Islamic Knowledge & Guides – Free Articles on Islam

A name is a lifelong gift and supplication. Learn the Islamic guidelines for naming children, recommended names, names to avoid, and how to find the perfect meaningful name.

Why a Name Matters in Islam

The Prophet ﷺ said: "On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and the names of your fathers, so make your names good." (Abu Dawud). A child’s name is their first identity, a constant supplication, and a reflection of their parents’ hopes and values. In Islam, choosing a good name is a serious responsibility — it can bring barakah (blessings) or, if chosen poorly, cause embarrassment or confusion.

The Companions would change names with negative or un-Islamic meanings. This guide will help you choose a beautiful, meaningful Islamic name for your child.

Islamic Rules for Naming Children

Recommended Names (Best Choices)

Names of Prophets — Muhammad, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, Yusuf, Dawud, Sulayman, etc.
Names starting with ‘Abd’ (Servant of…) — Abdullah, Abdurrahman, Abdul Malik, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Karim, Abdul Latif.
Names of the Prophet’s family and Companions — Ali, Umar, Abu Bakr, Hamza, Bilal, Zayd (boys); Khadijah, Aisha, Fatimah, Zaynab, Asma (girls).
Names with beautiful positive meanings — Amin (trustworthy), Sadiq (truthful), Karim (generous), Nur (light), Rahmah (mercy), Jannah (paradise), Yasmin (jasmine).

Forbidden or Strongly Disliked Names

Names implying servitude to anyone other than Allah (e.g., Abdul-Nabi, Abdul-Husayn, Abdul-Kaaba)
Names exclusive to Allah (e.g., Al-Rahman, Al-Khaliq, Al-Malik al-Mulk)
Names with bad or negative meanings (e.g., Harb = war, Kalb = dog)
Names of famous tyrants or idols (e.g., Firawn, Abu Lahab)

When to Name the Child – Sunnah Timing

The Prophet ﷺ recommended naming the child on the **7th day** after birth (the day of Aqiqah). However, many scholars allow naming at birth. The Adhan is recited in the right ear and Iqamah in the left ear of the newborn — a beautiful Sunnah to welcome the child with the call to prayer.

Beautiful Islamic Names

**For Boys:** Muhammad, Ahmad, Ibrahim, Yusuf, Ali, Umar, Hamza, Zayd, Bilal, Abdullah, Abdurrahman, Karim, Amin, Sadiq, Luqman. **For Girls:** Aisha, Fatimah, Maryam, Khadijah, Zaynab, Asma, Safiyyah, Rahmah, Nur, Jannah, Yasmin, Salma, Layla.