Many Arabic girls' names take after prominent figures in Islamic history. Getty Images
Many Arabic girls' names take after prominent figures in Islamic history. Getty Images
Many Arabic girls' names take after prominent figures in Islamic history. Getty Images
Many Arabic girls' names take after prominent figures in Islamic history. Getty Images

From Aisha to Zahra: The origins and meanings of 10 popular Arabic female names


Hala Nasar
  • English
  • Arabic

Positivity and spirituality are qualities often found in popular Arabic female names, notably due to their connection with Islam in the Arab world.

While some take after prominent figures in Islamic history, others refer to treasured concepts in the Arabic language and culture.

Here are the meanings behind 10 popular Arabic female names.

Aya

One of the most versatile Arabic female names, Aya has several meanings such as “verse” or “passage” in the Quran or Bible, and can even refer to verses of poetry. “Ayat” is the plural and another variation of the name, although not used as often.

Another meaning with a religious connotation is “sign” or “evidence” from the divine. It can also mean “miracle” in a religious context or setting. Another way the word aya can be used is within a phrase, to describe the utmost beauty in relation to someone or something.

Aisha

Layla, Nour and Aisha are among the most popular Arabic girls names. Getty Images
Layla, Nour and Aisha are among the most popular Arabic girls names. Getty Images

Both a phrase and a verb in itself, the name Aisha is the female version of the root word “alive” or verb “to live”. The name gained prominence as it belonged to the Prophet Mohammed's third wife, who was a fundamental leading figure in Islamic history, especially known for her intelligence and knowledge.

Sara

Originating from Hebrew, Sara is a name popular in the Arab and western world, meaning “princess” or “noblewoman”. It is the female version of the word “sar”, meaning “prince” or “leader” in Hebrew. It can be traced back to the Islamic figure Sarah, the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim.

Maryam

Names often refer to treasured concepts in the Arabic language and culture. Getty Images
Names often refer to treasured concepts in the Arabic language and culture. Getty Images

Maryam is one of the most popular female names in the Arab world, considering its roots are derived from the Abrahamic religions. Although it is not clear what its origins are, it is familiar in Christianity from the Virgin Mary, mother of the Prophet Isa (Jesus). It is also a variation of the name “Maria”, often used in the Greek Old Testament and commonly in Greek culture.

Fatima

The name Fatima is derived from the Arabic verb “fatama”, meaning “to abstain” or “to wean” off something. The name holds significance in Islam as it belonged to a daughter of the Prophet Mohammed, Fatima Al Zahra. She is a highly esteemed woman and a symbol of purity and devotion as she is considered one of the Fourteen Infallibles – those who are protected from sin and are models for spiritual guidance.

Layla

Commonly known as the Arabic word for “night”, the name Layla has a rich history of being romanticised.

The name belonged to the love interest of a medieval poet, Imruʾ Al Qais, who was nicknamed Majnun Layla, meaning “Layla's madman” for falling in love and being infatuated with Layla Al Aamiriya, but ultimately driven to insanity when her father refused their marriage.

The story was retold by Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi in his poem Layla and Majnun and was considered a popular romance in the Arab world, before being adapted across many creative formats in retellings of the story.

Farah

Many widely used names have origins in Islam. Getty Images
Many widely used names have origins in Islam. Getty Images

Holding a positive connotation, Farah is a popular name often used in the Middle East, meaning “happiness”, “joy”, or “delight”. It comes from the Arabic verb “fariha”, meaning “to be happy”.

Nour

Meaning light in Arabic, Nour is a name used for both females and males due to its spiritual connection. In Islam, Al Nur – the light – is one of the 99 names of Allah, which are attributes that are used to describe the divine qualities of God.

Zahra

The root of the name Zahra is “zahara”, meaning “to bloom” or “to shine”, while Zahra means “flower”, “shining” and “bright”, which is the feminine form of the masculine name Azhar. The name is also linked to Fatima Al Zahra. When a woman is described as Al Zahra, she is seen as the “beautiful” or “radiant” one.

Alya

Derived from the root word and masculine name Ali, Alya is the feminine form meaning “elevated” or “lofty”, signifying the sky and heaven and reflecting a noble status. It is thought to have Slavic roots, meaning clarity.

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Notable salonnières of the Middle East through history

Al Khasan (Okaz, Saudi Arabia)

Tamadir bint Amr Al Harith, known simply as Al Khasan, was a poet from Najd famed for elegies, earning great renown for the eulogy of her brothers Mu’awiyah and Sakhr, both killed in tribal wars. Although not a salonnière, this prestigious 7th century poet fostered a culture of literary criticism and could be found standing in the souq of Okaz and reciting her poetry, publicly pronouncing her views and inviting others to join in the debate on scholarship. She later converted to Islam.

 

Maryana Marrash (Aleppo)

A poet and writer, Marrash helped revive the tradition of the salon and was an active part of the Nadha movement, or Arab Renaissance. Born to an established family in Aleppo in Ottoman Syria in 1848, Marrash was educated at missionary schools in Aleppo and Beirut at a time when many women did not receive an education. After touring Europe, she began to host salons where writers played chess and cards, competed in the art of poetry, and discussed literature and politics. An accomplished singer and canon player, music and dancing were a part of these evenings.

 

Princess Nazil Fadil (Cairo)

Princess Nazil Fadil gathered religious, literary and political elite together at her Cairo palace, although she stopped short of inviting women. The princess, a niece of Khedive Ismail, believed that Egypt’s situation could only be solved through education and she donated her own property to help fund the first modern Egyptian University in Cairo.

 

Mayy Ziyadah (Cairo)

Ziyadah was the first to entertain both men and women at her Cairo salon, founded in 1913. The writer, poet, public speaker and critic, her writing explored language, religious identity, language, nationalism and hierarchy. Born in Nazareth, Palestine, to a Lebanese father and Palestinian mother, her salon was open to different social classes and earned comparisons with souq of where Al Khansa herself once recited.

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Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

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