Baby Names From the Quran: Boy and Girl Names With Meanings
Quranic baby names for boys and girls: the names of prophets, Maryam, surah names such as Nur and Kawthar, and Quranic words used as names — with meanings and tips for choosing.
Last updated: 2026-10-03
Many parents look to the Quran when choosing a name. Strictly, the Quran contains few personal names — mostly those of prophets — but many beautiful Quranic words are also used as names. This guide separates the two, so you know what you are choosing.
Boy names: the prophets
The 25 prophets named in the Quran give some of the most loved boys’ names: Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Isma’il, Ishaq, Ya’qub, Yusuf, Musa, Harun, Dawud, Sulayman, Yunus, Zakariyya, Yahya, Isa and Muhammad, as well as Idris, Hud, Salih, Lut, Ayyub, Shu’ayb, Ilyas, Al-Yasa’ and Dhul-Kifl. See the prophets mentioned in the Quran for their English equivalents. Luqman, the wise man of Luqman, is another popular choice.
Girl names: Maryam and beyond
Maryam (Mary) is the only woman named in the Quran, and Surah Maryam (19) carries her name. Other women appear in the Quran without names — the wife of Pharaoh (traditionally Asiya), the mother of Moses, the Queen of Sheba (traditionally Bilqis) — and their traditional names are also popular. Many girls’ names come from Quranic words, listed below.
Surah names used as names
Some surah names are used as personal names. Their meanings, as listed in the dataset used on this site:
| No. | Surah | Meaning | Ayahs | Revelation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Maryam مريم | Mary | 98 | Meccan |
| 12 | Yusuf يوسف | Joseph | 111 | Meccan |
| 14 | Ibrahim ابراهيم | Abraham | 52 | Meccan |
| 10 | Yunus يونس | Jonah | 109 | Meccan |
| 71 | Nuh نوح | Noah | 28 | Meccan |
| 11 | Hud هود | Hud | 123 | Meccan |
| 31 | Luqman لقمان | Luqman | 34 | Meccan |
| 24 | An-Nur النور | The Light | 64 | Medinan |
| 108 | Al-Kawthar الكوثر | The Abundance | 3 | Meccan |
| 89 | Al-Fajr الفجر | The Dawn | 30 | Meccan |
Not every surah name suits a person — many describe events or warnings — so check the meaning before choosing.
Quranic words used as names
- Nur (also Noor) — light. Used for girls and boys.
- Huda — guidance.
- Rahma — mercy.
- Iman — faith.
- Sakina — tranquillity.
- Jannah — garden, paradise.
- Ayah — sign, verse.
- Kawthar — abundance; also the name of a river in Paradise in Islamic tradition.
- Furqan — the criterion; a name of the Quran, used for boys.
- Bushra — good news.
Tips for choosing
- Make sure you understand the meaning — a word can sound beautiful but mean something unsuitable as a name.
- Check how the name is pronounced and spelled in the countries where your child will live.
- Avoid names that belong only to God, such as His names with the definite article; use the “Abd-” form instead (Abdullah, Abdur-Rahman).
- When unsure, ask someone who knows Arabic well.
A personalised video of the surah your child is named after can make a lovely gift — create one.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the only woman's name in the Quran?
- Maryam (Mary), the mother of Jesus. She is the only woman mentioned by name, and Surah 19 is named after her.
- Do Muslim names have to come from the Quran?
- No. Muslims are encouraged to choose names with good meanings; names of prophets and pious people are popular, but a name doesn't have to appear in the Quran.
- Can I name my child after a surah?
- Many families do choose surah names such as Maryam, Yusuf, Nur or Kawthar. Choose a name whose meaning you understand and that is easy for your child to carry.
This article explains common understanding and history for general readers; it is not a religious ruling. For questions of practice, consult a qualified scholar. See the disclaimer.
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