Nameberry Guest Blog

Hello everyone! My first guest blog for Nameberry was posted today. Here's the link to read it. The post is called 16 Arabic Names Ready to Import. If you read this or this post of mine, you will recognize a few of the names.

To new readers sent over from Nameberry: welcome! I encourage you to check out the archives and subscribe. I usually post on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. More information about the blog and myself can be found in the About section.

Thanks to all my readers, and everyone at Nameberry. I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing community.

10 Arabic Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

I made this one.

I don't put too much stock into the meanings of names, but this list has some great ones! If name meanings are something you care about, consider one of the following for your son.

Basim- Starting off with a good one, Basim means "smiling." He's not a popular name at all, but with easy spelling and pronounciation, I think he'd do well in the U.S.

Eyad- Eyad is a modern Arabic name (I couldn't find a meaning). I recently discovered him when watching the Israeli film A Borrowed Identity. The movie was amazing, which obviously colored my view of the main character's name. Watch the film and get back to me :)

Hakeem- Hakeem (and his variant, Hakim) has a debatable meaning. Some say it's "judicious," others, "wise." I prefer the latter, but it's really a win-win.

Nadim- Possibly the name with the best meaning of the list, Nadim is roughly defined as "drinking companion." Count him under Names for People 21 and Older.

Osman- Not many Arabic names come with wonderful nicknames, but I couldn't resist calling a little Osman Ozzie. I mean, how cute is that?

Rafi- Does Rafi still reek of children's songs? I met a young Rafi recently, and he seems perfectly wearable to me. He's a cross-cultural name with many different meanings, but the Arabic form means "noble."

Samar- Samar is a unisex name that means "evening conversation." Sorry Nadim, but that one might be my favorite. If that swanky meaning doesn't convince you, I don't know what will. Maybe the fact that you can call him Sam?

Sulaiman- Sulaiman is the Arabic form of Solomon, which, as many people know, means "peace." He's different yet familiar, with some exotic flair. Perfect.

Zaki- We really are winning with all these meanings today! Zaki means "pure." You could use him as a nickname for any of the Zach- names, but I really like him on his own.

Zinedine- Zinedine has roots in Arabic and French, and means "beauty of faith" or "jewel of religion." Again, the meaning is outstanding. He's pronounced ZAYN-ah-din or ZI-nah-din--though the former allows you to use the nickname Zane.

10 Arabic Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

via For the Love of Names on Pinterest. Follow her!

Depending on where you live in the United States, Arabic names are seldom heard. You're much more likely to hear them in Europe, Africa, and of course, the Middle East. I'm lucky to live in a place where almost all cultures are represented, so I'm no stranger to Arabic names. However, this list contains some names that even I had never heard of, and I'm excited to share it with you.

Anisa- Anisa is a simpler variation of Aanisah, and means "good natured." Even though the two are unrelated, her similarity to the spice anise makes me think she'd be a good name for the daughter of a chef.

Aziza- Looking for a zesty alternative to Aviva? Aziza is your best option. She's spunky and fresh--I kind of love her.

Farida- So many Arabic names have simply beautiful meanings, and Farida is no exception. She means "unique and precious pearl," how lovely is that? She'd be wonderful for a June baby, who's birthstone is the pearl.

Hadiya- I've told you before about my love for Hadiya. Nothing has changed! I would love to see her used more often in the U.S.--Hadiya is extremely import friendly.

Nazia- Nazia is one of those names I had never heard of before (she doesn't even have an entry on Nameberry!), but I'm so glad I finally did, because she's remarkably beautiful. Nazia means "woman who we are proud of," and her likeness to Nadia makes her a perfect unsual yet familar pick for an American baby.

Noor- You've most likely heard of Noor. But unless you live in the Netherlands (where she is so popular) you probably never really thought of using her. Her sweet simplicity makes her attractive to parents from all cultures. Noor can fit into many a sibset.

Omaira- Omaira means "red," so put her on the list for any ginger-haired, Autumn-born babies that you'll have. There's not much information on her, but it seems as if she derived from Omar, and therefore makes a lovely honor name for him.

Peridot- Oh, Peridot. I have talked about her so much (one, two, three, four, five, six). She's definitely one of my guilty pleasure names. And the nickname Dot! I die.

Zaina- Zaina (and similarly, Zayna) are variations of Zaynab--"beautiful" in Arabic, and also a tree name. -ain names might be the next big thing in the U.S., so Zaina would be right on trend.

Zuelia- I'm a big fan of a Julia substituion (see here: Tulia), so you can imagine how excited I was to find Zuelia. I love her soothing zue sound, though I understand the similarity to "zoo" might bother some people.