How do I choose a Muslim baby name?

What the sunnah encourages

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The names dearest to Allah are 'Abdullah and 'Abd al-Rahman" (Sahih Muslim 2132). Names that mean "servant of" one of Allah's names, like Abdul-Karim or Abdul-Malik, follow the same idea. Names of prophets (Ibrahim, Musa, Yusuf), of righteous women like Maryam, and of the Companions are also popular and loved.

He also cared about meaning. He changed the name 'Asiya, which means "disobedient," to Jamila, "beautiful" (Sahih Muslim 2139), and changed Barra, "pious," to Zainab because it sounded like self-praise (Sahih Muslim 2141).

Names to avoid

• Names that belong to Allah alone: such as Al-Khaliq (the Creator) or titles like "king of kings," which the Prophet ﷺ called the worst name in Allah's sight (Sahih al-Bukhari 6205).
• "Servant of" anyone but Allah: for example Abdul-Nabi (servant of the Prophet). Most scholars say to avoid these.
• Bad or embarrassing meanings: check what a name means in Arabic and in your own language.
• Names tied to another religion's worship: names of gods or names that only make sense as a religious title.

Some scholars also dislike names that sound boastful or overly pious, but that's a matter of preference, not a sin.

Non-Arabic and family names are fine

Islam isn't an Arab culture. Many Muslims around the world carry Persian, Turkish, Malay, African or European names. A name like Adam, Sarah, Hannah, Noah, Sophia or Daniel works in English and also has roots in the prophets' stories. Names with a good everyday meaning, like Hope or Grace, are fine too. See Is Islam only for Arabs?

As a convert, you might want to honor a non-Muslim parent or grandparent. Using their name, or a middle name after them, is generally fine as long as the meaning is acceptable, and it can mean a lot to your family. See Do I have to change my name after becoming Muslim?

Practical tips for Western parents

• Say it out loud with your surname, and imagine your child at school or in a job interview.
• Check spelling: Arabic names have many English spellings (Yusuf, Yousef). Pick one that's easy to read.
• Look up the meaning from a reliable source, not just a baby-name app.
• Timing: naming can happen at birth or on the seventh day, with the aqiqah.

Taking care over names is part of respecting them, which is also why scholars discourage casual use of prophets' names for animals. See Can I name my pet after a prophet?