Girls Names: A-L

Today I decided to post a list of Arabic girls names, simply because they nearly always translate in to the positive, feel-good aspects of human nature. It's also one of the easiest ways to learn some vocabulary, just think of the person and you've got a new word.

The name and all possible spellings are posted, then the direct translation in English. A key point to notice is that many girls names end with the sound 'aa' or 'ah', this indicates the female form in Arabic. ~and of course the first two names on the list are exceptions to the rule~

I'll publish girls names starting with the letters M-Z at a later date, along with boys names A-L and M-Z.


A
Abal; Wild rose
Abarrane/ Abrahana;
Abia; Great
Abidah/ Abida; Worshipper
Abir/ Abeer; Fragrance, perfume
Ablah/ Abla/ Ablaa; Perfectly formed
Abra; Example, lesson
Abrar; Devoted to God
Adab/ Aadab; Hope, need
Adar/ Adra; Exist
Adawiyah; Summer plant
Adiba; Well mannered, cultured
Adilah/ Adila/ Adeela; Equal, just, honest
Adiva; Gentle and agreeable
Adn; Paradise
Adra/ Adara; Virgin
Afaf/ Afifah; Chaste, virtuous, decent, pure
Afnan; branch, twigs
Afra/ Afraa; White
Afrah; Celebrations, festivals
Afraima; Fertile
Afya; Shadows
Ahd; Pledge, commitment
Ahlam; Witty, imaginative one
Aidah/ Aida/ Ayda; Visiting, returning reward
Ain; Eye, precious
Aini; Spring, flower, source
Aisha; The name of Mohammed's youngest and most favored wife.
(also spelt Aeesha/ Aeeshah/ Aesha/ Aeshah/ Aiesha/ Aieshah/ Aishah/ Aisia/ Aisiah/ Asha/Ashah/ Ashia/ Ashiah/ Asia/ Asiah/ Ayeesa/ Ayeesah/ Ayeesha/ Ayeeshah/ Ayeisa/ Ayeisah/ Ayeisha/ Ayeishah/ Ayisa/ Ayisah/ Ayisha/ Ayishah/ Ieasha/ Ieasha/ Eiashia/ Ieashiah/ Iesha/ Ieshah/ Ieesha/ Ieeshah/ Ieeshia/ Ieeshiah/ Yiesha/ Yieshah)

Akilah; Intelligent, logical
Al Zahra; Nickname of one of the Prophet’s daughters, Fatimah
Alaia; Sublime
Alhena; A ring, a star in Gemini
Alimah/ Aleema; Skilled in music or dance
Aliya/ Aliyah/ Aliyyah; Highest social standing
Almas; Diamond
Almira; Princess
Altaf; Kindness, politeness
Altair/ Altaira; bird
Aludra; Virgin
Alula; First born
Alya; Loftiness
Alzena/ Alzan/ Alzina; Woman
Alzubra; A star in Leo
Amal; Hopes, aspirations
Aman; Security, peace, safety
Amani; Wishes, aspirations
Amatullah; Female servant of Allah
Amber; Jewel
Ameerah/ Amira; Princess
Amina/ Ameena; Trustworthy, faithful (name of the mother of the Prophet)
Amjad; Magnificence, splendor
Amsah; Friendly, good company
Amtullah; Female servant of Allah
Anan/ Anaan; Clouds
Anbar/ Anbarin; Perfume
Anisah/ Aneesa; Close, intimate, good friend
Anjum; Stars
Anmar; Leopard
Anwar/ Anwaar; Rays of light, blossoms
Aqilah; Wife, spouse, the best
Ara; Opinions
Aram; Signs, flags
Areebah; Witty, smart
Arij/ Areej; Fragrance, sweet smell
Arub/ Aroob; loving to her husband
Asalah; Nobility of descent
Asfoureh; Bird
Ashwaq; Love, affections
Asia/ Ashia/ Asha; Lively
Asil; Smooth
Asilah; Noble origin, pure
Asima/ Azima; Defender
Asimah/ Asima; Protector
Asiya/ Asiyah; Nurse, comfortor, consoles
Asma/Asma/ Asmaa; Excellent, lofty, eminent,
Asra; Travel by night
Asrar; Secrets
Asriyah; Modernist
Athir; Favored, preferred
Atia; Ancient
Atifah/ Atifa; Affectionate, compassionate, sympathetic
Atikah/ Atika; Virgin, pure, clear
Atyaf; Fantasies
Awatif; Emotions
Awwar; May
Ayah/ Ayeh; Clear evidence, sign of God
Ayisha; Living, prosperous
Ayska; Lively
Azhar/ Azhaar; Flowers, blossoms
Azizah/ Aziza/ Azeeza; Precious, beloved, dear
Azzah/ Azza; Young, female gazelle


B
Bab; Gateway
Badia; Unprecedented, admirable
Badria/ Badriyah/ Badriya looks like a full moon
Bahijah; Magnificent, splendid
Bahirah/ Baheera; Dazzling, brilliant, noble
Bahiya/ Bahiyaa; Beautiful, radiant
Balqis; Queen of Sheba
Balsam; Balsam, balm
Ban; Type of tree
Banan; Delicate, finger tips
Baraah; Innocence
Barakah/ Baraka; Blessing, white
Bariah/ Baraaa; Excelling
Barika; Bloom, successful
Barirah; Faithful, devoted
Bashair; Good news
Bashirah/ Basheera; Bringer of good tidings, joy
Basilah; Brave
Basimah/ Baseema; Smiling
Basinah; Kitty, kitten
Basmah/ Basma; A smile
Batul/ Batool; Ascetic virgin
Bayan; Clearness, eloquence
Baysan; To walk with pride
Bibsbebe; Lady
Bilqis/ Bilqees; Queen of Sheeba
Bisar; Adolescent
Budur; Full moon
Buhaysah/ Buhaisah; Walking with pride
Buhjah; Joy, delight
Buhthah; Happy
Bushra; Good omen, good news
Busr; Unripened dates, star
Buthainah/ Buthayna; Beautiful and tender body


C
Cala; Castle
Cantara; Small bridge


D
Dad; Old Arabic name
Daffer/ Dahab; Gold
Dalal; Treated in a kind and loving way
Daliyah; Grape vine
Dana;
Daniyah; Closer, nearer
Dena/ Deena
Dhakirah; One who remembers God frequently
Dhakiyah; Bright, intelligent
Dhuka; Name of the sun
Dimah; Cloud which carries rain water
Dua; Prayer
Duha/ Dhuha; Forenoon
Dunya / Dunyana; World
Durar / Durrah; Pearls
Durriyah; Shining, bright


E
Ebtisam
Ensia/ Enseea/ Ensea


F
Fadilah/ Fadheela; Cultured and refined
Fadiyah; Redeemer, self sacrificing
Fadwa; Self sacrifice
Fahdah/ Fahada; Leopardess
Fahimah; Intelligent
Faiqah; Surpassing, excellent
Faizah; Victorious winner
Fajr; Dawn, morning prayer
Fakriya/ Fakhriyah; Honorary
Falak; Star
Fanan; Branch or twig of a tree
Farah; Joy, cheerfulness
Farhah; Lively
Farhanah; Happy
Fareeda/ Farida/ Faridah; Unique, pearl or gem
Farihah/ Fareeha; Happy, joyful, cheerful
Fariyal
Farizah; Arch
Fathiya/Fathiyah; Beginning
Fatimah/ Fatima; Daughter of the Prophet
Fatin/ Fatinah; Fascinating, captivating, alluring, enchanting
Fawzah/ Fawza/ Fawziyyah/ Fawziya/ Fazia; Successful, victorious
Fayha; Fragrant
Fayruz; Turquoise
Fellah; Arabic jasmine
Fida; Redemption
Fiddah; Silver
Fikriyah; Ideas, intellectual
Firdaws/ Firdoos; Highest garden in paradise
Firyal; Old Arabic name
Furat; Sweet water
Futun; Fascinations


G
Gamar/ Qamar; Moon
Ghada/ Ghaada; Beautiful
Ghadir; Stream
Ghaliyah/ Ghaaliya; Beloved, fragrant, expensive
Ghaniyah; Pretty, beauty
Gharam; Love
Ghayda/ Ghaydaa; Young and delicate
Ghazal; Flirt, words of love
Ghazalah; Female gazelle
Ghufran; Forgiveness, pardon
Ghunwah/ Ghunyah; Indispensable
Ghusun/ Ghusoon; Branches of a tree


H
Habibah/ Habeeba; Beloved, darling, name of one of the Prophet's wives
Hadeel; to coo like a dove
Hadiyah/ Haadiya; Righteousness, calm
Hadiyyah; Gift
Hafa; Gentle rain
Hafizah; Heedful, Mindful
Hafsah/ Hafsa; Name of one of the Prophet's wives
Hafthah; Preserved, protected
Hayfa/ Hayfah; Slender, of beautiful body
Hajar; Wife of the Prophet Ibrahim
Hala; Sweetness
Halah/ Haala; Aureole
Halimah/ Haleema; Gentle, patient, the name of the woman who nursed the Prophet
Hamidah/ Hameeda; One who praises a lot
Hana/ Hana/ Haniah; Happiness, bliss
Hanan; Mercy, affectionate,
Hanifa/ Haneefa; True believer
Hanin; Longing, yearning
Haniyyah/ Haniya; Pleased, happy
Hasibah; Respected, noble
Hasnah/ Hasna/ Hasna; Beautiful
Hawa/ Hawwa; Eve
Hawadah; Pleasant
Hawazin; Name of an Arabic tribe
Hawra; Eyes with a marked contrast of black & white
Hayah/ Hayat; Life
Hayam/ Hayaam; Deliriously in love
Hayed; Movement, motion
Hayud; A mountain
Hazar; Nightingale
Hessa; Destiny
Hibah; Gift, present
Hibat; Gift of God
Hidayah; Guidance
Hijrah; The migration of the Prophet from Makkah to Madinah
Hikmah/ Hikmat; Wisdom
Hind; Old Arabic name
Hiyam; Love
Hubab; Aim, goal
Huda/ Hooda/ Huda; Right guidance
Hudun; Become quiet
Hulyah; Jewelry, ornament, finery
Huma; Bird who brings joy
Humairah/ Humayrah; Of reddish complexion
Hunaidah/ Hunaydah; From Hind
Hur/ Huriyah; Virgins of paradise
Husna/ Husniyah; Most beautiful
Hutun; Clouds with rain
Huwaidah/ Huwaydah; Gentle


I
Iba; Pride, sense
Ibadah; Worship
Ibtihaj/ Ibtihaaj; Joy, delight
Ibtihal; Prayer
Ibtisam; Smiling
Idhar; Fluff
Iffah/ Iffat; Chaste
Iftikar; Thought, contemplation
Iftikhar; Pride, glory
Ijaz; Imitability of the Qur'an
Ijlal; Respect, honor
Ikhlas; Sincerity
Ikram/ Ikraam; Honor, hospitality
Ilham/ Ilhaam; Intuition
Iman/ Eman; Faith, belief
Imtithal; Polite, obedience
Inam/ Inaam; Kindness, bestowal
Inaya; Concern, solicitude
Inayah/ Inayat; Care, concern
Insaf; Justice, equity
Intisar/ Intisaar; Triumph
Isad; To bring happiness or help
Isaf; Relief, help
Isar; Fascinating
Ishfaq; Compassion, affection
Ishraq; Radiance
Ismah/ Ismat; Purity, modesty, infallibility
Isra; Journey taken at night
Istilah; Agreement
Itab; Censure
Itaf; Clock
Ithar; Preference
Itidal; Straightness, tautness
Itimad; Reliance, dependence
Izdihar/ Izdihaar; Flourishing, blossoming
Izzah; Might, power


J
Jabirah; Comforter, consoler
Jada/ Jadwa; Gift, present
Jala/ Jala; Clarity, elucidation
Jalilah; Splendid, lofty
Jamila/ Jameela; Beautiful, graceful, lovely
Jana; Harvest
Janan; Heart, soul
Jannah; Garden, paradise
Jawa; Passion, love
Jawahir/ Jawharah/ Jowaher Jewels
Jawl; Move freely
Jawna; The sun
Jihan; A river in Iran
Jilan; Courtier
Jinan; Gardens, paradise
Johara; Jewel
Jud; Generosity
Judi; A mountain
Juhainah/ Juhaynah; Name of an Arab tribe
Juhanah; Young girl
Jumana; Silver pearl
Jun; Inlet, bay, gulf
Junah; The sun
Juwairiyah/ Juwayriyah; Name of one of the wives of the Prophet
Juwan; Perfume


K
Kalila; Sweetheart, beloved
Kamilah; Perfect, complete
Karawan; Variety of birds
Karida; Untouched
Karimah/ Kareema; Generous, noble
Kawakib/ Kawkab; Satellites
Kawthar; River in paradise
Khadija; First wife of the Prophet
Khalidah/ Khalida; Immortal, everlasting
Khalisah; Sincere, pure
Khawlah; Female deer
Khayriyah/ Khairiya; Charity, beneficent,
Khitam; Conclusion
Khulud/ Khlood; Immortality
Khuzama; Lavender
Kifah; Struggle
Kulthum/ Kulthoom; Daughter of the Prophet
Kulus; Clearness, purity


L
Labibah; Sensible, intelligent
Lama/ Lamya; Darkness of lips
Lamah/ Lamiah; Brilliancy
Lamis/ Lamees; Soft to the touch
Latifa/ Lutfiyah; Kind, pleasant
Layan; Gentle and soft
Layla/ Leilal/ Layali; Born at night
Lazim; Essential, imperative
Linah/ Lina/ Leena/ Lana; Tender
Lubab; The best part
Lubabah/ Lubaaba; The innermost essence
Luban; Pine tree, long neck
Lubanah; Wish, desire
Lublubah; Affectionate, tender
Lubna; Kind of tree
Luja; Of great depth
Lujain/ Lujayn; Silver
Luloah; A pearl
Lulu/ Luluah/ Lulwa; Pearl
Lunah; Date palm


Urban Legend
There are a couple of first names for girls which sound a bit, well, suspicious to non-native Arabs; Abra [a-bra] and Abeer [a-beer]. But they do exist and are used. Someone we know had started to call their new born baby girl, 'Abra' until my husband (an Arab/Persian) asked them if they would be calling their next born, 'Panties'.