Is It Sinful to Name a Child with Pagan or Shirk-Related Origin?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Is it permissible to name a child with a name that has pagan or shirk-related origins if I don’t believe in its original meaning and only like the name? Will I be sinful for using such a name?

Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, it would be sinful to do so, as parents have an obligation to name their child with a good meaning. I can give you a complete answer once you tell me the name that you are referring to.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Indeed, you will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so make your names good.” [Abu Dawud]

An example is in this hadith: Ibn ‘Umar reported that ‘Umar had a daughter called ‘Asiya (rebellious). Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) gave her the name Jamila (beautiful).

Please see more details here:

• Can You Give Me Guidance on These Baby Girl Names?
• What is the proper naming of a child?
• Naming our daughter Emaan
• How Can Fathers Choose the Best Names for Their Children?
• The Meaning of Shaheed
• Is It Permissible To Call Someone by a Name of Allah?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied ‘aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters 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.