Discover Old and significant Moorish names that have a special vibe.
The Muslim people who lived in Malta, the Iberian peninsula, and a few other places were known as Moors. Iberia is a peninsula in southwestern Europe that includes Spain and Portugal. The mix of Muslim and Christian populations in the region can be seen in architectural landmarks like the Alhambra, a beautiful Moorish palace in Granada, Spain. Moorish names have an Arabic influence and may sound like Muslim names, but they are actually much older. These Moorish names are not specific to one ethnic group, as Moors have roots in African, Berber, and Arab backgrounds. This mix of heritage results in Moorish names that are similar to Arabic and Muslim names. While there are many Moorish names for boys, it is more difficult to find names for girls. That’s why we have gathered some of the best Moorish names for both boys and girls in this list. These Moorish names are unique, trendy, and will make your baby stand out.
Popular Moorish Names For Baby Boys With Meanings
- Aban
The name Aban is pronounced as Aa-baan and can be given to both boys and girls. This Moorish name means ‘clear, lucid, or eloquent’ and comes from Persian-Iranian heritage. In Persian folklore, Aban is known as the tenth day of October. Additionally, Aban is also the name of an angel.
- Affan
Affan is an uncommon Moorish name that has a positive meaning. This name means ‘pure, modest, and chaste’. It can also refer to someone who is forgiving.
- Atiq
It is commonly used in Muslim countries. This Moorish name comes from Africa which means ‘old or ancient’.
- Curragh
Curragh is an uncommon Moorish name for boys that comes from the Celtic language. This name means ‘from the moor’. Other variations of the name include Carrig, Chirag, and Cerys.
- Habib
It can also be spelled as ‘Habeeb’ and is typically used as a surname rather than a first name. This Moorish name of Arabic origin means ‘beloved or someone who is loved’.
- Hamid
The Moorish name Hamid is from Arabic roots and means ‘Praising God or being thankful’. It is believed to have a connection with the Prophet Mohammed.
- Ismail
The name ‘Ismael’ can also be spelled as ‘Esmail’ or ‘Ismael’. This name means ‘heard by Allah or God will hear’. The name is of Hebrew origin, with ‘Isma’ meaning ‘hearer’ and ‘eel’ meaning ‘God’.
- Jabir
Jabir is a nice name commonly used for boys. In Arabic, this Moorish name means someone who brings comfort or reassurance and is known for doing good deeds. A well-known person with the same name is the Arab thinker and alchemist Jabir Ibn Hayan. Another option could be the name Gabir.
- Khalid
In Arabic, the name Khalid means ‘magnificent or everlasting’. Khalid has a female variant called Khalida. Khalid was inspired by the former king of Saudi Arabia, Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz, and the seventh-century military leader Khalid inb al-Walid.
- Galib
Ghalib, which also spelled ‘Ghalib,’ is an Arabic name meaning ‘winner or conqueror.’ Mirza Ghalib, the celebrated poet, is known for sharing this name.
- Maymum
The name ‘Maymoon’ is pronounced with two syllables, sounding like ‘May-Moon’. It is a fitting Moorish name because it signifies being blessed, thriving, fortunate, or prosperous.
- Mauro
This name means having a dark or tanned complexion. This Moorish name is commonly used in Spanish and Italian languages. Two well-known individuals with this name are Argentinian soccer player Mauro Camoranesi and Swedish singer Mauro Scocco.
- Najih
This name means being successful, wealthy, or lucky. The female version of Najih is called Najiha.
- Razin
This Moorish name can be spelled as ‘Razeen’ and can be used for both boys and girls. The name signifies qualities such as being calm, dignified, subtle, or composed.
- Safwan
If you are looking for a unique and uncommon Moorish name, then ‘Safwan’ is a good choice. The name means ‘rock’ and symbolizes purity and perfection.
- Shabib
The name can also be spelled as Shabeeb and it belongs to a scholar who wrote about the Holy Quran.
- Shahid
Shahid is a name that means ‘witness or observer’. Al-Shahid is a name of God. The actor Shahid Kapoor from Bollywood is well-known and also has this name.
- Siraj
The Moorish name Siraj is considered honorable because it is mentioned in the Holy Quran as a reference to Prophet Muhammad and the sun. It can be given to both boys and girls and signifies ‘lamp or light’.
- Talhah
Talhah, also spelled as Talha, was a close companion of Prophet Muhammad. The Moorish name Talhah means ‘big tree’ in Arabic and can be used for girls as well.
- Ubayd
The name means ‘faithful’ or ‘servant of God’ in Arabic. It belonged to one of Prophet Muhammad’s companions. Another way to spell it is ‘Obaidullah’ or ‘Ubaydullah’.
- Wasil
Wasil is a good and easy Moorish name for a boy. This name means being caring and having a close bond with others, especially friends and family.
- Yamin
This Hebrew name has a special significance. This name means ‘towards right’ or ‘right hand’. Elliot Yamin, a well-known American pop singer, shares this name.
- Yousuf
The name originates from Hebrew and is an old name that means ‘God gives, or Lord gave more’. Yousef, Youssef, and Yusef are different ways to spell this name.
- Zayd
If you are looking for a brief and trendy Moorish name for your son, consider choosing Zayd. The name means ‘growth, abundance, or plenty’. In the United States, Zayd is ranked at #994 on the list of most popular baby names. Sometimes, it is spelled as Zaid.
- Zuhayr
Zuhayr is a special Moorish name that has two syllables (zu-hayr). In Islamic culture, this name means ‘sparkling, brilliant, or shining’. Other names that sound like Zuhayr include Zahara and Zaccaria.
Popular Moorish Names For Baby Girls With Meanings
- Amat
Amat is also commonly used as a surname in certain cultures and has served as a source of inspiration for various names.
- Aurya
The name ‘Aurya’ is not common for girls. This Moorish name comes from the Latin word ‘aurum’ which means ‘golden’. Another version of the name is ‘Auria’. If you want your girl to have a special aura, consider naming her ‘Aurya’.
- Bahjat
This Arabic name is truly lovely which means ‘happiness’. What could be more fitting for your precious baby?
- Banafsaj
This name is difficult to say but also unique. This name means ‘violet’.
- Baraka
This name is pronounced as bah-ṙah-kah and it means ‘blessing’ in Arabic.
- Dhayl
It’s a rare and special Moorish name for girls from the Moorish culture. The name means ‘complement’.”
- Durra
Durra was a Basque princess from the ninth century and her name in Arabic means ‘pearl’.
- Halawa
The name ‘Halawa’ is just as sweet as its meaning. If you’re looking for a sweet name for your baby, you might want to consider ‘Halawa,’ which means ‘sweetness.’
- Ishraq
If your child has brought happiness into your life, you can bring some joy into your daughter’s life by naming her ‘Ishraq’, which means ‘sunshine’ or ‘illumination’. This name can be used for both girls and boys.
- Itr
It’s a trendy Moorish name that is likely to become popular. The name means ‘perfume’ or ‘fragrance’.
- Kanza
The Moorish name ‘Kanza’ sounds impressive and means ‘hidden treasure’ in Arabic. In Japanese, ‘kan’ refers to ‘warming sake’ and ‘za’ means ‘blossom.’
- Maura
This name means ‘dark skin’. This name is mainly used in German and Irish cultures. Maura can also be called Mo or Maur as nicknames.
- Muzna
This Moorish name has a calming and pleasing sound. It is uncommon for a girl’s name to mean ‘rain’ or ‘cloud.’
- Najma
Najma is a beautiful girl’s name which means ‘star’ in Arabic. It can also be spelled in different ways.
- Rahat
The name means ‘comfort and relaxation’. It also represents peace. In 2010, it was the most popular name.
- Rhoslyn
The name is both sweet and fashionable, and it means ‘valley of moors’. It comes from Welsh and Germanic languages. Rosy is a shortened form of the name. Other versions include Rozlyn, Roselin, Roslynn, and Rosalyn.
- Rima
This adorable name is pronounced as Ree-mah and it means ‘white antelope’. It is associated with the well-known Rima Fakih, who was crowned Miss USA in 2010.
- Salwa
This name is truly lovely and comes from Moorish origin, with the literal meanings of ‘solace’ and ‘comfort’. This Moorish name can also mean ‘consolation’.
- Sama
Sama is a beautiful name for a girl that originates from the Medieval Arabic period. The name means ‘exalted, honored, sky’.
- Sukayna
Sukayna is a Moorish name that means charming, sweet, and full of life. Another version of this name is Sukaina.
- Suna
In Persian, the word ‘soo-nah’ means ‘gold’.
- Umayma
Its Arabic version is Umama. It is the name of Prophet Muhammad’s granddaughter and signifies ‘little mother’.
- Yamina
Yamina comes from the Arabic word Yamin. This Moorish name means ‘right, proper, or suitable.’
- Zubiya
Isn’t this a perfect name for your baby daughter? It’s a traditional Moorish name that means ‘God’s gift’.
- Zumurrud
If you are looking for a unique Moorish name for your daughter, ‘Zumurrud’ is a good choice. This name comes from Persian word ‘Zumrud’. The name means ’emerald’.
Moorish Last Names Or Surnames
Moorish last names are typically based on the region where their ancestors lived. This means that the surnames of Moors were often named after specific places. For instance, the Alarcons, the first people to have this last name, resided in the Alarcon area of Spain.
The last names bring to mind family history and heritage. Other common Moorish surnames include Alayza, Aldaba, Aldabeh, Albarado, Clayfield, Fondre, Grantham, Halyburton, Morris, O’Conry, Stirling, Tanner, Westcote, and Zambrano.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for a unique and attention-grabbing name for your baby, you should think about choosing a Moorish name. Moorish names come from various languages like Persian, Arabic, Celtic, and Hebrew. Many of these names have beautiful meanings and are inspired by folklore. They reflect the culture and heritage of the Moors. These names also meet the criteria that most parents look for when naming their child. So, now that you’ve seen the list of names, don’t hesitate to choose one for your newborn.