Spellings vary between languages and communities, for example Muhammad and Mohammed. Meanings below are commonly given meanings and can differ between sources.
Many prophets' names come from other languages, so their meanings are drawn from those languages and sources differ.
77 names.
Boys' Names
A
- Abdullahعَبْدُ اللَّهServant of Allah
- Abdur-Rahmanعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَٰنServant of the Most Merciful
- AdamآدَمMade from Earth
- AhmadأَحْمَدMost Praiseworthy
- AliعَلِيّExalted, Noble
- AnasأَنَسFriendliness, affection
- AyyubأَيُّوبName of Prophet Job, known for patience
B
- BilalبِلَالMoisture, Freshness
D
- DaudدَاوُودBeloved (name of Prophet David)
H
- HamzaحَمْزَةStrong, Steadfast
- HarunهَارُونName of Prophet Aaron
- HashimهَاشِمGenerous, one who feeds others
- HassanحَسَنBeautiful, Handsome
- HudهودOne who returns to Allah
- HusseinحُسَيْنBeautiful, Handsome (diminutive)
I
- IbrahimإِبْرَاهِيمFather of Nations
- IdrisإِدْرِيسProphet Idris; the meaning of the name is debated
- IlyasإِلْيَاسName of Prophet Elijah
- ImranعِمْرَانProsperous, flourishing
- IsaعِيسَىGod is Salvation
- IshaqإِسْحَاقName of Prophet Isaac
- IsmailإِسْمَاعِيلGod hears (name of Prophet Ishmael)
J
- JabirجَابِرOne who comforts or restores
K
- KhalidخَالِدEternal, Immortal
L
- LuqmanلُقْمَانThe wise man named in the Qur'an
M
- MuhammadمُحَمَّدPraised, Commendable
- MusaمُوسَىDrawn from Water
- MustafaمُصْطَفَىChosen
N
- NuhنُوحRest, Comfort
O
- OmarعُمَرFlourishing, Long-Lived
R
- RayyanرَيَّانLush, Luxuriant
S
- SaadسَعْدGood fortune, happiness
- SalihصَالِحRighteous, good
- SalmanسَلْمَانSafe, secure
- ShuaybشعيبGood-natured, one who shows the right path
- SulaymanسُلَيْمَانMan of Peace
T
- TalhaطَلْحَةA kind of tree
- TariqطَارِقMorning Star, One Who Knocks
Y
- YahyaيَحْيَىHe lives (name of Prophet John)
- YaqubيَعْقُوبName of Prophet Jacob
- YunusيُونُسName of Prophet Jonah
- YusufيُوسُفGod Increases
Z
- ZakariyaزَكَرِيَّاName of Prophet Zechariah
- ZaydزَيْدGrowth, Abundance
Girls' Names
A
- AishaعَائِشَةLiving, Prosperous
- AminaآمِنَةTrustworthy, Faithful
- AmiraأَمِيرَةPrincess, Leader
- AsiyaآسِيَةThe believing wife of Pharaoh named in the Qur'an
- AsmaأَسْمَاءSupreme, Lofty
D
- DuhaضُحَىMorning light, the name of a surah
F
- FatimahفَاطِمَةOne Who Weans / Abstains
H
- HabibaحَبِيبَةBeloved
- HafsaحَفْصَةYoung Lioness
- HajarهَاجَرWife of Prophet Ibrahim and mother of Ismail
- HalimaحَلِيمَةGentle, patient
- HanaهَنَاءHappiness, Bliss
- HawaحَوَّاءEve, the first woman
I
- InayaعِنَايَةCare, Concern, Solicitude
J
- JannahجَنَّةParadise, garden
K
- KawtharكَوْثَرAbundance, the name of a surah
- KhadijahخَدِيجَةEarly Baby, Premature
L
- LaylaلَيْلَىNight, Dark Beauty
M
- MalikaمَلِكَةQueen
- MarwaمَرْوَةOne of the two hills, Safa and Marwa, beside the Kaaba
- MaryamمَرْيَمName of the mother of Isa; a surah is named after her
N
- NoorنُورLight, Radiance
- NusaybahنُسَيْبَةName of a companion known for her courage
R
- RahmaرَحْمَةMercy
- RumaysaرُمَيْصَاءName of a respected female companion of the Prophet ﷺ
- RuqayyaرُقَيَّةName of a daughter of the Prophet ﷺ
S
- SafaصَفَاPurity, clarity
- SafiyyahصَفِيَّةPure, Best Friend
- SaraسَارَةPrincess, Noble Lady
- SumayaسُمَيَّةHigh Above
Y
- YasminيَاسَمِينJasmine Flower
Z
- ZahraزَهْرَةFlower, Radiance
- ZaynabزَيْنَبFragrant Flower
Names of the Prophets
Twenty-five prophets are named in the Qur'an, and many of their names are used as baby names today. The table below lists each one with its Arabic spelling and English form. For their full stories, see our guide to the prophets in Islam.
| Name | Arabic | English form | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam | آدَم | Adam | The first human and first prophet |
| Idris | إِدْرِيس | Often linked to Enoch | Described in the Qur'an as truthful and patient |
| Nuh | نُوح | Noah | Built the ark |
| Hud | هود | None | Sent to the people of Ad |
| Salih | صَالِح | None | Sent to Thamud, with the she-camel |
| Ibrahim | إِبْرَاهِيم | Abraham | Built the Kaaba with Ismail |
| Lut | لوط | Lot | Warned his people |
| Ismail | إِسْمَاعِيل | Ishmael | Son of Ibrahim |
| Ishaq | إِسْحَاق | Isaac | Son of Ibrahim |
| Yaqub | يَعْقُوب | Jacob | Son of Ishaq, father of Yusuf |
| Yusuf | يُوسُف | Joseph | His story is told in Surah Yusuf |
| Ayyub | أَيُّوب | Job | Known for patience in hardship |
| Shuayb | شعيب | Often linked to Jethro | Sent to the people of Madyan |
| Musa | مُوسَى | Moses | Sent to Pharaoh, spoke with Allah |
| Harun | هَارُون | Aaron | Brother and helper of Musa |
| Dhul-Kifl | ذو الكفل | Often linked to Ezekiel | Mentioned among the patient |
| Daud | دَاوُود | David | Received the Zabur |
| Sulayman | سُلَيْمَان | Solomon | Given authority over the jinn and the wind |
| Ilyas | إِلْيَاس | Elijah | Called his people to worship Allah alone |
| Al-Yasa | اليسع | Elisha | Mentioned among the chosen |
| Yunus | يُونُس | Jonah | Known for the story of the whale |
| Zakariya | زَكَرِيَّا | Zechariah | Father of Yahya, guardian of Maryam |
| Yahya | يَحْيَى | John the Baptist | Son of Zakariya |
| Isa | عِيسَى | Jesus | Born to Maryam, the Messiah |
| Muhammad | مُحَمَّد | None | The final messenger |
Identifications with Biblical names such as Enoch, Jethro and Ezekiel are traditional and not certain.
Names From the Qur'an
Several names in this list come from the Qur'an, and some share their name with a surah title. The table shows which surah each name appears in. For more on the structure of the Qur'an, see our guide to the Qur'an.
| Name | Arabic | Surah |
|---|---|---|
| Yunus | يُونُس | Surah 10 |
| Hud | هود | 11 |
| Yusuf | يُوسُف | 12 |
| Ibrahim | إِبْرَاهِيم | 14 |
| Maryam | مَرْيَم | 19 |
| Luqman | لُقْمَان | 31 |
| Muhammad | مُحَمَّد | 47 |
| Nuh | نُوح | 71 |
| Imran | عِمْرَان | Surah Al Imran, 3 |
| Noor | نُور | Surah An-Nur, 24 |
| Kawthar | كَوْثَر | Surah Al-Kawthar, 108 |
| Duha | ضُحَى | Surah Ad-Duha, 93 |
Names of the Prophet's Family and Companions
Many Muslim families name their children after members of the Prophet's family and his companions. The table lists some of the best known, with who they were. The Prophet's family and companions are deeply respected in Islam, and their names carry a strong link to the early Muslim community.
| Name | Arabic | Who they were |
|---|---|---|
| Ali | عَلِيّ | Cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, fourth caliph |
| Hamza | حَمْزَة | Uncle of the Prophet |
| Hassan | حَسَن | Grandson of the Prophet |
| Hussein | حُسَيْن | Grandson of the Prophet |
| Bilal | بِلَال | The first muezzin |
| Omar | عُمَر | Second caliph |
| Khalid | خَالِد | Khalid ibn al-Walid, a commander known as the Sword of Allah |
| Zayd | زَيْد | Zayd ibn Harithah, a close companion of the Prophet |
| Talha | طَلْحَة | Talha ibn Ubaydullah, an early companion |
| Salman | سَلْمَان | Salman al-Farsi, a companion from Persia |
| Anas | أَنَس | Anas ibn Malik, who served the Prophet from boyhood |
| Jabir | جَابِر | Jabir ibn Abdullah, a narrator of many hadith |
| Saad | سَعْد | Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, an early companion and commander |
| Khadijah | خَدِيجَة | First wife of the Prophet |
| Aisha | عَائِشَة | Wife of the Prophet, daughter of Abu Bakr |
| Hafsa | حَفْصَة | Wife of the Prophet, daughter of Omar |
| Fatimah | فَاطِمَة | Daughter of the Prophet |
| Zaynab | زَيْنَب | Daughter of the Prophet |
| Ruqayya | رُقَيَّة | Daughter of the Prophet |
| Safiyyah | صَفِيَّة | Wife of the Prophet (another Safiyyah was his aunt) |
| Sumaya | سُمَيَّة | Sumayyah bint Khayyat, an early convert and the first martyr in Islam |
| Asma | أَسْمَاء | Asma bint Abi Bakr, a companion |
| Nusaybah | نُسَيْبَة | Nusaybah bint Ka'b, who defended the Prophet at Uhud |
| Rumaysa | رُمَيْصَاء | Rumaysa, known as Umm Sulaym, a companion and mother of Anas |
| Halima | حَلِيمَة | Halima al-Sa'diyya, who nursed the Prophet as a baby |
| Habiba | حَبِيبَة | Umm Habiba, wife of the Prophet |
Names With Abd
Abd means “servant of”. It is used before one of the Names of Allah, as in Abdullah (servant of Allah).
Tip: Many Muslims choose names beginning with Abd, meaning servant of, followed by one of the Names of Allah. A hadith in Sahih Muslim reports that the Prophet ﷺ said the names most beloved to Allah are Abdullah and Abdur-Rahman. See the full list of the 99 names of Allah with their meanings.
Abd is followed by one of Allah's names, and spellings vary in English: Abdul, Abdal and Abd al are all common ways to write the same prefix.
| Name | Arabic | Meaning | Name of Allah used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdullah | \u0639\u064e\u0628\u0652\u062f\u064f \u0627\u0644\u0644\u0651\u064e\u0647 | Servant of Allah | Allah |
| Abdur-Rahman | \u0639\u064e\u0628\u0652\u062f\u064f \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0651\u064e\u062d\u0652\u0645\u064e\u0670\u0646 | Servant of the Most Merciful | ar-Rahman |
| Abdur-Rahim | عبد الرحيم | Servant of the Ever-Merciful | ar-Rahim |
| Abdul-Aziz | عبد العزيز | Servant of the Almighty | al-Aziz |
| Abdul-Malik | عبد الملك | Servant of the King | al-Malik |
| Abdul-Karim | عبد الكريم | Servant of the Generous | al-Karim |
| Abdul-Qadir | عبد القادر | Servant of the All-Powerful | al-Qadir |
| Abdul-Hakim | عبد الحكيم | Servant of the All-Wise | al-Hakim |
| Abdul-Latif | عبد اللطيف | Servant of the Gentle | al-Latif |
| Abdul-Wahhab | عبد الوهاب | Servant of the Bestower | al-Wahhab |
| Abdus-Salam | عبد السلام | Servant of the Source of Peace | as-Salam |
| Abdul-Ghani | عبد الغني | Servant of the Self-Sufficient | al-Ghani |
| Abdul-Hamid | عبد الحميد | Servant of the Praiseworthy | al-Hamid |
| Abdul-Majid | عبد المجيد | Servant of the Glorious | al-Majid |
| Abdul-Basit | عبد الباسط | Servant of the Expander | al-Basit |
For family names, see our guide to Arabic last names.
How to Choose a Name
Many families look for a name with a good meaning, the name of a prophet or a companion of the Prophet ﷺ, or a name that is easy to pronounce where they live. Some also choose a name already used in their family. If you are unsure about a particular name, ask a local imam or knowledgeable Muslim. If you are new to Islam, our guide for new Muslims explains the first steps, including whether to change your name. To browse names by their Arabic meaning, see our list of Arabic names.
Islamic Names FAQ
What is the difference between Muslim names and Islamic names?
There is no formal difference between the two terms. "Muslim names" is the common search term, while "Islamic names" usually means names with a religious link or meaning, such as the name of a prophet, a companion or a word from the Qur'an. For names chosen for their Arabic meaning rather than a religious connection, see our guide to Arabic names.
What are some Islamic names from the Qur'an?
Maryam, Yusuf, Ibrahim, Luqman, Noor and Kawthar are all names found in the Qur'an, and several of them are also the titles of surahs. You can read about them in our guide to the Qur'an, which lists the surahs where these names appear.
How many prophets are named in the Qur'an?
Twenty-five prophets are named in the Qur'an, and many of their names are used as baby names today. For the full list with their stories, see our guide to the prophets in Islam.
Do I have to change my name when I become Muslim?
Some new Muslims choose a new name, often one with a meaning they love, and many keep the name they were given at birth. Both are common. If you are thinking about changing your name or are unsure about it, ask a local imam or knowledgeable Muslim.
What does Abd mean in Muslim names?
Abd is an Arabic word that means “servant of”. In Muslim names it comes before one of the Names of Allah, so Abdullah means “servant of Allah” and Abdur-Rahman means “servant of the Most Merciful”. In English it is often written as Abdul, as in Abdul Karim.
Are Arabic names the same as Islamic names?
No. Not all Arabic names are Islamic names, and not all Muslims have Arabic names. Arabic is spoken by Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths, and many Arabic names are simply part of the language. Muslims around the world also use names from Persian, Turkish, Urdu, Malay, Swahili and many other languages, often chosen for their meaning.
Why do spellings of Muslim names vary?
Arabic has its own alphabet, so names have to be written in English letters, and there is no single agreed way to do this. Local languages and accents also shape the spelling. That is why you see Muhammad and Mohammed, Fatimah and Fatima, or Omar and Umar. These are the same names, written differently in English.
How do I choose a name for my baby?
Many parents look for a name with a good meaning, or the name of a prophet, a companion of the Prophet ﷺ or a respected family member. Others think about how easy the name will be to say and spell where they live. If you are unsure about a particular name, ask a local imam or knowledgeable Muslim.
For other questions, read our answers to common questions about Islam.
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This page is a general guide. For your own situation, please consult a qualified scholar.