Muslim Boy Names With International Flavour
Add a Universal Twist to a Newborn's Name With These Suggestions
Sep 14, 2009
Muslim names often sound foreign or solely Arabic. However, there are a few names that gel well with international communities. Some parents may prefer names with a universal twist for their sons but at the same time run risks of compromising the value of a name with good meaning.
After all, Prophet Muhammad did say, "On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your fathers' names, so give yourselves good names." (Hadith Abu Dawud)
The below are some universally "accepted" names that still have good meaning according to the Islamic faith.
The Name Adam
Adam is one of the most universal names around as it is recognised by Christianity, Judaism and Islam and used in many English and Hebrew speaking countries. It is also popular in the Muslim world. The name has had a growing trend of use since the 1970s.
The word Adam apparently originates from the Hebrew language and means "man of the red earth," symbolising the creation of the first man on earth.
Islam also recognises Adam as the first human being and recognises him as the first Prophet of Islam. It was through Adam and Hawa's (Eve) progeny that the communities of the world are as vast as seen today.
The Name Daniel
Daniel is a name heard commonly in many parts of the world. Daniel has been a very popular modern name, even in Asia, where "English" sounding names rarely exist. In 2006, it was ranked as the 6th most popular in the US, and the 9th in the UK.
The name Daniel is of Hebrew origin and means "God as my Judge." He is recognised as a Prophet in the old Testaments of the Bible.
Daniel, or more commonly spelled as Daniyal by Muslims, is also recognised as a Prophet.
Though he is not mentioned ian the Qur'an, there have been Hadith that relay the story of him being captured and placed in a lion's den and surviving the ordeal at the same time.
The Name Harris
Harris is not a tremendously common name in the West nowadays – but it is still heard of as a surname. However, it has Germanic origins and means "home ruler."
Although not as popular as Adam or Daniel, the name Harris can still be found in English speaking communities and is popular amongst Muslims.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) personally favoured the name Harris for new Muslims and newborns. Harris in Arabic means "good husbandman" or "good guardian/protector."
The Name Mikhail
Mikhail is also not a very popular name in the West but according to the "Poke My Name" website, the number of Mikhails in the US increases by 30 persons annually.
Mikhail is the Greek form of Michael and has Biblical origins with the meaning of Who is as God." The name is better known as Michael in the English language Bible. An Indian definition suggests that Mikhail means "Unknown."
Mikhail is also the name of Archangel Michael in the Qur'an and is known as the angel who brings sustenance and blessings to believers. It is still uncertain as to whether Muslims are encouraged to take on names of angels, but there is a growing interest in names such Mikhail and Jibril (Gabriel) in some parts of the Muslim world.
The Name Ryan
Ryan is a popular name in English speaking countries around the world. The name is of Gaelic origins and means "King." Spelling variations include Ryne, Rayen, Ryne, Rian.
The Arabic name that comes close to Ryan is spelled Rayyan – but variations include Raiyan, Rayan as well as Ryan.
Rayyan, in Islam, is one of the gates of Paradise and is only entered by those who observed the fast frequently. Rayyan is becoming a popular boy and girl's name in the Muslim world.
The Name Zane
Zane is a unique pick for those in English-speaking countries. The name is not one of the top picks but is still somewhat popular. According to "Think Baby Names," there has been an increasing trend of its use in the US, but a declining one in Australia.
Its origins are similarly unclear. Some sources indicate that it is of English origins, meaning "Lord is Gracious," whereas a Hindu origin defines it as "a Godly Light."
Zane, or better known as Zain, in Arabic means "beautiful" and is a popular name for both boys and girls – though girls take on the version of Zaina or Zainah.
Choosing the Universal Name
Muslim parents, and perhaps more so those who live in the West, may have a preference for Muslim names that are universally common. The above are just a handful of names for baby boys that still have good Islamic meaning.
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