About Islamic Names

In keeping with Islamic tradition, the method in which names are given to children follows a 1,400-year-old formula.

Types

A male child whose first name is Adil, father's name is Hisham and grandfather's name is Abdullah would have been given the name Adil ibn Hisham ibn Abdullah.

"Ibn" means "son of" and is generally dropped when referring to the person in an informal manner.

For a female child, her first name is followed by the father's name. Giving a female child multiple names is only permitted if the name of the girl's father is not known or the parents were not married. An example of a female Islamic name would be: Farah bint Abdullah.

Like "ibn" for the boy's name, "bint," which means "daughter of", would be dropped in common discussion.

Warning

According to the Koran (the Islamic holy book), there are certain names that are prohibited from use. These names are considered harmful as adherents believe they could cause the child to become or act out that which his or her name means. Some examples of prohibited names are: Ya'la ("elevated"), Barakah ("blessing"), Aflah ("successful"), Murra ("bitterness"), Harb ("war") and Yaish ("he lives").

Considerations

According to the Koran, it is strongly desired that a person with a name with an undesirable or prohibited meaning should change it at the soonest possible time. An Islamic believer or convert has the ability to change his or her name if so desired by contacting their local county clerk's office and requesting the proper forms and explaining that the name change is for religious reasons.

Women, according to Islamic law, are not to change their last names when they are married if that name is from their known father.

Benefits

The most popular names are those of prominent figures in the Islamic religion such as Mohammed, which means "revered," Abdullah ("servant of God") and Aliah ("exalted"). The meaning of the names is very important to the parents who give them. Because they feel that a prohibited Islamic name can be bad for the child, they also believe that a strong or positive name will mean the child will have a good life and be a good person.

Time Frame

The naming of a child is given a great deal of attention, even over when to bestow the name. The Islamic religion allows for a seven-day window, from birth to seven days after, to name the child. The father and mother can jointly agree on a name or, when there is disagreement, it is the father's prerogative to provide the name. The father also may defer and give the mother the right to name the child.