There are names we come across so often, they teeter on the mundane. We all have a co-worker/family member/friend named Tariq or Deena, a Leena or Khalid. And we forget that, like most things Arabic, they have meanings behind them and they can be quite poetic. Common doesn’t need to mean boring, especially not with these 15 Arab names.

1. Tariq

It literally translates into “one who knocks at the door,” referring mainly to travellers. Tariq is also a Surah in the Quran, and it means “night comer,” or the star who watches over the world.

2. Nadeem

Nadeem is your companion and confidant, but his friendship comes with a price. You have so much fun with Nadim that you come to regret his company the next day. Nadim is a derivative of “nadam” which means regret.

3. Leena

In Arabic, it translates to tenderness, while in Chinese, “Li Na” means pretty, elegant.

4. Bahaa

What more can we say about Bahaa, except that he’s brilliant!

5. Sherine

Originating in the Persian Empire, the name means sweet and pleasant.

6. Reem

Reem symbolizes purity, elegance and grace since her name is synonym for “gazelle”.

7. Khalid

Derived from Arabic Al-Kholood, Khalid means immortal, eternal.

8. Rania

Jordanian Queen Rania’s parents knew she was meant for greatness when they named her Rania, which translates to queen in Hindu.

In Arabic, Rania is the feminine form of “rani”, meaning the listener.

9. Fadi

Fadi will lead you down the path to righteousness. He is a redeemer and savior, and is prepared to sacrifice himself for your well-being. You probably guessed it, Fadi is an Arabic name for Jesus.

10. Lubna

Lubna is the sweetest- literally!

Her name translates to “the tree covered with laban (yogurt) that tastes like honey”. Muslims believe Lubna is the name of a river in Heaven which the Righteous drink from.

11. Ousama

The association this name has with notorious people (or rather, person) doesn’t do this name justice. Oussama, meaning lion, has a deep desire to lead. He wishes to achieve power and wealth.

12. Buthaina

Buthaina is the fairest of them all! She’s a beautiful, delicate woman with soft skin.

13. Deena

Deena is a well-rounded girl; she’s a little bit of everything. Her name means “vindicated” in Hebrew, “day” in Sanskrit, and “divine” in English. In Arabic, ironically, her meaning is not so pleasant. Deena translates into debt.

14. Noha

Noha is mentioned in the Qur’an to symbolize intelligence, intellect and reason.

15. Walid

Walid might be grown-up man, but he will always be young at heart. His name translates to newborn.