Middle Eastern baby names

The area known as the Middle East comprises many countries and is home to a bounty of beautiful and exotic baby names. With the wide variety of people, religions and cultures in the area, you have many options when it comes to Middle Eastern baby names. Read on to discover a whole new world of baby names!
 

The Mideast

The Middle East is comprised of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. There are a number of languages spoken and religions practiced in these areas, which makes for a colorful and fun selection of baby names.

The most widely-spoken languages in the area include Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Hebrew, Armenian and Aramaic, among others. Religions practiced in the Mideast are Islam, Judaism and Christianity, as well as other religions such as Baha'i and Druze.

Middle Eastern names often come from religion and carry linguistic roots, so there are cultural backgrounds on many names and they are often handed down through the generations. Male Arabic names, for instance, often will reflect one of the 99 attributes of Allah. Biblical baby names are also popular in the Mideast as well as the rest of the world -- indeed, in the US, the Hebrew name David is one of the most steadfast baby names, appearing over and over again at the top of the popularity list each year.


Middle Eastern baby names for girls

Amira: This name has both Arabic and Hebrew roots and means "princess, treetop."

Anina: An Aramaic name, this means "answer my prayer."

Basma: An Arabic name, this means "smile."

Bena: This Hebrew name means "wise." 

Chuma: This Aramaic name means "heat, warmth."

Darya: Meaning, "the sea," this name has Persian roots.

Galiana: This Arabic name was that of a Moorish princess.

Jamila: Meaning "lovely," this is a popular Arabic name.

Jasmine: An old Persian name, this refers to the lovely fragrant flowers of the same name.

Hania: Both Arabic and Hebrew in origin, this means "a place to rest and be happy."

Karima: This Arabic name means "giving."

Kyra: This name comes from the Persian and Egyptian word for "like Ra (the sun)."

Maysa: Meaning "graceful," this name has Arabic roots.

Sadira: This Persian name means "lotus tree."

Shera: An Aramaic name, this means "brightness."

Talia: Both Hebrew and Aramaic in origin, this means "heaven's dew."

Zarina: Meaning "golden," this name has Persian roots.

Middle Eastern baby names for boys 

Aram: An Assyrian name, this means "high."

Akmal: This Arabic name means "perfect." 

Basim: Meaning "smile," this name has Arabic roots.

Caspar: A Persian name, this means "treasurer."

Dagon: A Biblical name, this was the name of a god of the Canaanites.

Ibrahim: An Arabic name, this means "father of many." It is a variation of the Hebrew name Abraham.

Kassim: Meaning "divided," this is an Arabic name.

Niaz: Of Faria and Persian origin, this means "gift." 

Nabil: An Arabic name meaning "noble."

Oran: This is an Aramaic name meaning "light."

Rami: This Arabic name means "loving." 

Roshan: Meaning "daylight," this name has Farsi and Persian origins.

Shai: Of Hebrew and Aramaic origins, this means "gift."

Tavi: An Aramaic name, this means "good."

Varten: A name that comes from Persian origins, this means "rose giver."

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