Beautiful Nigerian Muslim Names for Boys and Girls
Nigeria is home to one of the largest Muslim populations in Africa, and its rich cultural diversity reflects beautifully in the names chosen by Nigerian Muslims. Many names are of Arabic origin, reflecting Islamic values and beliefs, while others carry influences from Hausa, Yoruba, and Fulani cultures, yet still rooted deeply in Islamic tradition.
In this post, we bring you a curated collection of beautiful Nigerian Muslim names for boys and girls. Each name is presented with its literal meaning, origin, and its Arabic script.
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Arabic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulaiman | Man of peace | Arabic | سليمان |
| Muktar | Chosen one | Arabic | مختار |
| Faruk | One who distinguishes right from wrong | Arabic | فاروق |
| Nasiru | Helper | Arabic | نصير |
| Kabiru | The Great | Arabic | كبير |
| Jamilu | Beautiful | Arabic | جميل |
| Auwalu | First (born) | Hausa/ Arabic | أول |
| Bashiru | Bringer of good news | Arabic | بشير |
| Shehu | Elder, Sheikh | Arabic | شيخ |
| Mustapha | The chosen one | Arabic | مصطفى |
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Arabic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aisha | Living, alive | Arabic | عائشة |
| Zainab | Fragrant flower | Arabic | زينب |
| Hauwa | Eve (Mother of mankind) | Arabic | حواء |
| Fatima | One who abstains | Arabic | فاطمة |
| Rukaiyya | Gentle, kind | Arabic | رقية |
| Asma’u | Exalted, high | Arabic | أسماء |
| Khadija | Early baby | Arabic | خديجة |
| Barira | Pious, righteous | Arabic | بريرة |
| Maryam | Pious woman | Arabic | مريم |
| Safiya | Pure, best friend | Arabic | صفية |
Beautiful Nigerian Muslim Names for Boys and Girls
- Kabiru: Derived from Al-Kabir, one of the 99 Names of Allah; used as a given name to express greatness.
- Bashiru: Someone who brings glad tidings—also a name used to describe the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
- Mustapha: A revered name of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), often used to express deep love and admiration.
- Sulaiman: A widely used name among Hausa Muslims, referring to the Prophet Solomon (AS), known for his wisdom and peaceful reign.
- Muktar: Common in Northern Nigeria; used to signify someone specially selected or favored by Allah.
- Faruk: Inspired by Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), known as Al-Farooq for his ability to distinguish truth from falsehood.
- Nasiru: Often seen as part of longer names like Nasiru-deen (Helper of the religion), highlighting devotion to Islam.
- Jamilu: A localized version of Jamil, meaning beautiful. Popular among Hausa-speaking communities.
- Auwalu: From the Arabic word Awwal, meaning first. Often used for a firstborn son.
- Shehu: Equivalent to “Sheikh,” indicating a respected elder or Islamic scholar.
- Aisha: Named after the beloved wife (RA) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), this name is immensely popular among Nigerian Muslim girls.
- Zainab: A common name in Hausa and Yoruba Muslim communities; named after the Prophet’s daughter and granddaughter.
- Hauwa: Nigerian form of Hawwa (AS) (Eve), symbolizing the mother of mankind.
- Fatima: Revered name belonging to the daughter (RA) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), symbolizing purity and strength.
- Rukaiyya: Another of the Prophet’s SAW) daughters (RA); symbolizes grace and humility.
- Asma’u: Derived from Asma (RA), daughter of Abu Bakr (RA), known for her bravery and support for the Prophet.
- Khadija: First wife (RA) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the first woman to accept Islam—symbol of faith and loyalty.
- Barira: Historical name of a freed slave and companion of the Prophet (SAW); a symbol of righteousness.
- Maryam: A Quranic name referring to the mother of Prophet Isa(AS), (Jesus), known for her piety and devotion.
- Safiya: A name associated with both purity and close companionship; also a wife (RA) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Beautiful Nigerian Muslim Names for Boys and Girls
These beautiful Nigerian Muslim names for boys and girls merge the spiritual richness of Islam with the unique cultural expressions of Nigeria’s diverse communities. Whether inspired by Quranic figures, companions of the Prophet, or Arabic attributes, these names carry timeless meaning and deep spiritual significance.
Let these names inspire you in choosing something meaningful, rooted in tradition, yet full of cultural charm.
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