While Arabic girl names lean more towards the notion of femininity, physical beauty, and shyness, Arabic boy names tend to connote chivalric and religious values, and don’t pay much attention to appearances.
Below you’ll find a list of the most common Arabic boy names in the Middle East and North Africa.
There are obviously more than 100 male names in the Arabic language, but you could use the following table as a starting point and experiment with the suggested names. You can always derive a second name from the initial one (example: Mohammad -> Ahmad -> Mahmoud.)
While going through this list, keep these things in mind:
Many names contain religious connotations: this is not a shocking point because the Arabic language relies heavily on the Quran as a linguistic reference. Adjectives and nouns that have a positive meaning in the Quran tend to be used as male names.
Many names are derivatives: some are derivatives of content words such as adjectives and nouns, while some others are derivatives of other similar names. You will notice the frequency of the phrase “A derivative of” and hopefully manage to create a connection between the name and its semantic source.
Some names have no semantic explanation, but refer to heroic or religious figures, such as “Zakaria.”
Many names refer to strong animals, mainly the lion. Given the symbolic figure of the signified (the lion), the signifier (what a lion stands for) makes the lion an attractive option.
NOTE: Names can have alternative spellings in English and sometimes even Arabic (e.g. you might see some names written with a ‘taa marbuta’ or ‘aleph’ ending). It doesn’t change the pronunciation of the name.
Names starting with A
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Ahmad
AH-mad
أَحْمَد
Ahmad is one of the most used names in the Arab world. It was originally one of Prophet Mohammad’s names, and it means “gratitude and thankfulness.”
Amine
A-MEEN
أَمِين
This is one of Prophet Mohammad’s names, and it refers to fidelity and trustworthiness.
Ashraf
ASH-raf
أَشْرَف
“Achraf” is a popular Arabic name, and it implies highness, social refinement, and honor. This name is in the superlative form, which means that it does not exist in the plural form.
Ayman
AY-man
أَيْمَن
A derivative of the noun “Yomn”, which means “blessing”. “Ayman” is someone who blesses his people with love and respect, and who uses his right hand.
Names starting with B
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Badis
Ba-DEES
بَادِيس
A Berber male name meaning “Father of Bravery”. This name is prevalent in North Africa given its Berber background, but a small portion of the Middle Eastern population carries it as well.
Badr
Badr
بَدْر
This unisex name means “a complete moon”.
Bahij
Ba-HEEG Ba-HEEJ
بَهِيج
An adjective referring to extreme states of happiness. Men called “Bahij” are expected to cheer others up and bring joy to others’ lives. \ Feminine form: Bahija
Basel
BAA-sel
بَاسِل
This name has chivalric implications. It means “the hero who fights a lot of combats, and who fears nothing.” Bassel is one of the names associated to lions, and it also means “a lion hearted man.”
Bassem
BAA-sem
بَاسِم
A derivative of the noun “basma”, which means “a smile” “Bassam” is someone who smiles frequently, and who makes people smile, too
Bayram
BAY-ram
بَيْرَم
This Arabic authentic name is still prevalent nowadays. It means “aid, blessings, and happiness.” It is argued that “Bayram” is a Turkish name, but it’s still a common name in the ARab world regardless.
Bilal
Bi-LAAL
بِلَال
An Arabic authentic name meaning “dew”. It comes from the noun “balal” (wetness), and the most popular figure who had this name in Islamic history is the mu’adhin Bilal Al-Habashi.
Names starting with D
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Dali
DA-lee
دَالِي
A derivative of “Dalal”, meaning “spoinling, treating.” Dali is someone who treats others nicely. Interestingly enough, this name means “a crazy person” in Turkish!
Names starting with G
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Ghali
GHAA-lee
غَالِي
An adjective that means “expensive”.
Ghassan
Ghas-SAAN
غَسَّان
This name refers to a river in Tohama. It means to youth and good health.
Ghayth
GHAY-th
غَيْث
This name is largely common, and it has three positive connotations: 1) A cloud or heavy rain, 2) A derivative of “Eghatha”, meaning, “rescuing.” and 3) A rare plant.
Ghazi
GHAA-zee
غَازِي
The fearless soldier who fights for religious causes.
Ghofran
Ghof-RAAN
غُفْرَان
A superlative form of the verb “ghafar”, which means “forgiveness”.
Names starting with H
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Habib
Ha-BEEB
حَبِيبْ
A derivative of “hobb”, meaning “love”. In semantic terms, “Habib” means “lover” or “the beloved”, and it’s an authentic Arabic name, also largely common among all Arab populations.
Hadef
HAA-def
هَادِف
Someone who always hits the right target. This name derives from the noun “Hadaf”, meaning, “target.”
Hadi
HAA-dee
هَادِي
In Islamic theology, Al Hadi is one of Allah’s names, and it means “Allah guiding people’s hearts to Islam.” However, since Muslims are forbidden from carrying Allah’s names in their original connotations, Hedi also means, in a human sense, “someone who groups people together and guides them through the right track.”
Haidar
HAI-dar
حَيْدَر
This name is also one of the lion’s names. it connotes beauty and royalty, and it’s more popular among Shiite Muslims.
Haitham
HAY-tham
هَيْثَم
Means “Falcon”, and it’s one of the noble birds in the Arab culture, as it does not feed on leftovers, but on what it hunts immediately.
Hamad
HA-mad
حَامِد
Means “someone who is always thankful and grateful.” This name epitomizes gratitude and satisfaction, and can be noticed in the famous Islamic prayer:“Al hamdu lellah.”
Hamza
HAM-za
حَمْزَة
A popular Arabic name meaning “the lion”, and it also means “seriousness and strictness.”
Hatem
HA-tem
حَاتِم
The judge and commander. “Hatem” is also a name for the raven.
Hasan
HA-san
حَسَنْ
Although this name sounds similar to “Hassan”, it carries slightly different connotations. In fact, this name means “extreme politeness” or “large sand piles.”
Hassan
Has-SAN
حَسَّان
This name is a derivative of the noun “hosn”, which can mean either “extreme beauty” or “extreme sensitivity”. Both connotations are positive and desirable.
Hazem
HA-zem
حَازِم
A derivative of the noun “hazm”, which means “strictness.”
Houssein
Hos-SEIN
حُسَيْن
This name is a derivative of “Hasan”, but carries connotations that are more religious. It’s mostly used in Shiite regions as well as North Africa.
Names starting with J (G in some dialects)
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Jaber
GAA-ber JAA-ber
جَابِر
Someone who repairs people’s emotional and psychological damage. Jaber is also someone who helps the poor. It’s a derivative of the noun “Al-Jaber”, which is one of Allah’s names. \ "Jobran” is a derivative of this name, but it’s less common, and refers mainly to the writer “Jobran Khaleel Jobran”.
Jad
GAAD JAAD
جَاد
A derivative of the noun “Joud”, which means extreme generosity and fairness. This name also refers to serious people who rarely act playful.
Jamal
Ga-MAAL Ja-MAAL
جَمَال
Semantically, this name is a noun form of “Beauty”. However, unlike its female equivalent “Jamila”, this male name connotes not physical beauty, but inner peace, good manners, kindness, and positive attitude.
Jasem
GAA-ssem JAA-ssem
جَاسِم
This name refers to robust male bodies. It describes muscular men who are also fair and strict.
Jasser
GAA-sser JAA-sser
جَاسِر
A derivative of the adjective “Jasour” and the noun “Jasara”, which mean “courage, bravery, and fearlessness.”
Jannah
GAN-nah JAN-nah
جَنَّة
This name means “Paradise.”
Jihad
Gi-HAAD Ji-HAAD
جِهَاد
“Jihad” is a unisex name which means “struggle and resistance for the causes of Islam. This name is also mentioned in Qur’an, and it’s widely common among Muslim Arabs.
Names starting with K
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Kadhem
KAA-dhem
كَاظِم
Someone who controls his anger. This name occurs as an adjective in Qur’an, and it’s considered as a positive attribute.
Khaled
KHAA-led
خَالِد
A derivative of the noun “Kholoud”, meaning, “eternity.” Some people use this name to wish their newborn a long and beautiful life, while others use it as a reference to Commander Khaled Ebn Al Walid.
Khalil
Kha-LEEL
خَلِيل
The loyal and trustworthy friend. This name is one of the most used names in the Arab world across all cultural and religious backgrounds.
Kamal
Ka-MAAL
كَمَال
A derivative of the noun “Kamal,” which means: perfection. This name connotes idealistic values and manners attributed to the person.
Karam
KA-ram
كَرَم
A derivative of “Kareem.”
Karim
Ka-REEM
كَرِيم
A derivative of the adjective “Kareem” and the noun “Karam”, meaning, someone who is truly generous and selfless.
Names starting with M
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Ma’moun
Ma’-MOON
مَأمُون
A derivative of the name “A-mena”, meaning, someone who can be fully trusted.
Mabrouk
Mab-ROOK
مَبْرُوك
A widely popular name in the Gulf and in North Africa and it means “the blessed” or “someonewhoblesseshissurroundings.”
Madeh
MAA-deh
مَادِحْ
A derivative of the verb “to praise.” It also refers to poets and writers who praise royalty in their literature.
Mahjoub
Mah-GOOB Mah-JOOB
مَحْجُوب
In the Arabic language, the verb “Hajab” means “to cover” or “to keep something secret.” Mahjoub is a person who is well loved by others, but who is also mysterious.
Maher
MAA-her
مَاهِر
An authentic Arabic name which means “themasterful”, “theskilled”, and “theproficient.”
Majed
MAG-d MAJ-d
مَجْد
This is a noun which means “victory.” It also means “highness”, “values”, and “honor.”
Malek
MAA-lek
مَالِك
Someone who owns something or is in control of a situation. This name is one of Allah’s names, as He owns the entire universe.
Marouan
Mar-WAAN
مَرْوَان
Strong stones that are used to light the fire. It’s also a name for basil.
Mohammad
Mo-HAMMAD
مُحَمَّد
A derivative of the verb “Hamad”, meaning, to be thankful and grateful. The most popular figure with this name is Prophet Mohammad.
Mohrez
MOH-rez
مُحْرِز
From the Arabic verb “Ahraz”, meaning, “theprotectorofvaluableitems and values.”
Mohsen
MOH-sen
مُحْسِن
A derivative of the noun “Ihsaan”, meaning, “thegood-doing,” and “theloyal.”
Mohy Al Din
MOH-y al DEEN
مُحْي الدِّين
This name translates literally into “the reviver of religion” (Islam.) This composed name means “someone who fights for Islam and Islamic teachings.”
Montassar
Monta-SAR
مُنْتَصَر
A derivative of the name “Intissar”, meaning, victory, and resistance.
Morjan
Mor-GAAN Mor-JAAN
مُرْجَان
A Persian name meaning “coral.”
Mostafa
MOS-tafa
مُصْطَفَى
In Islamic theology, Al-Mostafa is the Prophet Mohammad, and it means “the chosen from many”. This name is also used as an adjective to describe all the prophets. \ In Christian theology, Mostafa refers to Paul the Apostle.
Moujahed
Mou-GAA-hed Mou-JAA-hed
مُجَاهِد
A derivative of the noun “Jihad”, meaning, “to fight for Islam.” Mujahed is a name that connotes struggle, commitment, and dedication. Despite its pronounced religious implications, this name can also target other goals in life.
Mourad
Mo-RAAD
مُرَاد
A derivative of the verb “Araad”, meaning, “towant”. It means “the wanted, the desired, the demanded.”
Names starting with N
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Nader
NAA-der
نَادِر
This name means “therare, thepairless.”
Nadhem
NAA-dhem
نَاظِم
This beautiful name means “the writer”or“the composer” or “the poet.”
Najed
NAA-ged NAA-jed
نَاجِد
This name means “the brave rescuer.” It also refers to something that’s set higher than surface level, and, in this sense, this name can mean “thehonorable” or “royal.”
Najeh
NAA-geh NAA-jeh
نَاجِح
This name derives from the noun “najah”, which means, “success”. Najeh is “thesuccessful” and “theachiever”.
Nebrass
Neb-RAASS
نِبْرَاس
Nebrass is one of the lion’s names. It also means “aspear” or “a lamp.”
Names starting with O
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Oussama
O-SAA-ma
أُسَامَة
This name has been prevalent for centuries. It refers to courage, bravery, and affluence. From a semantic perspective, “Oussama” is one of the names of the lion.
Names starting with R
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Rayyan
Ray-YAAN
رَيَّان
From the Arabic verb “Ertawaa” (to quench one’s thirst).Rayyan is someone who fills others with love and affection.
Riadh
Re-YAADH
رِيَاض
Plural noun for “Rawdha”, meaning, “a beautiful garden.”
Rashed
RAA-shed
رَاشِد
A derivative of “Roshd”, meaning, “the rational, the wise.”
Ragheb
RAA-gheb
رَاغِب
From the verb “ragheb” (to want). “Ragheb” means “someone who always wants more and aspires for better things in life.”
Raed
RAA-ed
رَائِد
This name derives from the verb “Raad”, which means “to check.” Raed means “the masterful, the honest, the practical, the loving, and the compassionate.”
Ragi
RAA-gee
رَاجِي
A name which means “someone who expects forgiveness from God.”
Rami
RAA-mee
رَامِي
From the verb “Ramaa”, meaning, to aim at a target and hit it right.
Ramzi
RAM-zee
رَمْزِي
Means “to hint.” In this sense, the name refers to someone who prefers insinuation to overt expressiveness.
Rimah
Re-MAAH
رِمَاح
Plural for “Romh” (a spear). This name refers to someone who makes spears and uses them skillfully.
Refaat
REF-aat
رِفْعَتْ
From the verb “Rafaa” (to hold up). This name refers to someone of high value and social status.
Raouf
Ra-OOF
رَؤُوفْ
This name means “the kind and forgiving.” “Al Raouf” is one of Allah’s names, and it connotes mercy, divine forgiveness, and guidance to the right track.
Ridha
Ri-DHAA
رِضَا
This name connotes satisfaction and gratitude.
Rajab
RA-jab
رَجَبْ
“Rajab” is the seventh month in Hijri calendar. Semantically, it means “great”, which explains why many Arabs choose this holy month as a name for their male newborns.
Names starting with T
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Taj Al Din
Tag al DEEN Taj al DEEN
تَاج الدِّين
An Urdu name that’s also widely popular in the Arab world, and it refers to the wreath which kings place on their heads as a sign of dominance.
Tamer
TAA-mer
تَامِر
A derivative of “tamr”, meaning “date”. This name is likely to mean “someone who sells dates”.
Taeb
TAA-‘eb
تَائِب
This name has strong religious connotations, and it means “the repentant”, someone who found his way back to God after a long history of sinning.
Tayyeb
TAY-yeb
طَيِّب
Antonymous of “profane”, “impure”, and “sinful”. This name epitomizes purity, kindness, good manners, and closeness to God.
Tabeth
TAA-beth
تَابِثْ
Tabeth is a kind of fine and rare deer. It’s one of the most beautiful names in the Arabic language, and it originates from the Aramaic language.
Taqy
Ta-QY
تَقِي
This name is originally an adjective that means “extreme fear and obedience to God”. This name has been mentioned in Qur’an multiple times However, it’s one of the names that one should avoid because it implies a lot of self-praising
Tamim
Ta-MEEM
تَمِيم
A perfect and complete man with no vile attributes. In some regions, “Tamim” is a charm that parents attach to their children’s clothes to protect them from the evil eye.
Tawfiq
Taw-FEE2 Taw-FEEQ
تَوْفِيق
Someone who helps tribes and nations reconcile.
Names starting with W
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Walid
Wa-LEED
وَلِيد
A derivative of the verb “Walad”, which means “togivebirth”. Accordingly, Walid is “thenewborn”. One of the most popular historical figures who bear this name was KhaledIbnAlWalid.
Wadie
Wa-DEEA
وَدِيع
An authentic Arabic name which means “a calm person who keeps others good company.” A less optimistic connotation to this name is “the graveyard”, but people prefer to take the first meaning.
Wael
WA-el
وَائِل
A derivative of the verb “Wal”, meaning, “toreturn”. It also means “peace” as referred to by traditional Arabic literature. Even though “Wael” is an old Arabic name, it’s still used today thanks to its sonorous attributes.
Wahid
Wa-HEED
وَحِيد
The introverted; someone who prefers to be on his own.
Wassim
Wa-SSEEM
وَسِيم
A handsome, good-looking man who also smiles a lot.
Names starting with Y
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Yassine
YAA-SEEN
يَاسِين
This name was inspired from the Quranic verse:”Ya, Seen.” It is argued that this name has Ethiopian roots, which mean “Man”, or “O, Man.”
Yosri
YOS-ree
يُسْرِي
A derivative of the noun “Yosr” which means “easinessandflexibility.” Yosr is a person who is easy to communicate with, and who doesn’t overcomplicate matters.
Names starting with Z
Name in English
Pronunciation
Arabic Spelling
Meaning and Etymology
Zein
ZEE-n
زَيْن
A unisex name which means “extreme beauty and impeccable manners.” It can also refer to dew, but this connotation is less common than the first.
Zaydan
Zay-DAAN
زَيْدَان
Meaning “endless growth and abundance.” This optimistic and positive name has started to flourish again.
Zohaier
Zo-HAYR
زُهَيْر
This name has two meanings: 1) a highly attractive person who instantly catches everyone’s attention, 2) a derivative of the noun “Zahra”, meaning, “a flower.”
Zahi
ZAA-hee
زَاهِي
The arrogant and ostentatious.
Zakaria
Zaka-REE-ya
زَكَرِيَّا
A reference to Prophet Zakaria. This name has Hebrew roots, and it means “God names”. It is also argued that the name “Zack” is a derivative of “Zakaria.” In all cases, this name is inherently religious, and is popular in the Arab world as well as the Western nations.
Zobeir
Zo-BEYR
زُبَيْر
Semantically, this name means “stones.” Accordingly, it refers to someone who is as robust as a stone, and who is noticeably smart, wise, and strong.
Zeid
ZEYD
زَيْد
To multiply in number and abundance.
Ziad
Ze-YAAD
زِيَاد
A derivative of “Zeid.”
Male Arabic names reflect character
Boy names in Arabic are either religiously and historically significant, or indicative of one’s character.
Just like Arabic girl names, many of these go back to Islamic and even pre-Islamic Arabia, though you’ll find the names used by other religious groups too. Names like Muhammed and Ahmad are exclusively used by Muslims.
If you’re expecting a boy, perhaps you should consider one of the names listed above. 😄
I'm an Applied Linguistics graduate, teacher and translator with a passion for language learning (especially Arabic).
Currently learning: Icelandic
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