44 Middle East Girl Names Steeped In Tradition

Pick from a long list of holy, pleasant, and popular names.

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Last Updated on Nov 13, 2024

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Middle East baby girl names carry deep meanings. They serve as special keys unlocking stories of the past, connecting families and cultures. Selecting a name isn't just about picking a nice-sounding title for your princess but also honoring ancestors and passing on the traditions across generations.
Unlike the Western tradition of first, middle, and last names, Arabic names often follow a longer format that reflects deep cultural and linguistic heritage. Instead of a single name, individuals typically have a sequence of names that often include their given name, their father's name (sometimes also the grandfather's name), and the family name (1). These names are like a chain connecting an individual to their family and cultural background.
What's fascinating is that most Arabic and Middle East names are not just arbitrary terms; they usually have specific meanings as typical words in a language. These meanings are often tied to qualities, virtues, or aspirations parents wish their children to embody.
In certain Middle Eastern countries, sons often carry the names of their father and grandfather, like passing down a memorable treasure. But interestingly, the women usually keep their original last names even after they get married. Some families stick to their old traditions, passing names down from grandfathers to fathers to sons and daughters. Others mix in a modern style, putting the family name front and center.
Furthermore, Middle East names often connect people to their religious and cultural heritage. Many names have historical significance, linking individuals to notable figures in Islamic history, literature, and philosophy. This adds a layer of depth to the naming process, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging within a larger community.
In the below-given collection, we present to you a selection of Middle Eastern baby girl names that beautifully capture the heritage and culture of the region. Dive into this list and find the perfect Middle Eastern baby girl name for your family's newest addition.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Yeira	Girl	Light
Shadiyah	Girl	Singer
Zakiyyah	Girl	Pure
Sharonda	Girl	Plain
Yalanda	Girl	Form of Yolanda; Violet flower
Aymelek	Girl	Moon angel
Ayperi	Girl	Moon fairy
Imtithal	Girl	Polite obedience
Khazbiika	Girl	Beautiful
Kinnette	Girl	Harp

Kirioth	Girl	The cities; The callings
Kurbiika	Girl	Proud
Saahirah	Girl	Earth; Moon; Spring which flows constantly
Saar-rah	Girl	Lady whose charming manner brings joy
Segulah	Girl	Treasure
Sevgili	Girl	Darling
Sevinc	Girl	Joy; Delight
Seyyal	Girl	Traveler
Shabanna	Girl	Belonging to night
Shakufa	Girl	The opening bud

Shamaamah	Girl	Fragrance; Scent; Perfume
Shareefah	Girl	She who is noble and gentle
Shirilee	Girl	My song
Sigliah	Girl	Violet
Songl	Girl	The last rose
Suhaymah	Girl	Small arrow
Talora	Girl	Dew of the morning
Taslimah	Girl	Salutation; Peace
Tzafrirah	Girl	Morning breeze
Wahibah	Girl	Giver; Donor

Walidah	Girl	Newborn
Wordah	Girl	Rose
Yegane	Girl	A woman of incomparable beauty
Yoninah	Girl	Little dove
Yosifa	Girl	God will increase; Feminine form of Joseph
Zaleekhah	Girl	A variant of Zulaikha, meaning brilliant beauty
Zambak	Girl	Lily
Zarifah	Girl	A graceful woman
Zikiya	Girl	One who is smart and intelligent
Ziynet	Girl	Ornament

Zlem	Girl	Longing, yearning
Zubaydah	Girl	One who has a soft body
Zuhairah	Girl	Blossom; Radiant; Shining
Zumarrad	Girl	Emerald or precious stone

From the vast sandy deserts of Saudi Arabia to the shimmering coasts of Bahrain and several other stunning landscapes spanning the region, the Middle East girl names reflect various cultures coming together with a shared tradition of naming baby girls with deep consideration. These names connect to enchanting history, cherished values, and aspirations of parents. Choosing from these names can serve as a way to link the past and future while also embracing the present moment in its entirety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some powerful girls' names in Arabic?

Arabic has several girl names that have powerful meanings. Names like Amira (meaning ‘commander’ or ‘princess’), Aaliyah (meaning ‘exalted’ or ‘sublime’), Zahra (meaning ‘shining,’ ‘brilliant,’ and ‘bright’), Sana (meaning ‘brilliance’ or ‘radiance’), and Layla (meaning ‘night’) are some examples of powerful girl’s names.

2. What are rare Arabic girl names?

Some rare Arabic girls’ names include Dalal (meaning ‘coquettishness’), Hala (meaning ‘halo around the moon’), and Karima (meaning ‘generous’ and ‘noble’).

3. What Arabic girl name means pure?

Several Arabic girl names mean pure. These names include Safiya, Zakia, Tahira, and Safaa.

4. What Arabic girl name means love?

Arabic girl names like Habiba, Aziza, Widad, and Janan mean love. Some parents could consider names like Layla (‘night’), Jumana (‘pearl’), and Lina (‘tender’) to be associated with love as well.

5. Are there any specific characteristics or traits parents may associate with Middle Eastern baby girl names?

Some Middle Eastern baby girl names are associated with beauty, characteristics, culture, and spirituality. Names like Ruwa, Bahiyya, and Zaynab exemplify the beauty of a baby girl. Other names like Aisha and Fatima are linked to Islamic tradition.

6. What naming conventions are adopted in the Middle East for naming baby girls?

Arabic names are traditionally long names and can contain four names or more. These are a list of a person’s first name, father’s name, grandfather’s name, and family name. Girls have a nasab which indicates their pedigree. The nasab for daughters is bint. For example, Alia bint Sayyed indicates that Alia is the daughter of Sayyed. In some cases, a laqab or a religious epithet is also used to describe a quality of a girl. One of the most common laqab is Abd which is used for boys. Its feminine counterpart is Amat al-(characteristic). For instance, we have the name Amat Allah or Amatullah, meaning ‘servant of Allah’ (1) ( 2).

7. What popular Middle Eastern baby girl names have made their way into Western culture?

Rapid globalization has made several Middle Eastern baby girl names popular in the West. Certain names like Layla (‘night’) gained popularity because of Eric Clapton’s song Layla or Colleen Hoover’s book by the same name. Similarly, Jasmine, derived from the Arabic Yasmin, caught on in the West after the release of the Disney classic Aladdin.

Infographic: Majestic Middle Eastern Baby Girl Names

Middle Eastern baby girl names hold deep cultural and historical significance, reflecting values rooted in the region's heritage. These names carry profound meanings that evoke nature, emotions, and beautiful things. Explore the poetic charm of Middle Eastern names with this infographic and choose the perfect name for your precious daughter.

magnificent baby girl names from the middle east (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.

Culture: Arabic names and titles;
https://openbooks.lib.msu.edu/elemarabicll/chapter/culture/
Period Arabic Names And Naming Practices;
https://heraldry.sca.org/names/arabic-naming2.htm

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.