Introduction
Choosing a name for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. In Islam, names carry deep significance and meaning. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your fathers' names, so give yourselves good names." (Abu Dawud - Sahih)
The Quran mentions numerous blessed names—many belonging to prophets, righteous individuals, and attributes beloved to Allah. These names carry barakah (blessings) and serve as constant reminders of faith, character, and divine guidance.
Here are 20 beautiful boy names directly mentioned in the Quran, along with their meanings and Quranic references.
1. Muhammad (محمد)
Meaning: The Praised One, The Praiseworthy
Quranic Reference: "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the Prophets." (Quran 33:40)
Significance: The name of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, the final messenger of Allah. This is the most honored name in Islam.
2. Ahmad (أحمد)
Meaning: The Most Praised, Highly Praised
Quranic Reference: "And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you... bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.'" (Quran 61:6)
Significance: Another name of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, mentioned by Prophet Isa (Jesus) as a prophecy.
3. Ibrahim (إبراهيم)
Meaning: Father of Nations
Quranic Reference: "Indeed, Ibrahim was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah." (Quran 16:120)
Significance: Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), known as the friend of Allah (Khalilullah), father of Prophets Ismail and Ishaq.
4. Musa (موسى)
Meaning: Saved from Water
Quranic Reference: "And We inspired to the mother of Musa, 'Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river.'" (Quran 28:7)
Significance: Prophet Musa (Moses), who spoke directly to Allah and led the Children of Israel from oppression.
5. Isa (عيسى)
Meaning: Jesus
Quranic Reference: "[And mention] when the angels said, 'O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Isa, the son of Mary.'" (Quran 3:45)
Significance: Prophet Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam, born miraculously and one of the greatest messengers.
6. Adam (آدم)
Meaning: Man, Made from Earth
Quranic Reference: "Indeed, Allah chose Adam and Nuh and the family of Ibrahim and the family of 'Imran over the worlds." (Quran 3:33)
Significance: The first human and prophet, father of humanity, created by Allah's hands.
7. Nuh (نوح)
Meaning: Rest, Comfort
Quranic Reference: "Indeed, We sent Nuh to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years." (Quran 29:14)
Significance: Prophet Nuh (Noah), known for his patience and perseverance through 950 years of calling people to Allah.
8. Yusuf (يوسف)
Meaning: Allah Increases (in piety, knowledge, and influence)
Quranic Reference: "Certainly were there in Yusuf and his brothers signs for those who ask." (Quran 12:7)
Significance: Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), known for his exceptional beauty, patience, and interpretation of dreams. An entire Surah is named after him.
9. Yahya (يحيى)
Meaning: He Lives, God Gives Life
Quranic Reference: "[Saying], 'O Zakariya, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Yahya.'" (Quran 19:7)
Significance: Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist), son of Prophet Zakariya, known for his piety from childhood.
10. Zakariya (زكريا)
Meaning: Remembrance of God
Quranic Reference: "[This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zakariya." (Quran 19:2)
Significance: Prophet Zakariya (Zachariah), father of Yahya, known for his devotion and answered prayer in old age.
11. Ilyas (إلياس)
Meaning: The Lord is My God
Quranic Reference: "And indeed, Ilyas was from among the messengers." (Quran 37:123)
Significance: Prophet Ilyas (Elijah), who called his people to worship Allah alone.
12. Sulaiman (سليمان)
Meaning: Man of Peace
Quranic Reference: "And We gave to Dawud, Sulaiman. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]." (Quran 38:30)
Significance: Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon), son of Dawud, granted wisdom and a kingdom unlike any other.
13. Dawud (داود)
Meaning: Beloved
Quranic Reference: "And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech." (Quran 38:20)
Significance: Prophet Dawud (David), blessed with a beautiful voice for reciting psalms (Zabur) and great strength.
14. Ismail (إسماعيل)
Meaning: God Will Hear
Quranic Reference: "And mention in the Book, Ismail. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet." (Quran 19:54)
Significance: Prophet Ismail (Ishmael), son of Ibrahim, who willingly submitted to sacrifice, ancestor of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
15. Ishaq (إسحاق)
Meaning: He Will Laugh
Quranic Reference: "So We gave her good tidings of Ishaq and after Ishaq, [of a grandson] Ya'qub." (Quran 11:71)
Significance: Prophet Ishaq (Isaac), son of Ibrahim and Sarah, father of Ya'qub.
16. Yaqub (يعقوب)
Meaning: Supplanter, He Who Follows
Quranic Reference: "And We gave him Ishaq and Ya'qub, and We guided each of them." (Quran 6:84)
Significance: Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob), also known as Israel, father of twelve sons including Yusuf.
17. Harun (هارون)
Meaning: Exalted, High Mountain
Quranic Reference: "And We gave him [Musa] out of Our mercy his brother Harun as a prophet." (Quran 19:53)
Significance: Prophet Harun (Aaron), brother of Musa, who assisted him in calling Pharaoh to Islam.
18. Ayyub (أيوب)
Meaning: He Who Returns to God
Quranic Reference: "Indeed, We found him [Ayyub] patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah]." (Quran 38:44)
Significance: Prophet Ayyub (Job), famous for his extraordinary patience during severe trials and illness.
19. Yunus (يونس)
Meaning: Dove
Quranic Reference: "And [mention] the man of the fish [Yunus], when he went off in anger." (Quran 21:87)
Significance: Prophet Yunus (Jonah), who was swallowed by a whale and made the famous dua of repentance. An entire Surah is named after him.
20. Idris (إدريس)
Meaning: Interpreter, One Who Studies
Quranic Reference: "And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station." (Quran 19:56-57)
Significance: Prophet Idris (Enoch), an early prophet known for his knowledge and raised to a high spiritual station.
Bonus Names with Quranic Significance
While not prophets' names, these beautiful names are also mentioned in the Quran:
Luqman (لقمان)
Meaning: Wise Reference: "And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom." (Quran 31:12) A wise man whose advice to his son is preserved in the Quran.
Talut (طالوت)
Meaning: Tall, Seeker Reference: "Indeed, Allah has sent to you Talut as a king." (Quran 2:247) A righteous king of the Israelites.
Dhul-Kifl (ذو الكفل)
Meaning: Possessor of a Worthy Portion Reference: "And [mention] Ismail, Idris, and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient." (Quran 21:85) A patient prophet.
The Importance of Good Names in Islam
The Prophet's ﷺ Guidance on Names:
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The Best Names: "The most beloved of your names to Allah are Abdullah and Abdur-Rahman." (Sahih Muslim, 2132)
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Names of Prophets: "Name yourselves with the names of the Prophets." (Abu Dawud - Hasan)
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Changing Bad Names: The Prophet ﷺ changed names that had negative meanings to good ones, showing the importance of meaningful names.
What Makes a Good Islamic Name?
✅ Has a good, positive meaning
✅ Easy to pronounce
✅ Not embarrassing or burdensome for the child
✅ Doesn't imply slavery to other than Allah (avoid names like Abd-ul-Uzza)
✅ Not names exclusive to Allah (like Ar-Rahman as a standalone name)
✅ Preferably from the Quran, Hadith, or names of righteous people
How to Choose the Right Name
1. Make Istikhara (Seeking Guidance)
Pray Salat al-Istikhara and ask Allah to guide you to the best name for your child.
2. Research the Meaning
Ensure you understand the full meaning and significance of the name.
3. Consider Pronunciation
Choose a name that will be easy for the child to carry throughout life.
4. Think Long-Term
Will this name serve your child well in childhood and adulthood?
5. Involve Family
Discuss with your spouse and seek blessings from elders, but ultimately make the decision that feels right.
The Barakah of Prophets' Names
Naming your child after a prophet is a beautiful way to:
🌟 Connect them to Islamic heritage
🌟 Invoke blessings through the prophets' names
🌟 Inspire them with the stories of these great men
🌟 Give them role models to aspire to
🌟 Remind them daily of faith and righteousness
The Prophet ﷺ said: "A child is born on the fitrah (natural disposition), and it is his parents who make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian." (Bukhari & Muslim)
While a name doesn't determine faith, it can be a constant reminder and inspiration for a child to live up to the example of the prophet or righteous person they're named after.
Conclusion
The Quran is filled with blessed names that carry deep meanings and powerful stories. These 20 names represent some of the most beloved prophets and righteous individuals in Islamic history.
Whether you choose Muhammad, Ibrahim, Yusuf, or any other Quranic name, you're giving your child:
- A connection to their faith
- A meaningful identity
- A legacy of prophethood
- Potential for barakah in their life
May Allah bless all Muslim children with righteous names, righteous character, and success in this life and the next.
🤲 Make Dua: When you choose a name, make dua that your child lives up to the beautiful meaning and example it represents.
💚 Share this guide with expecting parents in your community!