Red and Yellow and Pink and Green

Abu Ali al-Hussain Ibn Abdallah Ibn Sina (980 - 1037), also known as Avicenna, a Persian physician and a disciple of Aristotle, connected the usage of colours and the ability to diagnose and treat patients a thousand years ago.

In his book the ‘Canon of Medicine’ which he wrote in Arabic (and which is thought to be the first ever encyclopaedia of medicine), he stated colour is an observable symptom of disease. With this thought in mind he developed a chart which related colour to temperament and the physical condition of the body.

Image taken from: this website 


Avicenna also advocated the use of colour in medical treatments and insisted red moved the blood, blue or white cooled and yellow reduced pain and inflammation.

He prescribed potions of red flowers to cure blood disorders, yellow flowers and morning sunlight to cure disorders of the biliary system.

Image taken from: this website

Avicenna also warned of the possible dangers of colour in treatment. He observed that a person with a nosebleed, for example, should not gaze on anything of a brilliant red or be exposed to red light, as this would stimulate greater blood flow, whereas blue would soothe it by reducing blood flow.”

Avicenna didn't limit his knowledge to colour and is also thought to have discoved the contagious nature of tuberculosis and the spreading of diseases through water and soil and the idea that


Contemporary Meanings Behind Colours

Blue
masculine noun [az-rag]; feminine noun [zeer-ga]
In the Gulf there are two types of buildings which are always painted blue: the first one is the kabaz [ca-baz] or traditional unleavened bread shop and the second one is the sentry boxes, located outside important buildings, which are painted with blue and white stripes.

Image taken from:  this blog 


Navy Blue
masculine noun, [kuh-hul]; feminine noun, [khu-hul-lee-yah]
The Arabic world for navy blue comes from the word kohl, the eye-liner.


Black
masculine noun, [as-wad]; feminine noun, [soo-da]
Black is an ubiqutous colour in the gulf, with most local women choosing to wear black outer garments.


Brown
masculine noun, [bun-nee]; feminine noun, [bun-nee-yah]
Bunni comes from the word 'bunn' which means coffee beans.

Image taken from: this website 


Gold
masculine noun, [DH-hab]; feminine noun, [DH-ha-bee]


Green
masculine noun, [ack-THarr]; feminine noun, Kh-Theer]
See {WGAW blog entry green}


Grey
masculine noun, [aa-marr-dee]; feminine noun, [ra-maa-dee-yah]


Orange
masculine noun, [boor-ta-gaa-lee]; feminine noun, [boor-ta-gaa-lee-yah]
This word comes from the word boor-taa-gaal which means orange (edible fruit).


Pink
masculine noun, [war-dee]; feminine noun, [war-dee-yah]


Purple
masculine noun, [ban-nuff-see-jee-y]; feminine noun, [ban-nuff-see-jee-ya]
The word for purple comes from the Arabic word meaning aubergine.


Rainbow
In Arabic a rainbow is called qasquza [kas-cu-za] with the direct translation being, ‘a bow made by the rain God Quza’.  In pre-Islamic Arabia, Quza was known as the God of rain.

Image taken from:  this blog


Red
masculine noun, [aH-marr]; feminine noun, [ha-marr]
As well as the word red, there are various words in Arabic which describe the differing grades or depths of red.  They are in ascending order: ahmar, ashqar, aqshar, ashkal, sharq, madammay, madamah

In Arabic, tea without milk is known as red tea, not black tea [chi ah-marr]

Image taken from:  this website 


Silver
masculine noun, [fid-Dee]; feminine noun, [fid-Dee-yah]
Silver has an important role in the Arab world because the Prophet Mohammed, whilst holding gold in one hand and silk in the other, said, “These two are banned for men of my tribe.”


Turquoise
In Iran [fay-rooz] is the name of a turquoise stone mined. It's also the name of a (or the most) famous Lebanese singer, Fayrooz

Image taken from: this website


White
masculine noun, [aa-bee-Tha]; feminine noun, [aa-bee-Yad]
There are seven grades of white which begin at "discernable white" and continue to pure white'. abyad, yaqaq, lahq, wadih, nasi', hijan, khalis.

Arabic nouns which are white often have different names from simply the formulaic noun + name system of describing something, e.g. car red, house big. A white rose is known as a not as a war-dah bathe-tha. A white mountain is (not jeb-bel aa-bee-Yad) while a white stone is yarma. Likewise, for minerals, trees, fruit and animals, there are separate names when they are white. In addition a happy face is known as a white face.


Yellow
masculine noun, [As-faarr]; feminine noun, feminine noun, [si-farr-rrah]

Image taken from:  this blog 

English - Arabic Loan Words: N-R

Today's posting follows on from various wgaw blog archives {see wgaw blog archieves: loan words} and continues the list of English words whose roots are said to have been borrowed, or loaned from the Arabic.

Words in the list below start with the letters 'N' to 'R' and are listed in alphabetical order. The English word is followed by the root word in Arabic [xxx] and then the Arabic meaning. On the line below is the meaning in English.

If I needed help with the English definition I used: 'The Oxford English Reference Dictionary' ISBN: 0-19-860046-1


N

Nabob 
A Muslim
official or governor under the mogul empire

Nacre
Mother of pearl from any shelled mollusc

Nadir
[na-zir as-sam-t'] opposite to the zenith
The part of the celestial sphere directly below the observer. The lowest point in one’s fortunes

Natron
[nat-run]
a mineral form of sodium salts found in dried lake bed


O

Oasis

Open sesame
[if-ta il sim sim-mah]
A means of acquiring or achieving what is normally unattainable (from the magic words used by Ali Baba in the Arabian nights)

Ottoman
utmani of Othman
Concerning the dynasty of Osman I


P
Pia mater
[al umm al ra-ki-kah]  tender mother
The delicate innermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord

Popinjay
[baba-ga]
A conceited person, historically a figure of a parrot on a pole as a mark to shoot at


Q
Qur'an
The Islamic holy book, also spelt Koran


R
Racket
[ra-ha]  palm of the hand
A bat with a round or oval frame strung with nylon used in tennis squash, etc

Ramadan
possibly [ra-ma-da], be hot
The ninth month of the Muslim year, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset

Realgar
[rehj al ghar]  dust of the cave
A mineral of arsenic sulphide used as a pigment and in fireworks

Ream
[riz-ma]  bundle
500 sheets of paper

Rebec
[rebab]
three stringed musical instrument played with a bow

Rigel
[ri-jil]  foot
The seventh brightest star in the sky and the brightest in the constellation of Orion. It is a blue super giant nearly sixty thousand times as luminous as our sun

Rook
[rukh]   original sense uncertain
Chess piece with its top in the shape of a battlement

Choosing a Name for your Baby Boy

Today's posting is a list of the meaning of Muslim boy's names.

Arabic names appear to be quite complicated, although they aren't really {see wgaw archive: understanding people's names}.  Most given names have meanings {see wgaw archives: girls names A-L and girls names M-Z} whilst Allah or God has 99 names {see wgaw archives: 99 names of God }

Names and all possible spellings are posted, then the direct translation in English.



A

Aadil;  Just

Aamir;  Populous, full, prosperous

Aarif;  Acquainted, knowledgeable

Aasim/ Asim;  Protector

Aban;  Old Arabic name

Abbas;  Description of a lion

Abbud/ Abbudin;  Worshippers

Abid/ Abidin;  Worshipper, adorer

Abu al Khayr;  One who does good

Abu Bakr;  One of the Prophets companions

Adan;  Garden of Eden

Adel/ Adil;  Just

Adham;  Black or dark

Adib;  Cultured, well mannered one

Adli;  Judicial, juridical

Adnan/ Adnan;  Old Arabic name

Afif/ Afeef;  Chaste, modest

Afuww;  Pardoner, Forgiver

Ahad;  the One

Ahmed;  Commendable, Praiseworthy

Ajib;  Wonderful

Akhir;  Existence is without an end

Akif;  Focused

Akil/ Akeel/ Aqeel; Intelligent, thoughtful, one who uses reason

Akram;  Most generous

Al Abbas;  Description of a lion

Al Bara;  Wholesome with innocence

Al Hakam;  Arbitrator, judge

Al Harith;  The plowman

Al Safi;  Clear, pure, fine

Al Tayyib;  The good one

Al Tijani; Crowning

Al Tufail/ Al Tufayl;  old Arabic name

Ala/ Alaa;  Nobility, excellence

Alawi;

Aleem;  All knowing, knowledgeable

Alhasan/ Alhusain/ Alhusayn;  Handsome, good

Ali;  The highest, greatest, excellent, noble.  Name of the Prophets son-in-law and the fourth Caliph

Alim;  Wise or learned

Almahdi;  Guided to the right path

Altaf;  Kindness

Altair;  The flying eagle; a star in Lyra

Amid;  General

Amin/ Ameen; Faithful, trustworthy

Amir/ Ameer;  Ruler, prince, leader

Amjad;  More glorious

Ammar/ Ammar;  Builder, constructor

Amro;  Old Arabic name

Anas;  Very sociable; name of one of the Prophets companions

Anis/ Anees; Close friend

Antarah;  Heroic

Anwar;  Radiant, full of light

Aqueel/ Aqil; Old Arabic name

Arfan;  Gratitude

Arif;  Acquainted, knowledgeable

Arsh;  Dominion, Crown

Asad;  Happy, fortunate, lucky

Asad/ Assad;  Lion

Asadel;  Most prosperous one

Ashraf;  Most honorable

Asif;  Forgiveness

Asim/ Assim;  Protector, defender

Aswad; Black

Ata al Rahman;  Gift of the Beneficent

Ata Allah;  Gift of God

Athir;  Favored, preferred

Atif/ Atif;  Compassionate, sympathetic

Awad;  Reward, compensation

Awf;  A plant with a nice smell

Aws;  To give

Awwab;  Returning to Allah

Awwal;  First

Ayham;  Brave

Ayman;  Lucky

Ayser;  Easy in dealing, wealthy

Ayyub/ Ayoob;  A Prophets name - Job in the Bible

Aza;  Comfort

Azab;  Traveling, wandering

Azeem/ Azim;  Defender, refers to one of Gods 99 qualities

Azhar;  Shining, luminous

Aziz;  Powerful, Strong

Azzam/ Azzam;  Determined, resolved



B

Baaqi;  Everlasting

Basim/ Baasim;  Smiling

Baasit;  Expander

Baatin;  Hidden

Badi;  Marvelous Incomparable

Badr/ Bader;  Full moon

Badri;  One who took part in the battle of Badr

Baha/ Baha;  Beautiful, magnificent

Bahij;  Cheerful

Bahir;  Dazzling, brilliant

Bahiy Udeen;  The magnificent of the Faith

Baith;  Reserrector

Bakr/ Baker [bar-ker];  Old Arabic name

Bakri;  One who starts work early

Baligh;  Eloquent

Bandar;  Seaport, district capital

Barakah;  Blessing

Bari/ Baari;  Creator

Barir;  Faithful

Barr;  Source of All Goodness, Righteous

Baseer;  The All Seeing

Bashir/ Bashshar;  Bringer of glad tidings

Basil/ Basel;  Brave

Basim/ Bassam;  Smiling

Bayhas;  Name of the lion

Bilal;  name of the Prophet’s Muezzin

Bishr;  Joy

Boulos;  Arabic form of ‘Paul’

Budail/ Budayl;  Name of a companion of the Prophet

Burhan;  Proof

Bushr;  Joy, happiness

Butrus;  Arabic form of ‘Peter’



D


Daarr;  Distressed

Dabir;  Secretary

Dani;  Near, close

Darwish/ Dervish

Daud/ Dawud/ Dawoud/ Dawoo;  Beloved, a Prophets name - David

Dhakir;  Someone who remembers God frequently

Dhakiy/ Dhakwan;  Intelligent, bright

Dhul Fiqar;  Name of the Prophets sword

Dirar;  Old Arabic name

Diya;  Brightness, light

Duqaq



E


Ebrahim

Essam



F

Faakhir;  Proud, Excellent

Faarooq; He who distinguishes truth from falsehood

Fadi/ Faadi/ Fadee;  Redeemer

Fadil/ Fadl;  Generous, honorable, superior

Fahd/Fahad;  Leopard, lynx

Fahmi;  Understanding

Faisal/ Faysal;  Decisive

Faiz/ Fayez; Winner

Fakhir;  Proud, excellent

Fakhri/ Fakhry; Honorary

Fakih;  Legal expert; one who recites the Quran

Falah/ Falih; Success

Faraj/ Farraj;  Relief, freedom from grief

Farhan;  Happy

Farid/ Fareed;  Unique, rare

Fariq/ Fareeq;  Lieutenant General

Faris/ Faaris [far-ris];  Horseman, Knight

Faruq/ Farooq;  one who distinguishes truth from falsehood

Fateen;  Clever, Smart

Fath/ Fathi/ Fathey;  Victorious one, Conqueror

Fattaah; Judge

Fawwaz [faa-waz];  Most successful

Fawzan; Victorious

Fawzi/ Fauzi/ Fouwzi;  Successful

Fayyad;  Overflowing, generous

Ferran;  Baker

Fida/ Fidaa;  Redemption, sacrifice

Fikri;  Thought, ideas

Firas;  Perspicacity

Fouad/ Fuad;  Heart

Fudail;  Excellent in character



G

Gamal/ Gamali;  Camel

Ghaffaar/ Ghafoor;  Great Forgiver

Ghaith/ Ghayth;  Rain

Ghali;  Valuable, beloved, expensive

Ghalib;  Victor

Ghanim;  Successful

Ghaniyy;  Self Sufficient

Ghassan;  Ardor, vigor (of youth)

Ghawth/ Ghiyath;  One who helps

Ghazi/ Gazi;  Conqueror

Ghazwan;  One on expedition, conquer



H

Hadi/ Haadi/ Haady;  Guide

Haamid;  Praising God, happy, delighted, content

Haani

Haarith;  an old Arabic name - Plowman

Haaroon;  A Prophets name

Haashim;  Generous, an old Arabic name

Haatim;  Judge

Habbab;  Affable, lovable

Habib;  Beloved

Hadad/ Haddad;  Syrian god of fertility, Smith

Hadi;  Guiding to the right (truth)

Hafiz/ Hafeez;  Preserver, protector

Hakam;  Judge

Hakeem/ Hakim;  Wise, ruler, governor

Haleem;  Forbearing

Halim;  Mild, gentle, patient

Hamad/ Hamed/ Hamid;  short form of Mohammed

Hamal;  Lamb

Hamas;  Enthusiastic

Hamdan;  The praised one; variation of the name Muhammad

Hamdi;  Praise

Hameed;  Praiseworthy

Hamim;  Intimate, close friend

Hamzah;  Lion

Hana;  Arabic form of ‘John’

Hanai;  Happiness

Hanbal;  Purity

Hani;  Happy, delighted, joyful

Hanif;  True believer

Hannad;  Old Arabic name

Haqq;  Truth

Haris;  Guardian, protector

Harith;  Ploughman, cultivator

Haroun/ Harun;  Lofty or exalted

Haseeb;  Reckoner

Hashim;  Broker, destroyer of evil

Hassan/ Hassaan; Beautiful, handsome

Hatim;  Judge

Haydar;  Lion

Haytham;  Young hawk

Hayy;  Alive

Hayyan;  Old Arabic name

Hazim;  Resolute

Hilal/ Hilel;  The new moon

Hilmi;  Gentle, calm

Hisham;  Generosity

Hud/ Houd;  A Prophets name

Hudad;  Name of a pre-Islamic Arabic king

Hudhafah;  Old Arabic name

Humam;  Brave, noble, generous

Husain/ Hussein;  Doer of good deeds;

Husam/ Husaam;  Sword

Huthayfa;  Old Arabic name



I


Ibrahim/ Ibraheem/ Ebrahim;  Father of a multitude; a Prophets name - Abraham

Ibras;  Lamp, light

Id/ Eid;  Feast, festival

Idris/ Idrees;  A Prophets name

Ihsan/ Ihsaan;  Kindness, beneficence; highest level of Iman

Ihtisham;  Modesty, decency

Ikrimah;  Old Arabic name

Ilias;  A Prophets name - Elijah

Imad/ Imaad/ Emad;  Support, pillar

Imam;  Leader of prayer

Imran/ Imran;  Long-lived

Imtiyaz;  Mark of distinction or excellence

Inam;  Act of benefaction, bestowal

Iqbal/ Iqbaal;  Prosperity, good fortune

Irfan/ Erfaan; Thankfulness

Isa/ Esa/ Eisa; Arabic form of ‘Jesus'

Isam/ Issam/ Essam; Safeguard

Ishaq;  A Prophets name - Isaac

Ismail/ Ismaael/ Esmail;  A Prophets name - Ishmael

Iyad/ Eyad;  Pigeon

Iyas/ Eyas;  Consoling

Izz al Din/ Izz Udeen;  Might of the faith



J

Jaabir;  Consoler, Comforter

Jaafar;  Rivulet

Jaam;  Gatherer

Jabalah;  Mountain, hill

Jabbar/ Jabr/ Jaber;  Mighty, brave

Jabber/ Jabir;  Compeller

Jad/ Jaad;  Allah Gift of God

Jafar/ Jaffar/ Jafer;  Rivulet, little creek

Jal;  Resolution, firm will

Jalal;  Glory

Jalil/ Jaleel;  Great, revered

Jamal/ Jameel/ Jamil;  Beauty

Jarir/ Jareer;  Name of a famous Arab poet

Jasim/ Jassim;  Great, big, huge

Jaul;  Choice

Jaun;  Kind of plant

Jawad;  Openhanded, generous

Jawdah;  Heavy rain, benevolent deed

Jawhar;  Jewel, essence

Jibran;  Old Arabic name

Jibril;  Archangel Gabriel

Jihad/ Jehad/ Jehaad;  Struggle, holy war

Jubair/ Jubayr;  Old Arabic name

Jul;  Resolution, firm will

Jumah/ Jumuah;  One who is born on a Friday

Junaid/ Junayd;  Young fighter

Juwain/ Juwayn;  Sibling



K

Kabeer;  Most Great

Kadar/ Kedar/ Kedaar;  Powerful

Kadeen/ Kadin;  Friend, companion, confidant

Kadeer/ Kadir;  Green, freshness and innocence

Kahil;  Friend, lover

Kaliq;  Creative,

Kamal/ Kamil/ Kameel;  Beauty, perfection

Kardal;  Mustard seed

Kareem/ Karam;  Generous, noble, friendly

Karif/ Kareef;  One who is born in autumn

Kaseem/ Kasim;  Divided

Kasib/ Kaseeb;  Fertile

Kateb/ Katib;  Writer, scribe

Kazim Well tempered, cool, patient

Khaafid;  Abaser

Khaaliq;  Creator

Khabeer/ Khabir;  Aware

Khair al Din/ Khair Udeen;  Goodness of the faith

Khairi/ Khairy/ Khayri;  Charitable, beneficent

Khalaf;  Descendent, successor

Khaldun/ Khaldoon;  Old Arabic name

Khalid/ Khaled/ Kalid; Eternal

Khalifah;  Caliph

Khalil/ Khaleel/ Kalil;  Good friend

Khalis;  Pure, clear

Khamis;  Born on a Thursday

Khatib;  Religious Minister

Khoury;  Priest

Khulus;  Clearness, purity

Khuzaimah;  old Arabic name

Kutaiba



L

Labib/ Labeeb;  Sensible, intelligent

Lablab;  Ivy

Latif/ Lateef;  Gentle, pleasant, friendly

Layth;  Lion

Luay/ Loay;  Shield

Lubaid/ Lubayd;  Old Arabic name

Luqman;  A Prophets name

Lutfi/ Lotfi;  Kind, gentle



M

Maahir/ Mahir;  Skilled

Maani;  Withholder

Maawiya/ Muawiyah;  A young dog or fox

Maazin/Mazin/ Mazen;  old Arabic name

Mad;  Old Arabic name

Madani;  Urban, civilized, modern

Mahbub;  Beloved, dear

Mahdi/ Mahdy;  Guided to the right path

Mahfuz;  Safe, protected by God

Mahjub;  Concealed, veiled

Mahmud/ Mahmoud/ Mahmood;  The praised one

Mahrus;  Protected by God

Maimun/ Maymun;  Lucky

Majeed/ Majid/ Majd;  Glorious

Makin;  Strong, firm, well-founded

Malik/ Maliq;  King

Mamdouh/ Mamduh;  Praised, glorified

Mamun/ Mamnoon;  Trustworthy, trusted

Man/ Maan/ Main;  Benefit

Mandhur;  Vowed, consecrated to God

Mansour/ Mansoor/ Mansur;  Divinely aided, victorious

Marghub;  Desirable, coveted

Marid/ Mareed; Rebellious

Maruf/ Maroof;  Well known, good

Marzuq;  Blessed by God, fortunate

Mashhur/ Mashor;  Famous

Masoud/ Masud/ Masood;  Fortunate, happy, lucky

Masrur;  Happy, joyful

Masun;  Well protected, sheltered

Mateen;  One with Power

Maysarah;  Of comfort, ease

Mazhar;  Appearance

Mazin;  Old Arabic name

Mihran;  One of the Prophet’s compainons

Mihyar;  Name of a famous poet

Mikail;  Name of an Angel (Michael)

Miqdad;  Name of a Sahabi

Misbah/ Misbaah/ Misbeh;  Lamp

Mishal/ Meshal/ Mashal;  Torch, light

Miyaz;  Distinguished, preferred

Mohammed

Muadh/ Muaath;  Protected

Muakhkhir;  Delayer

Muayyad/ Muayid;  Supported by God

Mubarak/ Mobarak/ Mubarek;  Happy, blessed

Mubdi;  Creator

Mubin;  Clear, evident

Mudar;  An Arabian tribe

Muddaththir/ Munthdur;  Covered

Mueed;  Reproducer

Mufid/ Mufeed;  Useful, helpful

Muflih;  Successful

Mughni;  Enriches

Muhab/ Mohab/ Muhaab/ Mohaab;  Dignified

Muhaimin;  Protector

Muhair/ Muhayr/ Muhayer;  Skilled

Muhammad/ Mohammed/ Mohamed/ Muhamed;  Praised, praiseworthy; the name of the Prophet

Muhanna;  Happy, delighted

Muhannad/ Muhanned;  Sword

Muhib/ Muhibb;  Noble, respected, loving

Muhsee/ Mohsee;  Counter, Reckoner

Muhsin/ Moosin;  Beneficent, charitable

Muhtadi/ Muhtady;  Rightly guided

Muhyi;  Giver of Life

Muhyi al Din;  Reviver of the faith

Muin;  Supporter, helper

Muiz;  Honour

Muizz;  Comforter

Mujab;  Prayers were answered

Mujahid/ Mujaahid;  Fighter

Mujeeb;  Responsive

Mukarram;  Honored

Mukhlis;  Faithful, sincere

Mukhtar/ Mukhtaar;  Chosen

Mulhim/ Mulham;  Inspiring

Mumin;  Believer, Guardian of Faith

Mummar;  Given or granted long life

Mumtaz;  Excellent

Munahid;  Strong

Mundhir;  Warner, cautioner

Munib;  Repentant

Munif;  Exalted, excellent

Munir/ Muneer;  Brilliant, shining

Munis;  Pleasant companion

Munjid;  Helper

Munsif;  Just, right

Muntasir;  Victorious

Munthir;  Cautioner

Muqaddim;  Expediter, Promoter

Muqeet;  Guardian, sustainer

Muqsit;  Just in judgment

Muqtadir;  Powerful, dominant

Murad/ Morad;  Wanted, desired

Murshid;  Guide

Murtada/ Murtadi;  Satisfied, contented, pleased

Musa/ Moosa;  A Prophet's name - Moses in English

Musab;  Old Arabic name

Musad/ Musaad;  Unfettered camel;  favored by fortune, lucky

Musaid;  Helper, supporter

Musawwir;  Fashioner

Mushtaq;  Longing, yearning

Muslih;  Conciliator, reformer

Muslim/ Moslim;  Submitting oneself to God

Mustafa;  Chosen; one of the Prophet's names

Mutaa/ Muta;  Obeyed

Mutaali;  Most Exalted

Mutakabbir;  Majestic

Mutasim;  Adhering to the faith in God

Mutawalli;  Entrusted

Mutazz/ Motaz;  Proud, honorable

Muthanna;  Old Arabic name

Muthil;  Dishonored, Humiliate

Muti/ Mutee;  Obedient

Muwaffaq;  Successful

Muyassar;  Fortunate, facilitated

Muzaffar;  Victorious

Muzzammil;  One who is wrapped up



N

Naail;  Acquirer, Earner

Naajy;  Safe

Naasih;  Advisor

Naathim;  Arranger, Adjuster

Nabighah;  Intelligent

Nabih;  Smart

Nabil/ Nabeel/ Nabeeh/ Nabhan;  Noble

Nader

Nadhir;  Warner

Nadim/ Nadeem;  Friendly, entertaining

Nadir/ Naadir;  Dear, rare, precious

Nafi;  Useful, Propitious

Nahid;  Generosity

Nail/ Naeem;  Acquirer, tranquility

Naji/ Naje;  Safe, survivor

Najib/ Najeeb;  Of noble descent

Najid;  Lion, brave

Najjar;  Carpenter

Najm al Din;  Star of the faith

Naman;  Old Arabic name,  name of the first Roman to embrace Islam

Namir/ Nameer;  Good, pure, dear

Nashah/ Nashat;  Growing up, youth

Nashwan;  Exultant, elated

Nasib;  Noble, relative

Nasih;  Advisor, counselor

Nasim/ Naseem;  Fresh air

Nasir;  Protector, helper, supporter

Nasr/ Nasser/ Nasri;  Victory

Nasuh;  Sincere, faithful

Natheer/ Nathir;  Warner

Nawaf/ Nawwaf;  High, lofty

Nawfal;  Generous

Nayif/ Naif;  Excellent; surplus, abundance

Nazih/ Nazeeh;  Pure, chaste

Nazim/ Nazeem;  Arranger, adjuster

Nidal/ Nedal;  Struggle

Nijad;  Tall, dominant

Nimr/ Numair;  Tiger

Nizar;  Old Arabic name

Noor/ Nuh/ Nooh;  Light, the one who guides

Noori/ Nuri;  Shining, brightness

Nuaim/ Nuaym;  Name of several of the Prophet's companions

Nuhaid/ Nuhayd;  Big

Numan;  Blood, red, Old Arabic name

Nusrah/ Nusrat;  Help, support



O

Omar;  Long life, first son

Omran;  Solid structure, most praised; variation of the name Muhammad

Ossama/ Osama/ Usama/ Usamah;  A lion



Q

Qaabid;  Constrictor, Withholder

Qaadir;  Able, Capable

Qahhaar;  Subdue, Dominant

Qasim/ Qaasim;  Divider, distributor

Qatadah;  A hardwood tree

Qawiyy/ Qays/ Qawyis;  Strong, oasis, firm

Qayyoom;  Self-Subsisting

Qudamah;  Courageous

Quddoos;  Holy

Qusay;  Old Arabic name

Qutaybah; Qutaibah;  Irritable, impatient

Qutb;  Leader

Qutuz



R

Raafi/ Rafe;  Exalter, Elevator

Raakin;  Respectful

Raamiz/ Ramez;  Symbol

Raatib;  Arranger

Rabah;  Winner

Rabi/ Rabee;  Spring, breeze

Radi;  Satisfied, content

Radwan/ Ridhwan/ Ridwan;  Satisfaction; name of the keeper of the gates of Heaven

Raed;  Leader, kind friend

Rafi/ Rafee;  Exalting

Rafid;  Support

Rafiq/ Rafeeq;  Kind, friend

Raghib/ Ragheb;  Desirous, willing

Raghid;  Pleasant

Raheem/ Rahim;  Merciful,

Rahmaan;  Compassionate, Beneficent

Raid;  Leader

Raif/ Rauf/ Raouf;  gentle, Compassionate

Rais;  Captain

Raja/ Rajah;  Hope

Rajab;  7th month of the calendar

Raji;  Hoping, full of hope

Rajih;  Upper hand, more acceptable

Rakin;  Respectful, firm, confident

Ramadan;  9th month of the calendar

Rami/ Ramee;  Marksman

Ramih;  Brightest star in the constelation Bootes

Ramiz;  Honored, respected

Ramzi/ Ramze;  Symbolic

Rani;  To gaze

Ranin

Raqeeb;  Watcher

Rashad;  maturity, wisdom

Rashid/ Rasheed;  Having the true Faith

Rasil;  Messenger

Rasin;  Composed

Rasmi;  Formal, official

Rasul/ Rasool;  Messenger

Ratib;  Regular, arranger

Rayyan/ Royyan;  One of the gates of paradise

Razin;  Composed, subtle

Razzaaq/ Razak/ Razaq;  Sustainer, Provider

Reda/ Rida/ Ridha;  Contentment, satisfaction

Rihab;  Vastness

Riyad/ Riyadh/ Rhyadh;  Gardens

Rizq;  Subsistence, blessing of God

Ruhi;  Spiritual

Rushd/ Rushdi;  Maturity, wisdom

Ruwaid/ Ruwayd; Walking gently



S

Saabir;  Patient

Saad;  Good luck

Saadah;  Happiness

Saahir;  Wakeful

Saajid;  One who worships God

Saalih/ Saaleh; Good, Righteous

Saariyah;  Clouds at night

Sab;  Lion

Sabih/ Sabeeh;  Beautiful, pleasant, fond

Sabir/ Sabeer/ Saboor/ Sabri;  Patient, persevering

Sad;  Good luck

Sadad/ Sadid;  Right thing to do, lucky hand

Sadiq; Sincere, truthful

Saeed/ Said/ Sadun;  Happy

Safi;  Pure, clear

Safiy;  Best friend

Safuh;  Forgiving

Safwah/ Safwat;  The best, the chosen

Safwan;  Rock, solid, pure

Sahib;  Companion

Sahir;  Wakeful

Sahl/ Sahal;  Easy to deal with

Saib;  Appropriate, correct

Said;  Happy

Saif/ Sayf/ Seif;  Sword

Sajjad/ Sajid/ Sajiid;  One who worships a lot

Sakhr;  Rock

Salaam;  Source of Peace

Salah/ Saleh/ Salih;  Good, right; a Prophet's name

Salim/ Saleem;  Safe, healthy, whole,

Salman;  Healthy, safe, wholesome

Samad;  Eternal, independent

Samee;  All hearing

Sami;  High, lofty, elevated

Samih/ Sameh;  Forgiver

Samir/ Sameer;  Entertaining companion

Samman;  Grocer

Saqr;  Falcon

Sariyah;  Clouds at night

Sati;  Shining, bright

Saud/ Suud/ Suoud;  Fortunate

Sayyid/ Sayed;  Master

Shaady/ Shadi;  Singer, enchanter

Shaban;  8th month of the Arabic calendar

Shadin;  Young deer

Shafi/ Shaafi/ Shafee;  Mediator

Shafiq/ Shafeeq;  Kind, compassionate, tender

Shaheed/ Shahid;  Witness

Shahin;  Hawk

Shahir;  Well-known, famous

Shakib;  Present, gift, reward

Shakir;  Thankful

Shakoor;  Grateful, appreciative

Shamal;  Wind from the north

Shamil/ Shamel;  All, comprehensive

Shamim;  Fragrant

Shams al Din;  Sun of the faith

Sharif/ Shareef/ Sharaf;  Honest, noble, distinguished

Shawqi;  Affectionate

Shihab;  Flame, blaze Star of the Faith

Shihad;  Honey

Shuaib/ Shuayb;  A Prophet's name

Shukri;  Thankfulness

Shumayl;  Complete

Siddiq;  Truthful, upright

Sinan/ Senan; Spearhead

Siraj/ Siraaj/ Suraj;  Lighted torch

Sofian;  Devoted

Subhi/ Subhy;  Early morning

Sufyan;  Old Arabic name

Suhaib/ Suhayb;  Red hair or complexion

Suhail/ Suhayl;  Gentle, the name of a star

Suhaim/ Suhaym;  Arrow

Sulaiman/ Sulayman;  A Prophet's name - Solomon in English

Sultan/ Sultan;  King

Sumrah;  Brownness

Suraqah;  Name of a companion of the Prophet



T

Tahir/ Taheer;  Pure, clean, chaste, modest

Tahsin;  Beautification

Taim;  Allah Servant of God

Taj;  Crown

Talal;  Nice, admirable

Talha;  Type of tree

Talib;  Seeker of truth

Tamam;  Generous

Tamim;  Strong, complete

Tamir/ Taamir;  Rich; owns palm trees

Tammam;  Perfection, strength

Taqiy;  Devout, God fearing

Tarfah;  Type of tree

Tarif/ Tareef;  Rare, uncommon

Tariq;  Name of a star

Taslim;  Submission

Tawfiq/ Towfeeq;  Success, reconciliation

Tawhid/ Tawwaab;  Believing in one God

Taymullah;  Servant of God

Taysir/ Tayseer;  Facilitation

Tayyib;  Good or delicate

Thabit/ Thaabit;  Firm

Thamer/ Thamir;  Fruitful, productive

Thaqib;  Shooting star

Thawab;  Reward

Thawban;  Name of a companion of the Prophet



U


Ubayy;  Old Arabic name, one with high self-esteem

Udail/ Udayl;  Old Arabic name

Uday;  One who runs fast

Umar/ Omar;  Name of the second Caliph

Umarah;  Old Arabic name

Umayr/ Umair;  Old Arabic name

Umayyah; Arab tribe

Uqbah;  The end of everything

Urwah;  Support, handle

Usaim/ Usaym;  lion cub

Utbah;  old Arabic name

Utha; l Name of a mountain

Uthman;  Name of the third Caliph



W



Waahid;  Unique

Waail/ Wail/ Wael [wah-eel];  Coming back for Shelter

Waajid;  Perceiver, finder, rich

Waarith;  Inheritor, heir

Waddah;  Bright, brilliant

Wadi/ Wadee;  Calm, peaceful

Wadid;  Favorable, devoted, fond

Wafiq/ Wafeeq;  Successful

Wahab/ Wahhaab;  Giving

Wahid;  Singular, exclusive

Wajdi;  Of strong emotion,

Wajid/ Wajed;  Smooth land

Wajih/ Waji/ Wajeeh;  Noble, notable, distinguished

Wakeel;  Trustee

Wakil/ Wakel;  Lawyer

Walee;  Governor

Walid/ Waleed;  Newborn male child

Walif;  Befriending

Waliy;  Supporter of the faith

Waqar;  Dignity, sobriety

Waqqas;  old Arabic name

Wasi;  Knowledgeable

Wasif;  Describer

Wasil;  Considerate, inseparable friend

Wasim/ Waseem;  Graceful, good looking

Wazir/ Wazeer;  Minister



Y

Yahya/ Yehya/ Yahyaa;  A Prophets name (John)

Yaman;  Good tidings, proper name

Yaqoob/ Yaqub;  A Prophets name (Jacob)

Yasin/ Yaseen/ Yaaseen;  One of Prophet Muhammad’s names

Yasir/ Yasser;  Wealth, comfort, ease

Yazan;  Old Arabic name

Yazid/ Yazeed;  Increase, grow, enhance

Younis/ Yoonus;  A Prophets name (Jonah in the Bible)

Yousif/ Yusef/ Yusuf;  increase in power; a Prophets name - Joseph

Yushua;  God saves

Yusri;  Wealthy



Z



Zaahid;  Abstemious, Ascetic

Zafar/ Zafir;  Victory

Zahid; Self denying, ascetic

Zahir/ Zaahir;  Bright, shining, flowery

Zaid/ Zayd;  Increase, growth, abundance

Zaim;  Brigadier General

Zain/ Zayn;  Beauty

Zakariyya/ Zakariya;  A Prophets name

Zaki/ Zaky;  Pure

Zakwan;  Intuitive

Zarif;  Nice, graceful, humorous

Ziad/ Ziyad/ Zeeyad;  abundance

Zubair/ Zubayr;  Strong, powerful, smart

Zuhair/ Zuhayr;  Bright, having flowers

So you Want to Speak Arabic Like a Native?

Sent to me by a Saudi male friend who thought it hillarious, one American's thoughts on some often used Arabic phrases.  There's some swearing in one or two of the sketches and some cross-cultural teasing in others ...

Wosta

Wosta (also spelt, woster/ waster/ waster but all pronounced in the same way, [wass-ter]) is an Arabic word which describes a polite form of corruption.

Wosta is the non-monetary method way of circumnavigating the prevaling system, or, short cutting the rules and getting what you want without waiting.

For example, say you need a job. What you will do is go visit your friend explain your situation, suggest they might be able to help and their friend goes and sorts you out a job.



Or you need a specific police report to disapear which mentions you attacked your wife.  You go to your friend in the police/ traffic department and there it is, gone.

An 'old boy's network' if you will.


Grammar Points
In English, the term 'wosta' is used as a noun, for example; "He's got lots of wosta."
You can not say, "He's wosta-ing" (verb) or "She's a wosta-ly girl" (adjective)

Urban Legends
1
A friend of a friend worked for a very large shipping company. One day he received a phone call from a man who was shipping lots of fireworks from China to the Middle East for the opening event of a festival.

The shipment was late and the man who was supposed to be supplying the fireworks was beginning to panic and the pressure was beginning to build.

He asked,
“Why hasn’t the shipment arrived yet?” to which he replied,
“Fireworks aren’t just any old shipment, they need lots of paperwork and clearance. Surely you were aware of this before you said you’d ship the consignment?”
The man replied,
“Do you know who these fireworks are for? They are for xxxx, now do something.”
My friend had heard it all before, and so replied,
“I'm sure they’re not bothered in Hong Kong or Singapore about xxxx, they want the paperwork. And that’s why your shipment is stuck in Beijing.”



2
Years ago, whilst in an Australian railway station a friend was getting a cup of coffee when the Gulfie man ~man from the Gulf~ behind the counter spotted some Arabic writing on one of her posessions. He struck up a conversation and found out she worked in the Middle East and immediately suggested she find him a job.

3
A friend of a friend had an accident in her car and had the car fixed at the dealership garage. Several years later when she wanted to sell the car, someone went to the garage to make sure the car’s history would not be divulged to anyone who might come along and ask.  The car was now accident free.



Some Background Information
Al-Faleh (1987) found the Arab management style has the following characteristics:
1. Organisation members are motivated by friendship and power needs, rather than by performance objective
2. Social formalities are extremely important
3. Managers rely heavily on kinship ties to get things done4. Nepotism is regarded as natural and acceptable
5. Punctuality and time constraints are much less concern than in western cultures
6. Subordinates act with deference and obedience to those above them in the hierarchy





The Images
The Images on today's posting come from a variety of Arabic blogs including:
www.blog.sweetestmemories.com
www.alarcheef.com
www.mab3oos.com
www.assennara.net

Dust Storms

We've been having dust storms for quite some time across the entire GCC and the house is coated with a heavy, sand coloured dust that just won't go away, no matter how many times you try and remove it.

Because it's been said so many times before, I'm not sure why I'm writing it, but anyway here goes; there is no word in Arabic for snow (the nearest description seems to be, 'fluffy ice' [thel-jH moo-gut-tan]). However, there are several descriptive words in Arabic for the various types of sand, dust and wind:


Sand & Dust
dust storm:
arsifa al ghubar [arrse-see-fah al GHu-barr]

sand storm:
arsifa al ramleah [arrse-see-fah al rram-lee-ah]

desert:
sahara [sa-ha-ra] rather than the English [sa-har-rah]

off road sandy area:
mutaqa ramleah [mut-Ta-Qa rram-lee-ah]

sand dune:
taaz [ta-aaz]

sand dunes:
kuthban ramlee [Kuth-baan rram-lee]


Wind
air:
hawar [ha-warr] (just enough to let you know it's there)

breeze:
nesmah [nes-mah]

wind:
reah [rree-ah] + rear [ree-arr]

north wind (cold-ish, april/may):
shamal [sha-maal] (weather reports on the radio will say something like, "strong shamal winds today")

south wind (hot, june/july):
kaws [cows]


Media Reports
Three weeks ago the Gulf Daily News (An English lanugage newspaper in Bahrain) wrote the following article:

A THICK dust haze brought work at many construction sites to a standstill for several hours yesterday, while five flights had to be diverted due to poor visibility at Bahrain International Airport. Health officials also reported an increase in the number of patients reporting to hospital with respiratory problems.

The extreme weather was the result of a severe sandstorm over Southern Iraq, Civil Aviation Affairs Meteorological Directorate officials told the GDN.

They said it blew in across Kuwait and Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, reducing visibility in some places to just 50 metres. The dust began to settle across the country at around 9am, but cleared substantially by around 10.30am.

Three Gulf Air flights - one each from Lahore, Kuwait and Muscat - were diverted, along with a Bahrain Air flight from Dubai and an Air India Express flight from Mangalore. However, sources said all flights reached Bahrain within a few hours after visibility improved.

Meanwhile, construction sites reported work stoppages for almost two hours, but supervisors said activity restarted at around 11am when the weather began to clear

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=242793&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=31329

Girls Names: M-Z

Today's post follows directly on from a previous posting {see wgaw blog archive: girls names} which gives the meanings of Arabic girls names from A-L. Again, Arabic girls names 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 again, the first two names on the list are exceptions to the rule~

I'll publish boys names in two sections, A-L and M-Z in the near future.


M
Maab; Place to which one returns
Maali; Noble things
Mada; Utmost point, degree
Madihah beautiful/ Madeeha; praiseworthy, commendable
Maha; Wild cow, eyes
Mahabbah; Love, affection
Mahasin; Beauties
Mahbubah; Beloved
Mahdiyah; Rightly guided
Mahibah; Noble, respected
Maimoona/ Maymunah; Auspicious, blessed, a wife of the Prophet
Maisah/ Maisa; Walks proud
Maizah; Discerning
Majidah/ Majida; Glorious
Makarim/ Makaarim; Good, honorable
Makkiyah; from Makkah
Maladh; Protection, shelter
Malakah; Talent
Maliha; Praising
Malikah; Queen
Manab; Deputyship, share
Manal/ Manaal; Attainment, achievement
Manar/ Manaar; Guiding light
Maram/ Maraam; Aspiration
Mariam/ Maryam; Arabic form of Mary
Mariyah; Fair complexion, a wife of the Prophet
Marwah; A mountain in Makkah
Marzuqah; Blessed by God, fortunate
Masahir; Ancient Arabic lute
Masarrah; Delight, joy
Masudah/ Masouda; Happy, lucky, fortunate
Mawaddah; Affection, love, friendliness
Mawahib; Talents
Mawiyah/ Mawiya; the essence of life, clear
May; Old Arabic name
Maymunah; Fortunate, a wife of the Prophet
Maysa/ Maysaa; Walking with pride
Maysam; Beautiful
Maysan; Star
Maysarah; Left hand side
Maysun/ Maysoon; Has a beautiful face
Melek; Angel
Meryl/ Meriel/ Muriel; Myrrh
Mina; A place near Makkah
Minnah; Kindness, grace, blessing
Mirah; Provisions, supply
Mishael; Torch, light
Mona; Wish, desire
Muazzaz; Powerful, strong
Mubin; Clear, obvious
Mufiah; Obedient, compliant
Mufidah/ Mufeeda; Useful, helpful, beneficial
Muhibbah; Loving
Muhjah/ Muhja; the blood from your heart
Muhsinah; Charitable, benevolent
Mukarram; Honored
Mukhlisah; Devoted, faithful
Mumayyaz; Distinguished
Muminah; Pious believer
Muna/ Mona; Wish, desire
Munawwar; Radiant, illuminated
Munirah/ Muneera; Illuminating, brilliant
Munisah; Friendly
Muntaha; the Highest degree
Murjanah; Small Pearl
Murshidah; Guide
Muruj; Meadows
Mushirah/ Musheera; Giving counsel, advising
Muslimah; Devout believer
Musn/ Musnah; Rain, clouds
Muyassar; Wealthy, successful


N
Nabihah/ Nabeeha; Intelligent
Nabilah/ Nabeela; Noble
Nadia; First
Nadidah/ Nadeeda; Equal, rival
Nadirah/ Nadira; Rare, precious
Nadiyah; Announcement
Nadwah/ Nadwa; Council, generosity
Nafisah, Nafeesa; Precious thing, gem
Naflah; Overabundance
Nahid; woman with full, round breasts
Nahidah/ Naheeda; Big
Nahlah/ Nahla; A drink of water
Nailah/ Naila; One who succeeds
Naima; Comfortable, tranquil
Najah/ Najaah; Successful
Najat; Safe
Najibah/ Najeeba; Distinguished, of noble birth
Najiyah; Safe
Najla; wide eyes
Najma/ Najmah; Star
Najwa; secret romantic conversations
Najya; Victorious
Namar; Name of a mountain
Narjis; Narcissus
Nashida; Student
Nashita; Energetic, full of life
Nashwa; Fragrance, perfume
Nasiha; gives valuable advice
Nasira; Victorious, helper
Nasmah; Breeze
Nasreen, Nasrin;
Nathifa; Clean, pure
Nawaf;
Nawal; Gift
Nawrah; Blossom, flower, happiness
Nazahah/ Nazaaha; Purity, righteousness, honesty
Nazihah/ Nazeeha; Honest
Nazirah/ Nazeera; Like, equal, matching
Nibal/ Nibaal; Arrows
Nibras; Lamp, light
Nida; Call
Nihad; Height
Nihal; Drink
Nimah/ Naeema; Blessing, loan
Nirmella;
Nisrin; an aromatic plant
Niyaf; Tall and pretty
Noora; Light
Nouf; Mountain peak
Nudar, Nudhar; Gold
Nuha; Intelligence
Nujud, Nojood; Noble, wise
Numa; beautiful, pleasant, happiness
Nunah; Dimple in the chin
Nurah, Noorah; Corolla, blossom
Nuriyah; Radiant, brilliant
Nusaibah/ Nusaybah; Old Arabic name
Nuwairah, Nuwayrah; Small fire
Nuwwarrah; Flower blossom
Nuzhah; Pleasure trip


O
Obaida;
Oma; Commanding
Omaima;
Qadr; Fate, destiny
Qadriyah; To believe in Gods will
Qismah; Destiny, fate
Qubilah; Concord
Qudsiyah; Glorious, sacred


R
Rabab; White cloud
Rabiah/ Rabeea; Garden, springtime
Rabiyah; Hill
Radiyah/ Radhiya; Content, satisfied
Radwa/ Radhwaa; A mountain in Medina
Rafa/ Rafah; Prosperity and luxuriant life
Rafah/ Rafat; Mercy
Rafal; Try on clothes
Rafiah; Sublime, exquisite
Rafidah; Support
Rafif; To shine, to shimmer
Raghad/ Raghda; Pleasant
Raha; Peaceful
Rahaf; Delicate, fine
Rahmah/ Rahimah; Merciful, compassionate
Rahimateh; Grace
Rahiq; Nectar
Raidah/ Raaida; Leader
Raifah; Merciful
Ramlah; Old Arabic name
Ramziyah; Symbolic
Randa; A tree with a beautiful scent
Ranim/ Raneem; to recite in a sing-song voice
Raniyah/ Raniya; Gazing
Rasha; Young Gazelle
Rashidah/ Rasheeda; Wise, mature
Rasmiyah; Official, formal
Rawah; Charm, beauty, splendor
Rawdah, Rawdha; Garden
Rawhah; Nice
Rawhiyah; Spirituality
Rawiah/ Raawiya; Speaks ancient Arabic poetry
Rihana/ Rayhanah; Sweet basil
Rayya/ Rayyaa; Full of drink
Razan/ Razaan; Sensibility and respect
Reema/ Rim/ Reem; Gazelle
Rida; Favored by God
Rihab; Vastness, expanse
Riham; Lasting, fine rain
Rouqaya/ Ruqayyah/ Ruqayya; Gentle, one of the Prophet’s daughtetrs
Rowan;
Rua; Dreams, visions
Rubaa; Hills, height
Rubadah; Ash colored
Rudainah/ Rudaynah; Old Arabic name
Rufaidah/ Rufaydah; Support
Rukan; Steady, confident
Rumailah/ Rumaylah; Old Arabic name
Rumaithah/ Rumaythah; Old Arabic name
Ruwaidah/ Ruwaydah; Walking gently
Ruyah; Dream, vision


S
Saba/ Sheba; A town in Yemen
Sabaa; A nice wind
Sabah; Morning
Sabihah; Beautiful
Sabirah/ Saabira/ Sabriyah/ Sabr; Patient
Sadad; Right thing to do, lucky
Sadah; Happiness
Sadira; Ostrich, runs from water
Sadiyah; Fortunate
Safa; Pure
Safaa; Clarity, purity, serenity, name of a hill in Makkah
Safeea/ Safiya/ Safeea/ Safiyyah; Untroubled, Serene, Pure,
Saffanah; Pearl, Name of a Wife of The Prophet
Safun; Breezing
Sagirah; Little One
Sahar; Dawn, Awakening
Sahlah/ Sahla; Smooth, Fluent, Flowing
Saidah; Happy, Fortunate
Saihah; Good, Useful
Saja; Calm and quiet
Sajidah; Prostrating to God
Sakinah/ Sakeena; Peace of mind
Salihah; Correct, agreeable
Salimah/ Saleema; Flawless, Faultless
Salma; Peaceful, safe, Healthy, Name of a Wife of the Prophet
Salsabil/ Salsabeel; Spring in Jannah
Salwa; Solace, Quail
Sama/ Samah/ Samaah; Generosity
Samar; Evening Conversation
Samarah; Soft Light
Samawah; Summit, Height
Sameh; Forgiver
Samihah/ Sameeha; Generous
Samira; Entertaining companion
Samiyah/ Saamiya; Elevated, Exalted, Lofty
Samra; Soft, Light Tanned Color
Sana/ Sanaa/ Saniyah; Brilliance, Splendor
Sarah/ Sara/ Sirah; Wife of the Prophet Ibrahim
Sarsoureh; Bug
Sauda/ Sawdah; Wife of the Prophet Mohammed
Sawsan; Lily Of The Valley
Sayyidah; Lady, Woman
Seema/ Simah; Sign, Characteristic, Expression
Sfiyah; Righteous
Shadan; Young Gazelle
Shadha/ Shadhaa; Aroma
Shadhiyah; Aromatic
Shadiyah; Singer
Shafiqah; Compassionate, Sympathetic
Shahd; Honey, Honeycomb
Shahidah; Witness
Shahirah; Well known, Famous
Shahlah; Blush
Shahrazad; The teller of the 1,001 Nights
Shakirah; Thankful
Shamilah; Complete, comprehensive
Shanaz;
Sharifah/ Shareefa; Noble, honored
Shather;
Shawq; Longing
Shayma/ Shaymaa; to look out
Shifa; Curing, healing
Shimah; Nature, habit
Shimshad;
Shiyam; Nature, character
Shudun; Powerful, straight
Shuhrah; Fame, reputation
Shukrah; Thankfulness
Shukriyah; Thanks
Shunnareh; Pleasant
Shuruq; Rising, shining
Sibal/ Sibaal; Eyes with long lashes
Siddiqah; Upright, very truthful
Siham/ Sihaam; Arrows
Shirin/ Shireen; A wife of the Prophet’s companion, Hassan Ibn Thabit
Suad/ Souad; Good fortune
Subhah/ Subhiyah; In or of the morning
Suda; Happy, lucky
Suha; Name of a star
Suhaimah/ Suhaymah; Small arrow
Sukainah/ Sukaynah; Charming, likable
Sulafah; Choicest
Sultanah/ Sultana; Princess
Sumaira/ Sumayra;  from Samra
Sumaiyah/ Sumayyah; a companion of the Prophet
Sumnah;
Sunbul; grain
Sundus; Silk brocade
Sura/ Suraa; to travel by night


T
Tabassum; Smiling
Taghrid; Singing (like a bird)
Tahani; Congratulations
Tahirah/ Taahira; Pure, chaste
Tahiyah; Greeting
Taima/ Tayma; Oasis in northwest Arabia
Takiyah; Pious, righteous
Talah/ Taalah; Young palm tree
Talibah; Seeker of knowledge
Tamadur; Brilliant
Taqiyah; Heedful of God
Taqwa/ Taqwaa; Piety, devoutness
Tarub/ Taroob; Merry, happy
Tasnim; Fountain in paradise
Tawbah; Repentance
Thana/ Thanaa; Thankfulness, praise
Thara/ Tharaa, Tharwah; Wealth
Thawab; Reward
Thoora; Revolution
Thuraiya/ Thurayya; Star in the Pleiades
Thuwaibah/ Thuwaybah; Deserving of Gods, reward, name of a companion of the Prophet
Tibah; Goodness, kindness
Tuba/ Tubaa; Blessedness, heedfulness of God


U
Ubab/ Ubaab; Waves, heavy rain
Uhud; Commitment, delegation
Ula; Uppermost, highest
Ulfah; Harmony, intimacy
Ulima; Wise
Umamah; One of the Prophet’s granddaughters
Umniyah; A wish, an aspiration
Usaimah/ Usaymah; Old Arabic name
Ushd; Sensible conduct
Uwaisah/ Uwaysah; Bilberry, whortleberry


V
Vega; Falling


W
Wad; Promise
Wadeea;
Wadha/ Wadhaa; Bright
Wadiah; Calm, peaceable
Wafa/ Wafaa; Faithfulness
Wafiqah, Wafeeqa; Successful
Wafiyah; Loyal, faithful
Wahbiyah/ Wahibah; Giver, donor
Wahidah; Exclusive, unique
Wajd; Passion, strong emotion
Wajeeha/ Wajihah; Eminent, distinguished,
Wala/ Walaa; Loyalty
Walidah; Newborn
Walladah; Prolific
Waqi; Falling
Warda; Rose
Warqa/ Warqaa; Pigeon
Wasfiyah; Depictive
Wasimah; Pretty, beautiful
Wiam; Harmony, agreement
Widad/ Widaad; Love, friendship
Wifaq; Harmony, consent
Wijdan; Ecstasy, sentiment
Wisal/ Wisaal; Reunion, being together
Wisam/ Wisaam; Medal, badge of honor
Wurud; Roses


Y
Yafiah; High
Yakootah; Emerald
Yamha; Dove
Yaminah; Right and proper blessed
Yarah; Warm
Yasirah; Lenient
Yasmine/ Yasmin/ Yasmeen; Jasmine
Yumn; Good fortune, success
Yumnah/ Yumna; Right side
Yusra/ Yusraa; Most prosperous


Z
Zada/ Zayda/ Zaida; Lucky
Zafirah/ Zaafirah; Victorious, successful
Zahidah; Ascetic, abstentious
Zahirah; Shining, luminous
Zain/ Zayn; Beauty
Zainab/ Zaynab; an ornamental tree, one of the Prophet’s daughters
Zakiyah; Pure
Zanubiya; Name of a Syrian Queen
Zara/ Zahra; White, flower, beauty
Zaynah/ Zaina; Beautiful
Zenobia; Father's ornament
Zinah/ Zinat; Adornment, ornamentation
Zubahda; Excellence
Zuha/ Zuhaa; Adornment
Zuhrah; Brightness
Zuhur; To flower, blossom, glow
Zuleika; Fair, intelligent
Zumurrud; Emerald

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'.