NLENعربي
New and rare boys' names

Arabic boys' names and their meanings

Looking for a special boy's name? Here are new and rare Arabic boys' names, by letter. Tap a name to see it in letter biscuits, or tap “Surprise name” and Thurayya surprises you with one.

Girls' names

Name stories on video

Each video tells one story of a name. Names carry many layers of stories and meanings, and Soraya loves to uncover them all. A new name story every Friday.

All the boys' names

46 names

محمدMohammedthe one with many praiseworthy qualities+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
راكانRakansteadiness and dignity: a rakeen man is calm and grave, a rakeen mountain high and strong+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab
بندرBandarfrom Persian bandar: the place where ships anchor in a harbour, and the small town around it+ 1 more meaningSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Almaany
فيصلFaisalthe judge: the one who decides between right and wrongSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
نايفNaifhigh and towering+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab
عليAlihigh, exalted+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab
خالدKhalidlasting, ever-remaining+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
سلطانSultanproof and strong reason; from salit, the oil that gives light+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
فهدFahadthe cheetah, the wild cat that hunters train for the chaseSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
سعودSaudthe ten stars of good fortune in the sky; the moon stops at four of them+ 2 more meaningsSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
نوافNawaftowering, high above+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
أحمدAhmedone who has the finest qualities and is praised for them+ 1 more meaningSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Doha Dictionary
تميمTamimperfectly formed and strong+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
ريانRayanwell-watered, never thirsty+ 2 more meaningsSource: Lisan al-Arab
طلالTalalplural of tall, the lightest, gentlest rain+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
سيفSaifthe sword; its bearer is called sa'if+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
فارسFaresa horseman, and anyone masterful at what he does: the name comes from it+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
غيثGhaithrain, and the green that grows from itSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
وليدWalida newborn boySource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
كنانKinana shield and shelter for all things+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
بدرBadrthe full moon, named for racing the sun to rise+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
ماجدMajednoble, generous and good-natured+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
سعدSaadgood fortune+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
زيادZiadgrowth and abundanceSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Almaany
ياسرYassereasy-going, gentle to deal withSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
ناصرNasserthe helper who stands by the wronged+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
ليثLaithstrength and might; the lion; the brave one+ 1 more meaningSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Doha Dictionary
باسلBaselbrave, a hero+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
راشدRashidthe one who finds the right waySource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
سالمSalemfree of every flaw, safe and soundSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Almaany
طارقTariqthe star that rises at night; the morning star+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
مروانMarwanfrom marw: bright white flint stones that strike fire+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
حمزةHamzastrength and firmness: Hamza comes from ahmaz, firmer+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab
جاسمJassimgreat and mighty in build+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
عزامAzzampatient and determined; also the lion+ 1 more meaningSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Doha Dictionary
يزنYazanfrom Dhu Yazan, a king of ancient Himyar; the famous Yazani spears are named after himSource: Lisan al-Arab
زيدZaidgrowth, abundance and givingSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Doha Dictionary
ذيابThiyabwolvesSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
ثامرThamera tree whose fruit is ripe+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
دحامDahamone who pushes hard+ 1 more meaningSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Almaany
شاهينShaheenfrom Persian: a bird of prey of the falcon family+ 1 more meaningSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Doha Dictionary
صالحSalehgood and upright, putting things right+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
ضاريDharia seasoned hunter, used to the chase+ 1 more meaningSource: Doha Dictionary
ظافرDhaferthe victor who overcomes his rival; the winner+ 1 more meaningSource: Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia · Doha Dictionary
قصيQusaifar away, the distant one+ 2 more meaningsSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia
هيثمHaithamthe falcon, or the young of the eagle: the name comes from it+ 1 more meaningSource: Lisan al-Arab · Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia

Arabic boys' names and their meanings, from Alif to Yaa

Every name with its meaning and its source. Our sources

  1. : one who has the finest qualities and is praised for them. From the root ح م د, as given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic.
  2. : brave, a hero. From the root ب س ل, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  3. : the full moon, named for racing the sun to rise. From the root ب د ر, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  4. : from Persian bandar: the place where ships anchor in a harbour, and the small town around it. As given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Almaany dictionary.
  5. : perfectly formed and strong. From the root ت م م, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  6. : a tree whose fruit is ripe. From the root ث م ر, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  7. : great and mighty in build. From the root ج س م, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  8. : strength and firmness: Hamza comes from ahmaz, firmer. From the root ح م ز, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur.
  9. : lasting, ever-remaining. From the root خ ل د, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  10. : one who pushes hard. From the root د ح م, as given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Almaany dictionary.
  11. : wolves. From the root ذ أ ب, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  12. : the one who finds the right way. From the root ر ش د, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  13. : steadiness and dignity: a rakeen man is calm and grave, a rakeen mountain high and strong. From the root ر ك ن, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur.
  14. : well-watered, never thirsty. From the root ر و ي, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur.
  15. : growth and abundance. From the root ز ي د, as given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Almaany dictionary.
  16. : growth, abundance and giving. From the root ز ي د, as given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic.
  17. : free of every flaw, safe and sound. From the root س ل م, as given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Almaany dictionary.
  18. : good fortune. From the root س ع د, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  19. : the ten stars of good fortune in the sky; the moon stops at four of them. From the root س ع د, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  20. : proof and strong reason; from salit, the oil that gives light. From the root س ل ط, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  21. : the sword; its bearer is called sa'if. From the root س ي ف, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  22. : from Persian: a bird of prey of the falcon family. As given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic.
  23. : good and upright, putting things right. From the root ص ل ح, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  24. : a seasoned hunter, used to the chase. From the root ض ر و, as given in the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic.
  25. : the star that rises at night; the morning star. From the root ط ر ق, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  26. : plural of tall, the lightest, gentlest rain. From the root ط ل ل, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  27. : the victor who overcomes his rival; the winner. From the root ظ ف ر, as given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic.
  28. : patient and determined; also the lion. From the root ع ز م, as given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic.
  29. : high, exalted. From the root ع ل و, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur.
  30. : rain, and the green that grows from it. From the root غ ي ث, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  31. : a horseman, and anyone masterful at what he does: the name comes from it. From the root ف ر س, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  32. : the cheetah, the wild cat that hunters train for the chase. From the root ف ه د, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  33. : the judge: the one who decides between right and wrong. From the root ف ص ل, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  34. : far away, the distant one. From the root ق ص و, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  35. : a shield and shelter for all things. From the root ك ن ن, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  36. : strength and might; the lion; the brave one. From the root ل ي ث, as given in the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names and the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic.
  37. : noble, generous and good-natured. From the root م ج د, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  38. : the one with many praiseworthy qualities. From the root ح م د, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  39. : from marw: bright white flint stones that strike fire. From the root م ر و, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  40. : the helper who stands by the wronged. From the root ن ص ر, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  41. : high and towering. From the root ن و ف, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur.
  42. : towering, high above. From the root ن و ف, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  43. : the falcon, or the young of the eagle: the name comes from it. From the root ه ث م, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  44. : a newborn boy. From the root و ل د, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  45. : easy-going, gentle to deal with. From the root ي س ر, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur and the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names.
  46. : from Dhu Yazan, a king of ancient Himyar; the famous Yazani spears are named after him. From the root ي ز ن, as given in Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur.

Names by letter

Each letter page lists its girls' and boys' names.

AlifBaaTaaThaaJeemHaaKhaaDaalDhaalRaaZaaySeenSheenSaadDaadTaa (heavy)Dhaa (heavy)AinGhainFaaQaafKaafLaamMeemNoonHaa (soft)WaawYaa

New and rare Arabic boys' names

Among the Arabic male names Gulf families love today: Rayan, Tamim, Yazan, Kinan, Rakan. And rare names with a classic Arabic ring: Thiyab, Azzam, Laith, Ghaith, Dahham.

Questions parents ask

How do I choose a special boy's name?

Pick a name whose meaning you love, that is easy to say, and that your child can write alone one day. Then spell it in letter biscuits and see how it looks.

Which Arabic male names sound grand?

Many parents love names with history and presence, like Sultan, Faisal, Fahad, Rakan, Nayef and Nawaf.

Do the names show their meaning?

Yes. Each name shows its meaning as the Arabic dictionaries give it, with a link to the source: Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Manzur, the Sultan Qaboos Encyclopedia of Arab Names, the Doha Historical Dictionary of Arabic, or Almaany.