusive, unequalled
Wa'il - Coming back (for Shelter)
Wajih, Wajeeh - Noble
Wakil - Lawyer
Waleed, Walid - Newborn child
Walliyullah - Supporter of God
Wasim, Waseem - Graceful, good looking
Wazir - Minister

Y

Yahyah - A Prophet's name
Yaman - Proper name
Ya'qub - Arabic form of "Jacob"
Yasar, Yasser - Wealth, ease
Yasin, Yaseen - One of Muhammad's names
Yasir - Wealthy
Yazid, Yazeed - God will increase
Youssef, Yusef, Yusuf - Arabic form of "Joseph"; to increase (in power and influence); a Prophet's name
Yunus, Yoonus - A Prophet's name
Yushua - God saves
Yusuf - A Prophet's name (Joseph)

Z

Zafir - Victorious
Zahid - Self-denying or ascetic
Zahir - Bright, shining
Zaid, Zayd - Increase, growth
Zaim - Brigadier General
Zakariyya - A Prophet's name
Zaki - Intelligent
Zakiy - Pure
Ziyad - Super abundance
Zuhair, Zuhayr – Bright

Islamic Names for Girls

A

Abia - Great
Abida - Worshipper
Abir, Abeer - Fragrance
Ablah, Abla' - Perfectly formed
Abra - Example, lesson
A'dab - Hope and need
Adara - Virgin
Adiba - Cultured, polite
Adila, Adilah, Adeela - Equal
Adiva - Pleasant, gentle
Afaf - Chaste, virtuous, decent, pure
Afifah - Chaste
Afra' - White
Ahd - Pledge, knowledge
Ahlam - Witty; one who has pleasant dreams; imaginative
A'idah, Aida - Visiting, returning; reward
Ain - Eye, thus "precious"
Aini - Spring, flower, source, choice
A'ishah, Aisha, Ayishah - Living, prosperous, youngest wife of the Prophet (pbuh)
Akilah - Intelligent, logical, one who reasons
Alhena - A ring; (A star in the constellation Gemini)
Alima - Wise
Alimah - Skilled in music or dance
Aliyyah, Aliah, A'lia - Exaulted, noble, highest social standing
Almas - Diamond
Aludra - Virgin
Alzubra - (A star in the constellation Leo)
Amal, A'mal, Amala - Hopes, aspirations
Amani - Wishes, aspirations
Amatullah - Female servant of Allah
Amber - Jewel
Aminah, Ameena - Trustworthy, faithful
Amineh - Faithful
Amirah, Ameera - Princess, leader
Amtullah - Female servant of Allah
Anan - Clouds
Anbar - Perfume, ambergris
Anisah - Close, intimate, good friend
Anwar - Rays of light
Ara - Opinions
Areebah - Witty, smart
Arub - Loving to her husband
Asima - Protector
Asiya - One who tends to the weak, one who heals
Asma' - Excellent, precious; daughter of Abu Bakr
Atifa - Affection, sympathy
Atiya - Gift
Ayah - Sign; distinct
Azhar - Flowers, blossoms
Azizah, Azeeza - Esteemed, precious, cherished
Azzah - Young, female gazelle

B

Badi'a - Unprecedented, admirable, unique
Badra - Full moon
Badriyyah - Resembling the full moon
Bahira, Baheera - Dazzling, brilliant
Bahiya - Beautiful, radiant
Balqis - Name of the Queen of Sheba
Banan - Delicate, finger tips
Baraka - White one
Bari'ah - Excelling
Barika - Bloom, be successful
Bashirah, Basheera - Bringer of good tidings, joy
Basimah, Baseema - Smiling
Basmah - A smile
Batul, Batool - Ascetic virgin
Bilqis - Queen of Sheeba
Bushra - Good Omen
Buthaynah, Buthayna - Of beautiful and tender body

C

Cala - Castle
Cantara - Small bridge

D

Dahab - Gold
Dalal - Treated or touched in a kind and loving way
Duha, Dhuha - Forenoon

F

Fadilah, Fadheela - Virtuous, outstanding, superior, cultured and refined
Fadwa - Name derived from self-sacrifice
Faizah - Victorious, winner
Falak - Star
Farah - Joy
Faridah, Fareeda - Unique, matchless, precious pearl or gem
Farihah, Fareeha - Happy, joyful, cheerful, glad
Fatimah, Fatima - Accustom; Daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)
Fatin or Fatinah - Captivating, alluring, enchanting
Fawziyyah, Fawziya, Fazia - Successful, victorious
Fellah - Arabian jasmine
Firyal - Name
Firdaws, Firdoos - Highest garden in Paradise

G

Ghadah - Beautiful
Ghaliyah - Fragrant
Ghaniyah - Pretty girl, beautiful woman, beauty
Ghayda - Young and delicate
Ghusun, Ghusoon - Branches of a tree

H

Habibah - Beloved, sweetheart, darling
Hadiya - Guide to righteousness
Hadiyyah - A gift
Hafsah - Wife of the Prophet (pbuh)
Hafthah - Preserved, protected
Haifa, Hayfa' - Slender, of beautiful body
Halah - Aureole
Halimah, Haleema - Gentle, patient, mild-tempered
Hamidah, Hameeda - Praiseworthy
Hana' - Happiness
Hanan - Mercy
Hanifah, Hanifa, Haneefa - True believer
Haniyyah - Pleased, happy
Hasna' - Beautiful
Hayam - Deliriously in love
Hayat - Life
Hessa - Destiny
Hibah - Gift
Hind - Proper name
Huda, Hooda - Right guidance
Huma - Bird who brings joy
Huriyyah, Hooriya - Angel
Husn - Beauty
Husniyah - Beautiful

I

Ibtihaj - Joy
Ikram - Honor, hospitality, generosity
Ilham - Intuition
Iman - Faith, belief
Imtithal - Polite obedience
In'am - Kindness, benefaction, bestowal
Inas - Sociability
Inaya - Concern; solicitude
Intisar - Triumph
Izdihar - Flourishing, blooming

J

Jala' - Clarity, elucidation
Jamilah, Jameela - Beautiful, graceful, lovely
Janan - Heart, soul
Johara - Jewel
Jumanah - Silver pearl

K

Kalila - Sweetheart, beloved
Kamilah - Perfect
Karida - Untouched
Karimah, Kareema - Generous, noble
Kawthar - River in Paradise
Khadijah, Khadeeja - First wife of the Prophet (pbuh)
Khalidah - Immortal
Khayriyyah, Khairiya - Charitable, good
Khulud, Khulood - Immortality
Kulthum, Kulthoom - Daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)

L

Lama - Darkness of lips
Lamis, Lamees - Soft to the touch
Lamya' - Of dark lips
Latifah, Lateefa - Gentle, kind, pleasant, friendly
Layla, Leila - (Born at) night
Lina, Leena - Tender
Lubabah - The innermost essence
Luloah - A pearl
Lu'lu' - Pearls

M

Madihah, Madeeha - Praiseworthy
Maha - Wild cow, cow-eyes
Ma'isah - Walking with a proud, swinging gait
Maizah - Discerning
Majidah, Majeeda - Glorious
Makarim - Of good and honorable character
Malak - Angel
Malika - Queen
Manal - Attainment, achievement
Manar - Guiding light
Maram - Asperation
Mariam, Maryam - Mother of Jesus (pbuh); Arabic form of "Mary"
Mas'ouda - Happy, lucky, fortunate
Mawiyah - The essence of life
Maymunah - Auspicious, blessed
May - Old Arabic name
Maysa' - To walk with a proud, swinging gait
Maysun, Maysoon - Of beautiful face and body
Mayyadah - To walk with a proud, swinging gait
Mufidah, Mufeeda - Useful
Muhjah - Heart's blood, soul
Muminah - Pious believer
Muna, Mona - Wish, desire
Munirah, Muneera - Illuminating, shedding light
Mushirah, Musheera - Giving counsel, advising
Muslimah - Devout believer

N

Nabihah, Nabeeha - Intelligent
Nabilah, Nabeela - Noble
Nada - Generousity, dew
Nadia - The beginning, first
Nadidah, Nadeeda - Equal, rival
Nadirah - Rare, precious
Nadwah - Councel
Nafisah, Nafeesa - Precious thing, gem
Nahlah - A drink of water
Na'ilah - Acquirer, obtainer, one who succeeds
Na'ima, Na'imah - Comfort, amenity, tranquility, peace
Najah - Success
Najat - Safety
Najibah, Najeeba - Of noble birth
Najiyah - Safe
Najla - Of wide eyes
Najwa - Confidential talk, secret conversation
Najya - Victorious
Nashida - Student
Nashita Energetic, full of life
Nashwa - Fragrance, perfume, that which intoxicates
Nasiha - One who gives valuable advice
Nasira - Victorious, helper
Nathifa - Clean, pure
Nawal - Gift
Nawar - Flower
Nazahah - Purity, righteousness, honesty
Nazihah - Honest
Nazirah - Like, equal, matching
Nibal - Arrows
Nida - Call
Ni'mah - Blessing, loan
Ni'mat - Blessings, loans
Nouf - Highest point on a mountain
Nudar, Nudhar - Gold
Nuha - Intelligence
Numa - Beautiful and pleasant
Nur, Noor - Light

Q

Qubilah - Concord

R

Rabab - White cloud
Rabi'ah - Garden, springtime
Radeyah, Radhiya - Content, satisfied
Radwa, Radhwa - A mountain in Medina
Rafa' - Happiness, prosperity
Raghd - Pleasant
Rahimah - Merciful, compassionate
Ra'idah - Leader
Raja' - Hopeful
Rana - To gaze, look
Rand - Tree of good scent
Raniyah - Gazing
Rasha - Young gazelle
Rashida, Rasheeda - Wise, mature
Rawdah, Rawdha - Garden
Rawiyah - Transmitter of ancient Arabic poetry
Rayya - Sated with drink
Rida - Favored by God
Rihana - Sweet basil
Rim, Reem - Gazelle
Rima, Reema - White antelope
Rukan - Steady, confident
Ruqayyah, Ruqaya - Gentle; Daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)
Ruwaydah - Walking gently

S

Sabah - Morning
Sabirah - Patient
Safa - Clarity, purity, serenity
Safiyyah - Untroubled, serene, pure, best friend
Sahar - Dawn
Sahlah - Smooth, soft, fluent, flowing
Saidah - Happy, fortunate
Saihah - Good, useful
Sakinah, Sakeena - God-inspired peace of mind, tranquility
Salihah - Correct, agreeable
Salimah, Saleema - Peace, flawless, faultless, safe, healthy
Salma - Peaceful
Salwa - Solace; quail
Samah - Generosity
Samar - Evening conversation
Sameh - Forgiver
Samihah, Sameeha - Generous
Samira, Sameera - Entertaining female companion
Samiyah - Elevated, exhalted, lofty
Sana' - Resplendence, brilliance; to gaze or look
Sawsan - Lily of the valley
Shadha - Aromatic
Shadiyah - Singer
Shahrazad - Teller of "Tales of 1,001 Nights"
Sharifah, Shareefa - Noble
Siham - Arrows
Souad or Su'ad
Suha - Name of a star
Suhailah, Suhaylah, Suhayla - Smooth, soft, fluent, flowing
Suhaymah - Small arrow
Suhayr, Suhair - Proper name
Sumayyah, Sumaiya - Proper name

T

Tahirah - Pure, chaste
Takiyah - Pious, righteous
Talibah - Seeker after knowledge
Tarub, Taroob - Merry
Thana' - Thankfulness
Thara' - Wealth
Thurayya - Star

U

Umayma - Little mother

W

Wafa' - Faithfulness
Wafiqah, Wafeeqa - Successful
Wafiyyah, Wafiya - Loyal, faithful
Wahibah - Giver, donor
Wajihah, Wajeeha - Eminent, distinguished
Walidah - Newborn
Warda, Wardah, Wordah - Rose
Widad - Love, friendship
Wijdan - Ecstacy, sentiment
Wisal - Communion in love

Y

Yafiah - High
Yakootah - Emerald
Yamha - Dove
Yaminah - Right and proper
Yasirah - Lenient
Yasmine, Yasmin, Yasmeen - Jasmine
Yumn - Good fortune, success
Yusra - Proper name

Z

Zafirah - Victorious, successful
Zahirah - Shining, luminous
Zahra' - White
Zahrah - Flower, beauty, star
Zainab, Zaynab - Daughter of the Prophet (pbuh)
Zakiyyah - Pure
Zaynah, Zaina - Beautiful
Zubaidah – Excellent