173 Malay Girl Names With Tropical Elegance

Transport yourself to the breathtaking beauty of Southeast Asia's islands.

Written by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

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Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

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Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Malay baby girl names are deeply rooted in the heritage and culture of the indigenous people. They are mainly found in the Malay Peninsula, the Malay Archipelago, and parts of Sumatra and Borneo. The names that these people adopted over centuries have become a symbol of their values, beliefs, and traditions. Let's explore the fascinating traditional and cultural history of Malay baby girl names.

The Malay people, over the years, have been influenced by numerous other cultures. Today they are a mix of Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous Malay traditions. There is a very strong Islamic presence, and this religious devotion has seeped into the naming system. A lot of the names assigned to baby girls today have roots in Arabic and emphasize the spiritual importance of Islamic beliefs within the Malay community (1)(2).

Culturally Malay baby girl names have a strong association with nature and the environment around them. They often signify the feeling of reverence and sense of harmony that the indigenous people have toward the environment. These names also highlight the familial bonds and the connections that they share within the community. However, the National Registration Department of Malaysia may not register names with negative meanings or certain names that represent colors, animals, or natural objects/phenomena.

Some traditional Malay names are also associated with positive characteristics and qualities and convey aspirations for beauty, strength, and affection. These names are bestowed by the parents because they are qualities that they hope and dream their child will one day possess. In addition, some names carry cultural and historical significance and are usually associated with famous figures from their history and folklore. Irrespective of the origin, the names that are chosen not only shape the individual identity of each Malay girl but also contribute to the preservation and celebration of the Malay community's values and heritage.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Malaysia	Girl	To run; To go fast
Kamilah	Girl	Flawlessness; Perfection
Farah	Girl	Happiness
Khadijah	Girl	Premature child
Asiyah	Girl	Grieved; Distressed; Caring one
Samirah	Girl	Companion in evening talk; Wind; Air
Zarina	Unisex	Golden; Gold; Empress
Jamilah	Girl	Beautiful
Razan	Girl	Vineyard; Harmony; Calm
Samiah	Unisex	Elevated; Sublime; Supreme

Zakiyah	Girl	Pure
Zunairah	Unisex	Moonlight; Shine of the moon
Asiah	Girl	Grieved; Distressed
Rima	Girl	White antelope; Advantage; Flax; To calm down; To quieten; Beloved; Goddess Durga
Aishah	Girl	Living; Alive
Naimah	Girl	Pleasantness; Tranquil; Happy; At ease
Aidah	Girl	Guest; The one who's returning; Moon
Sidratul	Girl	Cedar of the farthest point
Saniah	Girl	Second child; Brilliant; Splendid
Jalilah	Girl	Great; Exalted; Important

Minah	Girl	Will; Helmet; Protection; Security
Zainah	Unisex	Beauty; Grace
Ramla	Girl	Sand; Grain of sand
Suhailah	Girl	Level; Even; A bright star
Zulaikha	Girl	Brilliant beauty; Bright and fair
Tasmia	Girl	To mention the name of Allah; Giving name
Zahirah	Girl	Shining; Brilliant; Helper; Supporter
Shalika	Girl	Flute; A weaver
Nadirah	Girl	Rare; Scarce; Precious
Rahmah	Girl	Mercy; Compassion

Sakinah	Girl	Tranquility; Peace of mind
Zuha	Girl	Forenoon; Sacrifice; Immolate
Atiyah	Girl	Gift; Present; Favor; Benefit; Boon
Saleha	Girl	Virtuous
Izzah	Unisex	Powerful
Arwaa	Girl	Softness; Lightness
Athira	Girl	One who is swift; Lightning; Jasmine; Fragrant; Sweet-smelling
Ezzah	Girl	A person who gives honor; To be powerful
Farihah	Girl	Happy
Habibah	Girl	Sweetheart; Lover; Beloved

Alimah	Girl	Learned; Expert; Scholar
Maziah	Girl	Whole; Complete; Virtuous
Tanna	Girl	Earth; Weft
Zarena	Girl	Golden; Female monarch
Azizah	Girl	Dear; Beloved; Esteemed; Precious; Cherished
Azeemah	Girl	Great; Powerful; Perseverance
Farha	Girl	A happy woman; A Joyous time
Zalina	Unisex	Golden
Binti	Girl	Daughter; Girl
Nabilah	Girl	Noble

Seri	Girl	Radiance; Diffusing light; Beauty; Celery
Faten	Girl	A woman of great charm; Intelligent; Wise
Saidah	Girl	Happy; Lucky
Sharifah	Girl	Eminent; Virtuous; Noble; Highborn; Honorable
Azhara	Girl	Radiant; Shining; Bright; Clear
Ramlah	Girl	A grain of sand
Aleemah	Girl	Expert; Learned; Scholar
Faizah	Girl	A victorious girl
Faridah	Girl	A unique woman
Haniah	Girl	Pleasant; Happy; Delighted

Humairah	Girl	Dark red color
Afifah	Girl	Chaste
Razaan	Girl	Balanced; Composed; Dignified; Vineyard
Shila	Girl	Stone; Conduct; Disposition; Character
Tijah	Girl	Malay form of Khadija; Premature child
Zaima	Girl	Chief; A woman with leadership qualities
Mahirah	Girl	Skilled; Competent
Maizah	Girl	Distinguisher of good and bad; Discerning
Joyah	Girl	Life, Joy; To rejoice
Musfirah	Unisex	Light; Glowing face; White

Seniya	Girl	One who is praiseworthy
Sadiah	Girl	Fortunate; Lucky
Suleika	Girl	A variant of Zuleika
Raga	Girl	Musical rhythm; Coloring; Elegant orchid; Body; Passion; Attachment
Arwah	Boy	Female ibex; Mountain goat; Spirit
Atika	Boy	Clean; Pure; Limpid
Atikah	Girl	Clean; Pure; Limpid
Atiqah	Girl	Ancient; Archaic
Cucu	Girl	A grandchild
Diyanah	Girl	Religion; Creed

Hafiza	Girl	Custodian; Guardian
Khairunnisa	Girl	Goodness of women
Madihah	Girl	Praiseworthy
Maimunah	Girl	Auspicious; Blessed; Favorable
Maziyah	Girl	A girl with good qualities; Excellence; Merit; Virtue
Najibah	Girl	Highborn; Excellent; Outstanding; Noble; Distinguished
Nurin	Girl	Light
Pura	Girl	Purification; City
Shafia	Girl	Healer; Pardon; Forgiveness; Pure
Siti	Girl	Furrow

Mawar	Girl	Rose
Muhaimin	Girl	Controller; Protector; Dominant
Aafiyat	Girl	Health; Freedom from illness
Aatiya	Girl	Giver
Aayizah	Girl	Replacement
Abaasa	Girl	Lioness
Adiputeri	Girl	First daughter or princess
Ajaar	Girl	Reward
Azarnoush	Girl	Right in faith
Bunga	Girl	Flower; Potpourri

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Exploring these Malay baby girl names will give you an insight into the values and culture of this land. From long to short and traditional to trendy, there are diverse options to choose from. So, your search will begin and end on a delightful note. Pick a name whose meaning resonates with you deeply. It would be best to shortlist the options that speak to you the most and then analyze them to find the right one for your daughter. This way, you can ensure that the name you decide fits your girl perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can non-Malay people use Malay baby girl names?

Using a Malay baby girl's name is open to all, irrespective of ethnicity. Prioritizing research into meanings and cultural connections is vital to select a name you and your child will value and honor. Examples of some remarkable multicultural titles from Malay culture include Nur, symbolizing 'light,' Melati, representing the graceful 'jasmine flower,' Zarina, capturing the essence of 'golden,' Kasih, embodying the essence of 'love,' and Fatimah, signifying 'to abstain.'

2. What are some naming traditions or customs in Malay culture?

In Malay cultures, names bear profound significance and are thoughtfully selected, comprising three components: a given name, a patronymic noun, and the father's given name. So if a baby girl is named Asiya binte Musa, Asiya represents the given name, Musa denotes the father's name, and binte serves as the patronymic noun, conveying 'daughter of.' Unlike Western traditions, the concept of family names is absent, and the father's name is appended as the final element (1).

Infographic: Cheerful Malay Baby Girl Names That’ll Make You Smile

Malay is a language spoken in several Southeast Asian countries and is most commonly associated with Malaysia. Malay baby girl names are melodic and sweet-sounding. They also are unique, sounding pleasantly different. This has made them a popular choice among parents. This infographic will list some popular Malay girl names.

adorable yet unusual names for your little one (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Malay socio-religious practices and rituals.
https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/knowledge-bank/malay-socio-religious-practices-and-rituals#:~:text=Malays%20strictly%20observe%20the%20four
Shuhaimi Bin Haji Ishak and Osman Chuah Abdullah; (2012); Islam and the Malay World: An Insight into the Assimilation of Islamic Values Mohd.
https://idosi.org/wjihc/wjihc2(2)12/1.pdf

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.