The Sunnah of naming
Islam encourages names with good meanings. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved of your names to Allah are Abdullah and Abdur-Rahman” (Sahih Muslim 2132). He also changed names with bad meanings to good ones. Names of prophets and righteous people are a beautiful choice, and names beginning with Abd (servant of) followed by one of Allah's names are highly recommended.
Boys' names: prophets in the Quran
- Ibrahim: the prophet Abraham, called the friend of Allah (Khalilullah)
- Musa: the prophet Moses, mentioned more than any other prophet by name in the Quran
- Yusuf: the prophet Joseph, whose story is told in Surah Yusuf
- Nuh: the prophet Noah
- Isa: the prophet Jesus
- Yahya: the prophet John; the name means “he lives”
- Idris: a prophet described as truthful and raised to a high station (19:56-57)
- Ismail, Ishaq, Yaqub, Dawud, Sulayman, Harun, Zakariya, Yunus
Boys' names with beautiful meanings
- Muhammad / Ahmad: praised, the most praiseworthy
- Abdullah: servant of Allah
- Abdur-Rahman: servant of the Most Merciful
- Hamza: strong, steadfast
- Bilal: moisture, freshness; the name of the first muadhin
- Zayd: growth, abundance; the only companion named in the Quran (33:37)
- Umar: life, long-lived
- Nur: light
Girls' names
- Maryam: the mother of Isa, the only woman named in the Quran
- Khadijah: the first wife of the Prophet ﷺ and the first to believe in him
- Aishah: living, alive
- Fatimah: the Prophet's daughter ﷺ
- Asiyah: the believing wife of Pharaoh, praised in the Quran (66:11)
- Hawwa: Eve
- Amina: trustworthy, safe; the mother of the Prophet ﷺ
- Sumayyah: high, lofty; the first martyr in Islam
- Zaynab: a fragrant flower
- Ruqayyah: ascent, rising; a daughter of the Prophet ﷺ
- Safiyyah: pure, sincere friend
- Jannah: paradise, garden
- Huda: guidance
- Iman: faith
Choosing well
Check the meaning in Arabic, not only how it sounds, and check that it is easy for your child to carry in the country they will grow up in. When in doubt, a prophet's name or a name with Abd- is always a beautiful choice.
Quick answers
What is the Sunnah when naming a baby?
It is recommended to choose a good name with a good meaning. The Prophet ﷺ said the names most beloved to Allah are Abdullah and Abdur-Rahman (Sahih Muslim 2132). Many families also give the name on the seventh day with the aqiqah.
Is Maryam the only woman named in the Quran?
Yes. Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet Isa, is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, and a whole surah is named after her.