Islamic / Muslim Boys Names

Islamic / Muslim Boys Names

A-M
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Aazad (free, independent - Persian word)
Aban (abaan-more clear)
Abbad (abbaad-great worshipper)
Abbas (abbaas-name of the Prophet's uncle)
Adib (adeeb - cultured, civilised)
Affan (affaan-name of Caliph Uthman's father)
Ajwad (better)
Allam (very knowledgeagble)
Almas (diamond)
Amir (aamir-thriving, prosperous)
Ammar (ammaar-great builder)
Aniq (neat, elegant, smart)
Antar (name of Arab hero of chivalry)
Arwarh (more delicate, more gracious)
Ashraf (more noble)
Asif (aasif-describer)
Asil (aseel-genuine, pure)
Asir (captivating, fascinating)
Askari (soldier)
Awwab (awwaab-great repenter to God)
Ayaz (ayaaz-slave [Persian])
Ayham (imaginary)
Ayman (right-handed, lucky)
Azhar (very or more evident - Arabic word)
Baariq (shining, lighting, illuminating)
Bakir (baakir-early)
Basil (brave, bold, valiant)
Basim (baasim-smiling)
Baz (falcon)
Dara (possessor, sovereign)
Diwan (royal court, tribunal of justice)
Faiq (faa-eq- outstanding, awake)
Fakih (fakeeh-pleasant)
Faqih (faqeeh - wise)
Fatih (faateh-conqueror, opener)
Haidar (lion)
Haitham (lion)
Hamdan (praiser (of God))
Hamza (name of the Prophet's uncle)
Hariz (strong, secure, guarded)
Hasan (beautiful, good)
Hashim (haashim-smasher, name of the Prophet great grandfather)
Hisham (hishaam - popular Arab name)
Humam (humaam- generous, heroic)
Husain (demunitive form of Hasan (above))
Imad (pillar, post, support)
Iqbal (iqbaal - advance, advent)
Isam (isaam-self-made success)
Jalal (jalaal-glory, splendour)
Jamal (jamaal-beauty)
Jamil (jameel-beautiful)
Jasim (great & famous)
Jawwad (jawwaad-generous)
Kamil (perfect, complete, genuine, learned)
Labib (labeeb-wise)
Laith (lion)
Mahdi (guided one)
Mansur (mansoor-victorious)
Marwan (marwaan-name of an Omayad caliph who built the Dome of the Rock)
Muaz (protected)
Munsif (just, fair)
Muntasir (winner)
Murad (muraad-aim)
Muslih (reformer)
Muslim (surrender (to God))
Muslim (surrender to God)
Muwaffaq (fortunate)

N-Z

.
Nabih (noble, famous)
Nail (naa-yel-achiever)
Nawaf (nawaaf-popular Arab name)
Nawfal (popular Arab name)
Nazir (bright)
Najm (star, planet)
Nasif (just)
Numan (numaan-blood)
Pasha (lord, honourific title)
Qa'id (qaayed-leader)
Qadir (able, powerful)
Quds (holiness, sanctity)
Rafi (exalted)
Raghib (willing, desirous)
Rashad (rashaad-good sense, maturity)
Rauf (ra-oof-merciful)
Rayhan (ease, fragrant, comfort)
Sadiq (saadiq-truthful)
Safwan (popular Arab name)
Samir (companion, entertainer)
Sayid (sayy-id-chief, leader)
Shakil (shakeel-beautiful)
Sharaf (honour)
Tawqir (goodluck, success (granted by Allah))
T'ariq (taariq-knocker)
Tazim (honour)
Usaid (small lion)
Waiz (preacher)
Wasi (broad-minded)
Yusuf (Joseph)
Ziad (ziyaad - popular Arab name)
Ziaul-Haq (Zia-ul-Haq - "Light of Truth")
Zoheb "little gold" - the dimunitive form of zahab [correct Arabic is: dhahab]
Zohoor (appearance)
Zuhair (demunitive form of zahr (flower))


Source:http://www.milligazette.com/misl/muslim_islam_islamic_baby_names_girl_boy_name.htm and http://www.milligazette.com/misl/muslimbabyname.htm

Islamic / Muslim Girls Names

Islamic / Muslim Girls Names
.
A-M

Abir (abeer - fragrance)
Adiba (adeeba - civilised / cultured)
Afaf (afaaf - purity/modesty)
Afia (aafiya-vigour/vitality)
Afifa (afeefa-honest, upright)
Ahlam (ahlaam - dreams)
Amal (hope)
Amira (ameera - princess)
Anbar (ambar - camphor)
Areej (fragrance)
Arwa (satisfied, pleasant, fresh)
Azhaar (flowers)
Azizah (azeeza - dear / powerful)
Azra (azraa - virgin - used for Maryam/Mary)
Badr (full moon)
Badriya (full moon-wali)
Bahia (bahiya - nice)
Bahija (baheeja - happy)
Bahja (happiness)
Baligha (baleegha - eloquent)
Banan (banaan-finger tips)
Barirah (bareera-pious, kind)
Basha'ir (bashaaer-good tidings)
Bashasha (bashaasha-cheerfulness)
Bashira (basheera-report of good tiding)
Basima (baseema-smiling)
Batul (batool - immaculate)
Bilqis (bilqees - name of the queen of Sheeba who became Muslim at the time of Solomon)
Budur (full moons)
Bushra (good tiding)
Dalal (dalaal-pampering)
Durriyah (durriyyah-brilliant)
Fadwa (redemptor, sacrifing)
Faiqa (faa-eqa - outstanding, awake)
Faiza (victorious)
Farah (happiness)
Farha (happy)
Faryal (faryaal-?)
Fatema (faatima - one sucking her mother's milk)
Firdaus (paradise)
Ghada (ghaada-young lady)
Ghunwah (song)
Gulnar (gulnaar-flowery [Persian])
Hafsa (cub)
Hajar [haajar - name of Prophet Ismail's mother]
Hawwa [Eve]
Heba [Gift]
Hind (India - common Arab name)
Huriya (hooriya-houri, nymph)
Husna (beauty)
Ibtihaj (ibtihaaj-happiness)
Ibtihal (ibtihaal-supplication)
Ibtisam (ibtisaam-smile)
Iffat (purity/modesty)
Ilham (ilhaam-revelation)
Inas (Eenaas-cordiality)
Intisar (Intisaar-triumph)
Ishraq (ishraaq-radiance)
Itidal (I'tedaal-balance)
Itimad (I'temaad-trust)
Jamila (jameela-beautiful)
Janna (garden)
Jasmin (yasmin)
Jawhara (gem)
Juwairiyah (little girl)
Kamila (kameela/kaamila-complete)
Kausar (reservoir in Paradise)
Khadeeja (prophet's[pbuh] wifes, a female child born earlier than it was due to be born)
Khansa [pre-Islam Arabic poetess]
Khawlah (loneliness)
Laila (dark-old Arab name)
Lulu (pearl-plural)
Lulua (pearl -singular)
Ma'ali (heights)
Mahasin (virtues)
Maimuna (lucky, blessed)
Mais (proud gait)
Maisa (one with proud gait, walker with proud gait)
Maisara (comfort, prosperity)
Maisun (maysoon / meaning ?)
Makarim (makaarim-kindnesses)
Malak / Malaeka (angel - angels)
Malika (maleeka-owner)
Manal (manaal-achievement)
Manar (manaar-lighthouse)
Maram (maraam-aim)
Mariha (joyful, cheerful)
Maryam (Mary)
Mawahib (mawaahib-abilities)
Mayesa (same as "Maisa" above)
Muna (desire)
Muniba (muneeba-repentant to God)
Munira (muneera-illuminator)

N-Z

Naaz (pride, elegance)
Nabiha (nabeeha-eminent, noble, alert, intelligent)
Nabila (nabeela-noble)
Nadira (naadira-unique)
Nafisa (refined, pure, exquiste)
Nahla (drink)
Naira (shinning, glittering)
Najida (brave)
Na'ila (naayela-achiever)
Nargis (flower)
Nasim (naseem-breeze)
Nisrin (corrupted in the Subcontinent as Nasreen (nisreen -musk rose)
Nur (noor - light)
Qahira (victorious)
Qudsia (holiness)
Qurratulain (sweetheart)
Rabab (rabaab-rabab (an Arab musical instrument))
Radwa (contentment)
Raghad (carefree, comfortable)
Raiqa (pure, clear)
Rahil (wife of Prophet Yaqub))
Rana (delight)
Rania (raaniya-gazer, delighted)
Raya (aroma)
Reem (froth)
Sabat (firmness, truth)
Sabiya (brilliant, splendid)
Sakina (sakeena-tranquil, calm)
Salima (saleema-safe, complete)
Salma (safe, faultless)
Salsabil (salsabeel-a sping in Paradise)
Samina (healthy, fertile land without rock and stone)
Sana (brilliance, majestic)
Sara (Sarah - name of Prophet Ibrahim's wife)
Shadiya (shaadiya - singing)
Shaima (shaymaa-good-natured)
Shakira (shaakira-grateful)
Shaza (fragrance)
Shazia (shaaziya-fragrant)
Shurooq (sun-rise, rise)
Sughra (tender)
Suhair (vigilant)
Taghrid (taghreed - churping)
Tahani (tahaani-greetings)
Tahira (taahira-pure, clean)
Ula (glory, high rank)
uzma (greatest)
Wafa (loyalty)
Wajd (passion)
Warda (rose)
Yasmin (yasmeen-jasmin)
Yusra (easy)
Yusra (easy)
Zahra (flower)
Zaima (leader)
Zainab (corruption of Zenubia, pre-Islam Syrian queen)
Zarin (golden)
Zeba (pretty)

Source:http://www.milligazette.com/misl/muslim_islam_islamic_baby_names_girl_boy_name.htm and http://www.milligazette.com/misl/muslimbabyname.htm

Names

Names
According to Quran and Sunnah
If something is not classified as haram (prohibited) in the Deen (religion/way of life of a Muslim), then it is halal (permitted). Retaining a name that (1) does not identify itself with/contain anything Islamically forbidden and (2) is not a Name of Allah , has not been declared haram.


It is according to sunnah (the examples of the Prophet's life what he said, did, implemented, how he implemented), to change a bad name (whether it is an arabic name or any other language) immediately, and it is permissible according to sunnah to exchange a name for a better one.


According to Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid, "...if one's name is Abdul-Messiah, for example, or similar such names, then he is obligated to change it, as the Prophet had people with the names Abdul-Ka'bah and Abdul-Uzzah change their names upon accepting Islaam. If the original name does not comprise or imply anything forbidden in Islaam, then he or she is permitted to retain it (such as the name George, for example). As noted, though, it is preferable to change it to an Islaamic name, as this also distinguishes him or her from the kuffaar."


While it is not haram to retain the name under the conditions listed above, the muslim has a responsibility to the Sunnah of the Prophet , and is encouraged to choose "the best of names"; and the best of names are the humblest, insha'Allah. In addition, the best of names we have on this side of life, will be what we are called by in Paradise, insha'Allah.


We should not cut the ties to our father, and it is correct to retain the name of the father, even in the muslim's newly converted name. i.e. "Abu Ameenah Bilal Phillips"... he chose (or was given, by another muslim) the name "Bilal" after the well-known companion Bilal, used the name "Abu Ameenah" meaning father of his daughter Ameenah, and he retained his father's last name, "Philips". Women are not encouraged to change their last name to their new husband's last name upon marriage, in situations where her father's last name is known.


While it is halal and encouraged to have a humble name such as "Abdur Rahman" (servant/slave of the most Beneficent [Allah]), having the name "Al-Rahman" ("Al-" means "The") is not permissible because it is the same as the Name of Allah, and no-one should compare themselves to Allah swt.
Names that are Disliked


Hadith - Bukhari (#819), Muslim, Abu Dawud, and Tirmidhi

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet of Allah said, "The name most detested by Allah is 'Malik Al-Amlak' ('King of Kings.')"

Hadith - Muwatta 54.24

Malik related to me from Yahya ibn Said that the Messenger of Allah asked about a milk camel about to be milked, "Who milks this camel?" A man stood up. The Messenger of Allah said, "What is your name?" The man said, "Murra (bitterness)." The Messenger of Allah said to him, "Sit down." Then he said, "Who milks this one?" A man stood up and the Messenger of Allah said, "What is your name?" He said, "Harb (war)." The Messenger of Allah, said, "Sit down." Then he said, "Who milks this camel?" A man stood up, and the Messenger of Allah, said to him, "What is your name?" The man said, ''Yaish (he lives)." The Messenger of Allah, said to him, "Milk!"

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Prohibited Names


Hadith - Bukhari 1:110, Narrated Abu Huraira
The Prophet said, "Name yourselves with my name (use my name) but do not name yourselves with my Kunya name (i.e. Abul Qasim)...."

Hadith - Muslim 5331, Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah
Allah's Messenger decided to forbid (his followers) to name persons as Ya'la (Elevated), Barakah (Blessing), Aflah (Successful), Yasar and Nafi', but I saw that he kept silent after that and he did not say anything until Allah's Messenger died. And he did not forbid (his followers to do this), then Umar decided to prohibit (people) from giving these names, but later on gave up the idea.

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Changing to a Better Name


Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #4774, Narrated 'Aisha

The Prophet used to change a bad name.

Tirmidhi transmitted it.


Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 8.212, Narrated Abu Huraira

Zainab's original name was "Barrah," but it was said, "By that she is giving herself the prestige of piety." So the Prophet changed her name to Zainab.


Hadith - Dawud, Narrated AbuWahb, Hazn ibn AbuWahb

The Prophet asked: What is your name?
He replied: Hazn (rugged).
He said: You are Sahl (smooth).
He said: No, smooth is trodden upon and disgraced.
Sa'id said: I then thought that ruggedness would remain among us after it.

AbuDawud said: The Prophet changed the names al-'As, Aziz, Atalah, Shaytan, al-Hakam, Ghurab, Hubab, and Shihab and called him Hisham. He changed the name Harb (war) and called him Silm (peace). He changed the name al-Munba'ith (one who lies) and called him al-Mudtaji' (one who stands up). He changed the name of a land Afrah (barren) and called it Khadrah (green). He changed the name Shi'b ad-Dalalah (the mountain path of a stray), the name of a mountain path and called it Shi'b al-Huda (mountain path of guidance). He changed the name Banu az-Zinyah (children of fornication) and called them Banu ar-Rushdah (children of those who are on the right path), and changed the name Banu Mughwiyah (children of a woman who allures and goes astray), and called them Banu Rushdah (children of a woman who is on the right path). AbuDawud said: I omitted the chains of these for the sake of brevity.


Hadith (agreed upon)

The Prophet said, "Whoever shuns my Sunnah is never of me."


Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 8.212, Narrated Abu Huraira, .

Zainab's original name was "Barrah," but it was said, "By that she is giving herself the prestige of piety." So the Prophet changed her name to Zainab.

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Abu

It is common for muslim fathers to be referred to as "Abu" plus the first name of their son. For example, Abu Turab literally means "Father of Turab."

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 8.223, Narrated Sahl bin Sad

The most beloved names to 'Ali was Abu Turab, and he used to be pleased when we called him by it, for none named him Abu Turab (for the first time), but the Prophet . Once 'Ali got angry with (his wife) Fatima, and went out (of his house) and slept near a wall in the mosque. The Prophet came searching for him, and someone said, "He is there, lying near the wall." The Prophet came to him while his ('Ali's) back was covered with dust. The Prophet started removing the dust from his back, saying, "Get up, O Abu Turab!"

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Naming after a Prophet

Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 8.218, Narrated Abu Musa

I got a son and I took him to the Prophet who named him Ibrahim, and put in his mouth the juice of a date fruit (which be himself had chewed, and invoked for Allah's blessing upon him, and then gave him back to me. He was the eldest son of Abu Musa.

Hadith - Abu Dawood, Narrated AbuWahb al-Jushami

The Prophet : Call yourselves by the names of the Prophets. The names dearest to Allah are Abdullah and AbdurRahman, the truest are Harith and Hammam, and the worst are Harb and Murrah.

Source: http://muttaqun.com/names.html

10 Tips to Choosing the Best Baby Name

10 Tips to Choosing the Best Baby Name

A new baby is truly a miracle. From the moment you learn of the little one’s existence, you begin to dream and plan. Will she be a doctor? Will he be handsome and intelligent? Parents-to-be spend countless hours dreaming of the baby they will soon meet and discussing the most important thing of all – what should we name our baby?

This question is equally entertaining and stressful. Fortunately, there are ways to focus on the joy of the situation rather than the anxiousness it might bring. Just remember, your child will be perfect, and your name will be, too.

#1: The Deeper Meaning

What is really in a name? We all know the old adage about a rose by any other name, but what does a name really mean? Many baby names are taken from languages that do actually have deeper meanings, and some might not have the exact meaning you are seeking. If you think a name sounds beautiful, but means “the weak one,” you might want to head back to the drawing board.

By the same token, if you are just starting your search, consider names based on something the baby might represent – without smothering the poor child with your expectations. More than one baby has been given a name symbolizing hope or happiness.

#2: The Impression

What impression does the name make on others? If you’re considering giving your son or daughter a name that is tricky to pronounce, you might reconsider. Some parents think it is adorable to match first name and last name. This is usually just confusing to everyone involved.

In general, long surnames are best paired with shorter first names and vice-versa. Remember, you child is going to have to write out the name on every piece of paper they turn in for the rest of their life. Take pity on them if their last name already contains more than seven letters.

#3: The Memories

Maybe a name sounds beautiful until you realize that your husband’s ex-fiance had the same name. It’s a pretty safe bet your husband would feel the same way about your ex-finaces’ names. If a name leaves a bad taste in your mouth, you probably don’t want to taste it every time you speak to your child. Find something more palatable.

#4: Religion

Many times religion will have some say in the naming of a child born into that faith. Some religions feel that a child’s name should come from a deceased relative, while others feel strongly about having a name associated with a prophet or saint. Religious aspects are important to consider, but often are easily resolved with a middle name or a bit of creativity.

#5: Honor

Should your baby be named in honor of someone else? Perhaps the first son should be named after his father. If this is the case, be sure to give the child a nickname early on as to avoid having two people with the same name living in the same house. Middle names are another common way to honor relatives or parents.

#6: Initials

Some parents sort through baby girl names and settle on a wonderful name just to discover that the baby’s initials spell out something undesirable. While this may seem trivial to adults, it can mean a great deal to a child suffering through school with cruel taunting over her initials. On the flip side, some children are given specific initials to continue a family tradition or to honor a relative.

#7: Nicknames

Some names lend themselves easily to nicknames. If you think the nickname is desirable, encourage its use early on. If you prefer the child to go by the full name, you and your little one may have an uphill battle against well-meaning strangers. Another area to consider is any nickname that future classmates might dream up based on the way a name sounds. If there is anything remotely funny about a particular name, you can count on eight-year-olds to find it.

#8: Gender

Sometimes the lines between gender specific names are blurring. This may or may not be a good thing for your baby. More girls seem to be receiving baby boys names. A boy never wants to be in the same room as a girl with the same name. It is up to the parents to plan ahead as much as possible. Also, even if you know the gender, bring a few extra names to the hospital just in case. Ultrasound “uh-ohs” have definitely happened.

#9: Spelling

To break the mold, you might consider a unique spelling of an otherwise traditional name. Of course, there are already many accepted ways to write many baby names, so this will probably not be a problem. Do consider your child in this decision however. If a baby name is spelled so unusually that friends and family have a hard time remembering just how to spell it or even pronounce it correctly, you might have gone too far.

#10: Easy to Live With

Most importantly of all, you want to pick a name you and your little one can live with happily. Are you comfortable saying the name out loud? Does it sound right when you yell it out the back door or up the stairs? Is it too reminiscent of anything or anyone you really don’t want associated with your own blessed child?

Remember, too, that baby names can become a burden to a child if he feels he must live up to extremely high standards. If a child was named for a legend in your country or culture, will she be able to handle the pressure?

Like pregnancy, selecting the perfect baby name is a unique experience for every parent. Parents with more than one child can tell the tale of wading through the mired mess of baby names each time a new child was on the way. The bottom line is to have an open mind and heart.

Even with the best planning, a brand new baby can easily catch a parent off guard. Many a parent has first laid eyes on their newborn and declared the child needs a totally different name than the carefully planned one. Enjoy the planning and most especially enjoy the joys of parenthood.

Source: http://www.muslim-names.co.uk/bestbabyname.php

Muslim Baby Names and Meanings: Baby Boys Names and Baby Girl Names

Muslim Baby Names and Meanings: Baby Boys Names and Baby Girl Names

Welcome to the Muslim Baby Names and Meanings site. We realize how difficult it can be for parents to pick the “perfect baby name” for their newly born child, therefore we have complied the largest online database of baby names and meanings making it easier to find a baby name which you'll like! Muslim Baby Names and Meanings lists both baby boys names and baby girl names along with their meanings.

This is also an ideal place if you are looking to change your own or your babies name. Not only does our site include the more common or popular baby names but we also list beautiful, unique, unusual, uncommon & modern baby boys names & baby girl names. Baby names from a variety of origins are listed including Indian, Pakistani, Arab and African baby names. Please note however we do not have non-muslim baby names such as Hindu, Christian, Italian, Irish, American, French or British baby names.

Name is what a person is distinguished by. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as a word or a combination of words constituting the individual designation by which a person, animal, place or thing is known, spoken of, etc. The name you pick for your baby is a word that will be used to identify them for the rest of their life.

One should always remember that the baby name given to a child is his or her first gift in life. Therefore great care must be taken in choosing baby names that have pleasant and beautiful meanings just like our Prophet (SAW) did.

People name their children to distinguish them from others. The baby must be named on the seventh day. According to a Hadith a child must be named promptly on birth. The baby name must be meaningful. "You will be called by your name on the day of judgment" this is another reason why it is important to chose a baby name with good meaning. The prophet (PBUH) was very particular about it and he always changed names that were derogatory. An example is that he changed Aasiyah (disobedient) into Jameelah (beautiful).

A baby must not be given the name of Allah unless it is compounded with Allah. According to a Hadith the worst of men on the day of judgement will be one who is called Shahinshah. only Allah Ta'ala is king of kings or Shahinshah; Kingdom belongs to him alone

Further parents must make sure that the baby names they select signify servitude to Allah alone and to no one else. They must not append bondage even to the name Nabi. Names that reflect love or romance must not be used either. The Prophet has suggested names of the Prophets or Abdullah and Abdur Rahman. He has said,

"Keep the names of the noble Prophets, Allah loves most the names Abdullah and Abdur Rahman. The most truthful names are Harith and Humam, while the most disliked are Harb and Murrah (war and bitter)."

Please note that most of the baby names and meanings listed on Muslim Baby Names and Meanings have been added to the database by our users from all over the globe. Therefore Muslim Baby Names and Meanings can not guarantee the accuracy of the baby names and meanings listed on the site. We highly recommend that before you take any decision on naming your baby, you should first verify the baby boys names and baby girl names and their meanings found on the site with the Imam at your local mosque.

Source: http://www.muslim-names.co.uk/

Structure of the Arabic name

Structure of the Arabic name

Ism (Arabic: اسم)
The main name of an Arab person is the ism, his or her personal name (e.g. "Karim" or "Fatima"). Most Arabic names are originally Arabic words with a meaning, usually signalling the good character of the person.

.
Indeed, karīm means "generous", maħmūd means "praiseworthy", and both words are employed as adjectives and nouns in regular language. Arab newspapers sometimes try to avoid confusion by placing names in brackets or between quotation marks. Generally, context and grammar will indicate how the word is being used, but foreign students of Arabic may initially have trouble with this.

- Muslim practices
A very common form for Muslim Arab names is the combination of `abd followed by another word: `abd X means "servant of X" or "slave of X", where X is a word describing Allah (God), often one of the Muslim 99 Names of God. The result is a name such as Abdullah ("Submissive to the God") or Abdurrashid ("Submissive to the Righteous One"). "Abdul" used by itself means "slave of the" and is a shortened name not a complete name.

- Christian practices
To an extent most Christian Arabs have names that are indistinguishable from those of their Muslim neighbors, but Christian Arabs do not use specifically Muslim names such as Mohammed. There are also Arabic versions of Christian names (i.e. saints' names), and names of Greek, Armenian, or Assyrian origin. Adoption of European names, especially French ones, has been a centuries-long convention for Arab Christians — especially (but not only) in the Levant. Thus, George Habash, Charles Helou, Camille Chamoun, etc.

Kunya كنية
Often, a kunya referring to the person's first-born son is used as a substitute for the ism: for example, "Abu Karim" for "Father of Karim". The female variant is "Umm", thus "Umm Karim". The kunya precedes the ism when not replacing it.

Nasab نسب
The nasab is a patronymic or series of patronymics. It indicates the person's heritage by the word ibn (sometimes bin) which means "son". Thus Ibn Khaldun means "son of Khaldun" (Khaldun is the father's ism, or proper name). Several nasab can follow in a chain, to trace a person's ancestry backwards in time. This was important in the tribally based society of the ancient Arabs, both for purposes of identification and for social and political interaction.

Laqab لقب
The laqab is intended as a description of the person. So, for example, in the name of the famous Abbasid Caliph Haroun al-Rashid (of A Thousand and One Nights fame), Haroun is the Arabic form for Aaron, and "al-Rashid" means "the righteous" or "the rightly-guided".

Nisba نسبة
The nisba describes a person's occupation, geographic home area, or descent (tribe, family, etc). It will follow a family through several generations, and it is for example common to find people with the name al-miṣrī (the Egyptian, or rather "of Egypt") in many places in the Middle East, despite the fact that their families may have resided outside Egypt for several generations. The nisba, among the components of the Arabic name perhaps most closely resembles the Western surname.

Example
Abu Karim Muhammad al-Jamil ibn Nidal ibn Abdulaziz al-Filistini
abū karīm muhammadu-l-jamīl ibn nidāl ibn 'abdi-'azīzi-l-filistīnī
This means, in translation:

"Father-of-Karim, Muhammad, the beautiful, son of Nidal, son of Abdulaziz, the Palestinian"
(karim means generous, muhammad means praised, jamīl means beautiful; azīz means Magnificent, and it is one of the 99 names of God.)
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Abu Karim is a kunya, Muhammad is the person's proper name (ism), al-Jamil is a laqab, Nidal is his father (a nasab), Abdulaziz his grandfather (second-generation nasab) and "al-Filistini" is his family nisba.
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Normally, this person would simply be referred to as "Muhammad" or "Abu Karim", but to signify respect or to specify which Mohammad we are speaking about (namely, the beautiful son of Nidal and grandson of Abdulaziz from Palestine), the name could be lengthened as above, to the extent necessary or desired.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_name

Tasmiyah (Naming the child)

Tasmiyah (Naming the child)

It is from the teachings of the Messenger of Allah, that each member of the family be given a good name. Those who ask Allah to give them children should also ask Allah to make these children among the followers of the Prophet Muhammad and adherents to his Sunnah.
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It is an obligation upon the parents that their child be given a good name. Some Ahadeeth indicate that the child is to be named on the seventh day along with Aqeeqah. However, the Prophet also named children on the day of their birth, as proven by other narrations. There is no harm if the child is named before the seventh day, but if the naming has not been done, and then the child should be named on the seventh day.

Naming a child with a beautiful and honourable name is very important. The Prophet always chose names with good and beautiful meanings, even telling people to change their names if they had unpleasant meanings.

Narrated by Abu Musa (RA)" a son was born to me and I took him to the Prophet who named him Ibrahim, did tahneek for him with a date, invoked Allah's blessing upon him and returned him to me.
Sahih Bukhari 7:376

Ibn Umar (RA) reported that Allah's Messenger said that "the names dearest to Allah are Abdullah and Abdur-Rahman."
Sahih Muslim 3:5315

Abu Wahab al-Jushamee (RA) who was the Companion of the Prophet reported him as saying", call yourselves by the names of the Prophets. The names dearest to Allah are Abdulla and Abdur Rahman, the truest are Harith (ploughman) and Hammam (energetic) and the worst are Harb (war) and Murrah (bitter)".
Sunan Abu Dawood 3: 4140

Narrated Abu Hurayrah (RA). Allah's Apostle said, "the most awful name in Allah's sight on the Day of Resurrection will be that of a man calling himself Malik Al-Amlaak. (king of kings)".
Sahih Bukhari 8:224.

Ibn Umar (RA) reported that Allah's Messenger changed the name of Aasiyah (disobedient) and said "You are Jameelah (good and beautiful).
Sahih Muslim 3:5332 & 4747
(This name should not to be confused with Asiya, the Muslim wife of the Pharaoh)… see Islamic glossary

Usaman Ibn Akhdari (RA) said, a man called Asram (harsh, severe, cut off) was among those who came to the Apostle of Allah. The Apostle of Allah said "what is your name?" he replied "Asram" He said "no, you are Zu'rah". (which means, has been taken or derived from crop, or to sow seed).

Source: http://www.names4muslims.com/Why_Muslims_looking_for_Meaning%20of%20Name.htm