The Most Popular Arabic Name in the World, Ranked

Choose the name you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:29
In many cultures, names are more than just a way to address someone; they carry deep historical significance and are a window into heritage and identity. As communities grow more interconnected, the popularity and awareness of Arabic names have surged across the globe. By ranking these names, we can see which ones resonate most universally, shedding light on cultural integration and the sharing of values. This list embodies the collective voice of many, gathered to show which Arabic names are cherished widely. Each vote contributes to a broader understanding of which names are preferred and why they hold special meaning. Through your participation, the list becomes a richer reflection of the global community’s sentiment and provides insights into evolving cultural trends.

What Is the Most Popular Arabic Name in the World?

  1. 1
    79
    votes
    This name is the most popular Arabic name in the world, with over 150 million people bearing this name. It is named after the Prophet Muhammad, who is highly revered in Islam.
    Mohammed/Muhammad is a widely used Arabic name that holds great significance in Muslim culture and is considered one of the most popular names in the world. It is derived from the Arabic root word 'hamida,' meaning 'to praise,' and signifies admiration and praise for God.
    • Meaning: To praise or be praised
    • Gender: Primarily used for males, but variations exist for females
    • Religious Significance: It is the name of the last prophet in Islam
    • Popularity: One of the most common names in the Muslim world, with millions of people bearing this name
    • Cultural Impact: This name has influenced various aspects of Muslim culture, including art, literature, and naming traditions
  2. 2
    45
    votes

    Ali

    This name is also a popular Arabic name, meaning "elevated" or "noble." It is also the name of one of the most important figures in Shia Islam, Ali ibn Abi Talib.
    Ali is a common Arabic given name that is widely popular in the world. It has deep historical and cultural significance within the Arab community.
    • Meaning: Ali means 'the exalted one' or 'noble' in Arabic.
    • Popularity: Ali is one of the most popular names in the Muslim world and is widely used across various countries with Arabic-speaking populations.
    • Historical Significance: The name Ali holds significant historical importance among Muslims as it was the name of the fourth caliph and cousin of Prophet Muhammad. Ali is revered for his wisdom, bravery, and contributions to early Islamic history.
    • Religious Association: Ali is also a revered figure in Shia Islam, with many Shia Muslims naming their children after him as a sign of respect and devotion.
    • Variants and Spellings: There are various spelling variations of the name Ali, including Aly, Alie, and Aliyy. Additionally, it is relatively common for Ali to be combined with other names, such as Ali Hassan, Ali Ahmed, or Ali Abdullah.
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    This name is popular among Muslim women, as it is the name of Prophet Muhammad's daughter. It means "one who abstains," and is considered a virtuous name.
    Fatima is an Arabic girl name that holds significant cultural and religious importance. It has been prevalent in Arab countries for centuries and is derived from the Arabic word 'femtoh' meaning 'weaned'. Fatima is believed to be the name of one of the Prophet Muhammad's daughters, making it highly revered among Muslims.
    • Meaning: Weaned
    • Origins: Arabic
    • Religious significance: Associated with one of the Prophet Muhammad's daughters
    • Popularity: Most popular Arabic girl name
    • Cultural significance: Highly revered in Arab communities
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    This name is also a popular Arabic name for girls, meaning "living" or "life." It is the name of one of Prophet Muhammad's wives and is considered a virtuous name.
    Aisha is a common Arabic girl name that holds significant cultural and historical importance. It is derived from the Arabic word 'A'isha' meaning 'lively' or 'alive'. Aisha is widely popular among Arabic-speaking communities and is also used in various other cultures around the world.
    • Meaning: lively
    • Origin: Arabic
    • Popularity: High
    • Cultural Significance: Widely used in Islamic history and Quranic references
    • Famous Namesakes: Aisha bint Abu Bakr, wife of Prophet Muhammad
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    This name is popular among Muslim men, meaning "most commendable" or "most praised." It is also the name of one of the 99 names of Allah.
    Ahmed/Ahmad is a widely recognized Arabic name that has significant global popularity. It is a male given name derived from the Arabic word 'ahmad', meaning 'more commendable' or 'most commendable'.
    • Origin: Arabic
    • Meaning: More commendable; most commendable
    • Gender: Male
    • Popularity: One of the most popular Arabic names worldwide
    • Cultural Significance: Commonly used in the Islamic world and among Arabic-speaking communities globally
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    This name is popular among Muslim men, meaning "long-lived" or "flourishing." It is the name of one of Prophet Muhammad's companions and is considered a virtuous name.
    Omar/Omer is a popular Arabic name that has a rich historical and cultural significance. It is derived from the Arabic word 'umr', meaning life or long-lived. The name Omar/Omer has been widely used across the Arab world and beyond.
    • Meaning: Life or long-lived
    • Origin: Arabic
    • Popularity: Widespread in Arabic-speaking communities and globally
    • Historical Significance: Omar/Omer was the name of the second caliph (successor) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, which contributes to its significance in Islamic history.
    • Cultural Significance: Omar/Omer is associated with qualities such as wisdom, strength, leadership, and piety within the Arab culture.
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    This name is popular among Muslim men, meaning "handsome" or "good-looking." It is also the name of one of Prophet Muhammad's grandsons and is considered a virtuous name.
    Hassan is an Arabic name commonly used by Muslims around the world. It holds significant cultural and religious significance. The name 'Hassan' translates to 'good', 'handsome', or 'beautiful' in Arabic. It is derived from the Arabic root word 'hasuna', which means 'to be good' or 'to be excellent'. 'Hassan' is primarily given to boys, although it is occasionally used as a girl's name as well.
    • Meaning: Good, handsome, beautiful
    • Origin: Arabic
    • Usage: Commonly used by Muslims worldwide
    • Gender: Primarily given to boys, occasionally used as a girl's name
    • Religious Significance: Holds importance in Islamic tradition and culture
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    This name is popular among Muslim women, meaning "guidance" or "enlightenment." It is also the name of one of the 99 names of Allah.
    Huda is an Arabic name that means 'guidance' or 'righteousness'. It is predominantly used as a female given name. Huda carries a deep cultural and religious significance, symbolizing the act of leading or guiding others towards the right path.
    • Meaning: Guidance, righteousness
    • Gender: Primarily used as a female given name
    • Origin: Arabic and Islamic cultures
    • Cultural Significance: Symbolizes leading or guiding others towards the right path
    • Popularity: One of the most popular Arabic names in the world
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    This name is popular among Muslim women, meaning "night" or "dark beauty." It is also the name of a famous Arabic love story, "Layla and Majnun."
    Layla/Laila is a popular Arabic feminine name that holds significance in Islamic and non-Islamic cultures across the world. It is derived from the Arabic word لَيْلَى‎ (laylā) meaning 'night'. The name carries various meanings, such as 'dark beauty', 'intoxication', 'born at night', or 'belonging to the night'.
    • Meaning: Dark beauty, intoxication, born at night, belonging to the night
    • Origin: Arabic
    • Language: Arabic
    • Popularity: One of the most popular Arabic names in the world
    • Significance: Islamic and non-Islamic cultures
  10. 10
    11
    votes
    This name is popular among Muslim men, meaning "God will increase." It is also the name of a prophet in Islam, Prophet Yusuf (Joseph).
    Yusuf is an Arabic name that holds significant popularity worldwide. It is derived from the Arabic word meaning 'God increases in goodness, power, and influence.'
    • Meaning: God increases in goodness, power, and influence
    • Origin: Arabic and Islamic
    • Gender: Masculine
    • Popularity: One of the most popular Arabic names globally
    • Religious Significance: Associated with the prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran

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Ranking factors for popular name

  1. Frequency of usage
    Analyze how commonly the name is used across different regions and populations, in both Arabic-speaking and non-Arabic-speaking communities.
  2. Global distribution
    Consider the geographical spread of the name across various countries and cultures. The name may be more popular in some areas than others.
  3. Historical and cultural significance
    Research the historical and cultural background of the name, such as any famous figures associated with it or its meaning and origin, which may contribute to its popularity.
  4. Variations and forms
    Account for the different versions and spellings of the name in various languages and writing systems, which can influence its popularity.
  5. Trends and changes over time
    Analyze trends in name usage over time, taking into account any recent spikes or declines in popularity due to events or cultural influences.
  6. Gender
    Examine the popularity of the name among different genders, as some names may be more prevalent among males or females.
  7. Religious and spiritual significance
    Investigate the importance of the name in religious contexts, as some names may become popular due to their ties to spiritual guidance or prominence in religious texts.
  8. Public figures and celebrities
    Assess the influence of public figures and celebrities who bear the name, as they can play a significant role in boosting its popularity.
  9. Name databases and government records
    Utilize official sources such as name databases, census data, and government records to gather accurate information about the frequency and distribution of the name.
  10. Popularity rankings
    Lastly, consult existing popularity rankings and lists from various sources to compare and corroborate your findings.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Arabic name in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or name is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3794 views
  • 212 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each name once every 24 hours. The rank of each name is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular arabic name in the world

Arabic names hold a rich cultural significance and are widely prevalent across the globe. With over 400 million people speaking Arabic as their first language, it's no surprise that Arabic names are among the most popular names in the world. The Arabic language has a rich history and has influenced many cultures across the globe. With such a diverse range of cultures and religions adopting Arabic names, it's interesting to explore which names are the most popular. From Mohammed to Aisha to Fatima, Arabic names are steeped in tradition and meaning, making them a popular choice for parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. So, what is the most popular Arabic name in the world? Let's explore the data and find out.

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