Can I Choose an English Name for My Child?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I am a white British revert, and my husband has Muslim Kashmiri heritage. Although my family is not Muslim, I would like to acknowledge my children’s dual heritage through their names if it’s permissible and has the same baraka. I know the best names are ‘Abdullah, ‘Abdur-Rahman, then the names of prophets and that other names are acceptable if they have a good meaning, and they don’t need to be in Arabic.
However is it permissible to name a child with a “good” meaning name but not from a Muslim culture? Even if they are permissible, would those names have less baraka? For example, if I named my child a Muslim first name and an English middle name with a good meaning like William? Or the English version of prophets’ names, e.g. Joseph, Noah.
Answer
Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for your sincere intention in choosing a good name for your child that reflects both cultures.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, you will be called by your names and by your father’s names, so give yourselves good names.” [Abu Dawud]
It is permissible to choose an English name that has a good meaning for your child. I’m not sure about the aspect of baraka, but the child will not be immediately identifiable as a Muslim, which might make his life a little harder at times. I would recommend a Muslim name (from a Muslim culture) and then an English middle name, but you are free to choose.
See the principles of naming a child here:
- Is the Name Gabrielle Permitted for a Muslim Girl?
- Is It Necessary to Change My Name after Accepting Islam?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
