Picking a name for a baby boy or girl is among the very first choices you, as a parent, will have to make.
It is a decision that carries the weight of identity, so naturally you want to get it right. That’s why we have created this list of Moorish names we hope you will find helpful.
For parents looking for a name rich in history and meaning, Moorish names are a wonderful option. These names are rooted in North African, Andalusian, and Arabic cultures and traditions, drawing from the long history of the Moors.
They reflect a legacy of language, faith, science, and exquisite art that has been preserved and enriched over centuries.
Spread across Spain, Portugal, and North Africa from the 8th to the 15th centuries, the Moors left an indelible mark on language, architecture, and learning. Their names have survived to the present—melodic, distinct, and filled with meanings of virtue, beauty, nature, or faith.
Their Arabic origins, with their rhythm and sound, make these names both musical and lyrical.
Whether you are drawn to them for their sound or their history, for their short or long syllables, there are Moorish names for boys and girls to suit every taste.
Below, we have listed 85 names for baby boys and girls, along with their meanings and origins. Some are classic, while others are rare and unique.
Moorish Baby Boy Names
Names with Virtue and Leadership
Abdul – Servant of God
Aziz – Powerful, beloved
Khalid – Eternal, immortal
Mansur – Victorious
Tariq – Morning star, or conqueror (name of a famous Moorish general)
Omar – Flourishing, long-lived
Idris – Interpreter, prophet’s name
Suleiman – Peaceful, man of peace
Malik – King, master
Amir – Prince, commander
Spiritual and Deep Names
Hakeem – Wise, learned
Nasir – Helper, supporter
Zayd – Growth, abundance
Imran – Prosperity; father of Mary in Islamic tradition
Yahya – John (prophet’s name), means “alive”
Rashid – Guided, righteous
Jibril – Gabriel, angel of revelation
Mustafa – The chosen one
Samir – Companion in evening talks
Harun – Aaron, exalted
Nature and Poetic Names
Anwar – Radiant, luminous
Fadil – Virtuous, generous
Nadir – Rare, precious
Sami – Elevated, lofty
Zahir – Bright, shining
Rami – Archer
Latif – Gentle, kind
Munir – Luminous, shining
Yasin – Quranic name, mystical and rare
Ashraf – Noble, honorable
Moorish Baby Girl Names
Graceful and Beautiful Names
Aisha – Alive, prosperous (name of a beloved historical figure)
Layla – Night, beauty born of the night
Zahra – Radiant, blossoming flower
Fatima – Captivating, daughter of the Prophet
Amira – Princess, leader
Samira – Companion in evening conversations
Nura – Light, illumination
Sadia – Blessed, fortunate
Khadija – Premature child; the Prophet’s first wife
Jamila – Beautiful
Inspiring and Poetic Names
Soraya – The Pleiades star cluster
Yasmin – Jasmine flower
Huda – Guidance
Mariam – Mary, revered in Islamic and Christian traditions
Najwa – Whisper, secret
Safiya – Pure, sincere
Rania – Queen, gazing
Tahira – Pure, clean
Lina – Tender, delicate
Zainab – Fragrant flower
Rare and Unique Names
Aminah – Trustworthy, faithful
Asiya – Caring, consoling
Lubna – Storax tree, symbol of beauty
Shazia – Unique, rare
Farida – Precious, one-of-a-kind
Haleema – Gentle, mild-tempered
Ikram – Honor, generosity
Maha – Oryx, symbol of beauty
Nawal – Gift, blessing
Suhaila – Smooth, radiant
Gender-Neutral Moorish Names
Noor – Light
Iman – Faith
Rayyan – Heaven’s gate, luxuriant
Salim – Safe, sound
Ridha – Contentment, satisfaction
Aqil – Intelligent, wise
Najib – Distinguished, noble
Badr – Full moon
Faris – Knight, horseman
Hadi – Guide, leader
Modern and Distinctive Names
Zidan – Growth, abundance
Ayaan – Gift of God
Ilyas – Elijah, prophet’s name
Mazin – Companion of the Prophet
Adnan – Settler, long-established
Ramiya – Archeress, protector
Yumna – Good fortune, prosperity
Anisa – Friendly, companionable
Sorour – Joy, happiness
Karimah – Generous, noble
Five Rare Jewels
Zuleika – Brilliant, fair
Ismail – God will hear
Habiba – Beloved
Ghassan – Youthful, fresh
Munira – Radiant, luminous
Why Choose Moorish Names
Moorish names stand out because of their layered history.
They originate primarily from Arabic, but were also shaped by Andalusian poetry and North African traditions. They represent a fusion of cultures that thrived for centuries.
In their meanings, you’ll often find light, wisdom, and beauty—values that never fade. Like Moorish art, these names carry a lyrical, musical quality.
Names such as Tariq, Soraya, Jamila, and Zahir balance strength with elegance, making them timeless yet modern enough for today’s world.
Tips for Picking a Moorish Name
Look for both sound and meaning. Many carry spiritual or poetic significance.
Think about pronunciation. Choose a name that sounds natural in your daily language while preserving its origin.
Balance uniqueness and familiarity. Some, like Layla or Omar, are widely known, while others, like Lubna or Ghassan, are rarer.
Consider family traditions. Names can preserve identity and heritage across generations.
Have fun. Naming your baby is meaningful, but it should also be joyful. Research, explore, and choose what feels right for your family.
Final Thoughts
Names are both intimate and universal. Parents across time and cultures have named their children to give them identity, connection, and heritage.
Choosing a Moorish name gives your child beauty and a tie to centuries of history, culture, and art.
From meanings such as light, wisdom, and beloved, Moorish names embody values that never grow old.
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