We must endeavour to not only name our children with righteous names, but strive to raise them to
live up to the names we have chosen for them.
The Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, is a source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims all over the world. As such, it is no surprise that many Muslims choose to name their children after Qur’anic figures and concepts to inspire and strengthen faith. It is always difficult finding the right name for your child due to the sheer variety available. The Holy Prophet was narrated as saying “Keep good names, because on the Day of Judgment you will be called by these names only.” ¹
We must therefore endeavour to not only name our children with righteous names, but strive to raise them to live up to the names we have chosen for them.
We have tried to compile some Qur’anic names and their meanings to help you in your search!
Muhammad – This name means “praised one” and is the name of the Prophet of Islam. It is the most common name in the world, and is especially popular among Muslims. The Prophet (PBUH) himself has said “Whoever has four children and has not named any of them after me, has oppressed me.” ²
No pressure!
Fatima – This name means “one who abstains” and is the name of the Prophet’s daughter. It is a popular name among Muslim girls. It is thought that Fatima (AS) will wean her followers from the suffering of the hell fire through her inspiring example.
Ali – This name means “elevated” or “exalted” and is the name of the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. It is a common name among Muslim boys. In addition to this Al-Ali is one of the glorious 99 names of Allah (SWT). The female variation of this name is Aaliyah.
Hasan – This name means “handsome” or “good” and is the name of the Prophet’s grandson. It is a popular name among Muslim boys.
Husayn – This name also means “handsome” or “good” and is the name of the Prophet’s grandson. It is a popular name among Muslim boys.
Abdullah – This name means “servant of God” and is a popular name among Muslim boys.
Maryam – This name means “exalted one” and is the name of the mother of Jesus, as well as being declared by the Holy Prophet (SAW) as being one of “the best of women among the people of paradise.” ³ It is a popular name among Muslim girls.
Ahmad – This name means “most praiseworthy” and is a variant of the name Muhammad. It is a popular name among Muslim boys.
Aasiya – This name means “one who tends to the weak and heals them”. She was the wife of Pharoah who was referred to in the Qur’an as an example of those who believed (66:11), and was declared by the Holy Prophet (SAW) as being one of “the best of women among the people of paradise.”
Zeenah – This name means “adornment” or “a light to the world” and is a popular name among Muslim girls.
We hope the above will help inspire you when making the decision!
1 Wasail al-shiah, v15, p. 123
2 Tahdhib al-Balāgha, vol. 7, pg. 438, no. 11
3 Musnad Ahmad 2896
