Choosing a Beautiful Name for Your Child: An Islamic Perspective

Naming a child is one of the first rights a child has over the parents. The Prophet ﷺ paid great attention to names, changing harsh or inauspicious names into beautiful ones.

The Most Beloved Names

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The most beloved of your names to Allah are Abdullah and Abdurrahman." (Muslim) Names of servitude to Allah (Abd + one of Allah's names), names of the Prophets, and names of the righteous companions are all excellent choices.

Qualities of a Good Name

A good name carries a beautiful meaning, is easy to pronounce, and does not expose the child to mockery. Scholars encourage names that inspire the child toward good character — names meaning light, guidance, patience, or gratitude.

What to Avoid

Avoid names exclusive to Allah (such as Al-Khaliq without "Abd"), names with bad or arrogant meanings, and names glorifying tyrants. It is also disliked to use names that claim purity, such as "Barrah" — which the Prophet ﷺ changed to Zaynab.

When to Name

The Sunnah is to name the child on the day of birth or on the seventh day, along with the aqiqah sacrifice and shaving of the head. Take your time browsing meanings — a thoughtful name is a gift your child carries forever.