Loading ...30 Celebrities You Didn't Know Had Arabic Names
BY: Nisreen Eadeh/Staff Writer
Arabic names have been popular for centuries among people of all ethnicites and backgrounds. Some Arabic names, such as Jenna, Hannah, and Sarah, have become so common that their origins don’t even seem Arab! Here is a list of celebrities – who aren’t Arab – that have been rocking Arabic names for a long time!
1. Adele
Image Credit: BillboardMeaning in Arabic: fair, just
Although her’s is a masculine name in Arabic, Adele is touting the name very well in her outrageously successful music career.
2. Aisha Tyler
Image Credit: ZimbioMeaning in Arabic: alive
Aisha Tyler is known most for her short-lived role on Friends as Ross’ girlfriend, as well as the voice of Lana on the hit comedy cartoon Archer.
3. Aaliyah
Image Credit: Saint HeronMeaning in Arabic: sublime
Before her untimely death in 2001 at the young age of 22, Aaliyah was one of America’s biggest pop and R&B stars, with a budding acting career, too.
4. Aziz Ansari
Image Credit: Femme and FortuneMeaning in Arabic: powerful
Aziz Ansari is one of America’s most popular and successful comedians. The Indian American actor’s name means “powerful supporters,” which sounds right given his level of fame!
5. Barack Obama
Image Credit: White HouseMeaning in Arabic: blessing
President Obama has been fending off rumors of being Muslim for ten years, which isn’t true, but there’s no denying that his name is Arabic!
6. Dana Carvey
Image Credit: The ChiveMeaning in Arabic: precious pearl
Dana Carvey’s parents may have had the Danish version of this name in mind when giving it to the Wayne’s World star, but nonetheless, Dana has always been an Arabic name first!
7. Freida Pinto
Image Credit: Flick MinuteMeaning in Arabic: unique
The world fell in love with this actress after starring in Slumdog Millionaire, but her Arabic name won’t be forgotten no matter how famous she gets!
8. Frida Kahlo
Image Credit: SabahMeaning in Arabic: unique
No one can hear the Arabic name Frida without thinking of this famous Mexican painter – and her eyebrows!
9. Hannah Simone
Meaning in Arabic: God given gift
Hannah is an ancient Semitic name that is common in Arabic. New Girl star Hannah Simone isn’t the only celebrity with this Arabic name, but she’s one of the best!
10. Iman
Image Credit: PinterestMeaning in Arabic: Faithful
Somali American supermodel Iman has been strutting her Arabic name across the globe for decades as a philanthropist and photogenic beauty.
11. Jenna Fischer
Image Credit: AV ClubMeaning in Arabic: heaven
Jenna is another Arabic name that has been popularized in many languages, but it’s fun to think that Pam from The Office might have a little bit of Arab in her!
12. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Image Credit: BreitbartMeaning in Arabic: noble servant
After winning his first championship season, Lew Alcindor changed his name to this well-known Arabic, Muslim name that has stuck with the retired basketball player for decades.
13. Layla Kayleigh
Meaning in Arabic: night
Although not the most famous, this former G4 and America’s Best Dance Crew host still has a recognizably Arabic name!
14. Lulu
Meaning in Arabic: pearl
This pop star is retired, but back in the day she was an international sensation with an unconventional, but Arabic, name.
15. Nia-Malika Henderson
Image Credit: CNNMeaning in Arabic: queen
Nia-Malika shows just how much of a queen she is as a Senior Political Correspondent on CNN
16. Miriam Hopkins
Meaning in Arabic: Mary
This famous 1930s actress known for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide, Trouble in Paradise, and Design for Living has her Arabic name to contribute to her legacy!
17. Mona Lisa
Image Credit: Mona LisaMeaning in Arabic: wish
Mona Lisa was painted around 1503, gaining more fame and attention every century since. With Leonardo da Vinci’s fame came a loving for Mona’s Arabic name, too!
18. Muhammad Ali
Image Credit: NBC NewsMeaning in Arabic: the most praised one
The life and legacy of the late Muhammad Ali will never be forgotten. This boxer and activist converted to Islam in his younger days, and changed his name to this traditional Arabic, Muslim name.
19. Nadia Bjorlin
Image Credit: Soaps She KnowsMeaning in Arabic: delicate
People love this Days of Our Lives actress for her stunning eyes, but her Arabic name shines brighter!
20. Norah Jones
Meaning in Arabic: light
The singer/songwriter/actress has a large resume and Arabic name to be proud of!
21. Queen Latifah
Image Credit: Centric TVMeaning in Arabic: nice
Although this name wasn’t given to the actress/rapper/show host, she chose to be called Latifah, which seems very fitting for her lovable personality!
22. Rihanna
Image Credit: Wall GalleryMeaning in Arabic: basil
This Barbadian pop star is always on the radio and making people dance, and she goes by her Arabic middle name while in the spotlight.
23. Sami Gayle
Image Credit: The PlaceMeaning in Arabic: supreme
Like Adele, Sami is rocking a masculine Arabic name very well. This Blue Bloods actress is growing up, though, promising more recognition in the near future!
24. Sara Ramirez
Image Credit: TV EqualsMeaning in Arabic: princess
Any celebrity named Sara – with or without the “h” – can be proud of her Arabic name, but Sara Ramirez is special for her long career as a singer and actress in box office hits and Grey’s Anatomy.
25. Shaquille O’Neal
Image Credit: We The OpinionatedMeaning in Arabic: handsome
Who doesn’t know, Shaq?! One of the most famous basketball players in the world is not only known for his talent, but also his unique Arabic name!
26. Selma Blair
Image Credit: RankerMeaning in Arabic: safe
After a long silence, this actress is making a comback on American Crime Story, putting her Arabic name back out there!
27. Taj Gibson
Meaning in Arabic: crown
Many basketball players are lining this list, which could be why so many Arab Americans love the sport! This Chicago Bulls player shares his name with many famous place, too, like the Taj Mahal. This regal Arabic name is beloved in many cultures!
28. Tupac Shakur
Image Credit: BiographyMeaning in Arabic: thankful
2Pac has been named one of the best rappers to ever live, and his untimely death in 1996 has not stopped him from dominating the record industry with his talent and Arabic name.
29. Wiz Khalifa
Meaning in Arabic: caliphate, successor
Cameron Jibril Thomaz, also known as Wiz Khalifa, has an Arabic middle name and stage name! The rapper and songwriter has become an iconic face and name in the music industry.
30. Zayn Malik
Meaning in Arabic: grace
This Pakistani-English heart throb has a full Arabic name, meaning graceful king! Seeing as the singer is at the top of the pop charts lately – and on the arm of Arab American supermodel Gigi Hadid – the name seems to fit!