THE 2026 FIELD GUIDE IS HERERead the trend report

Fulani names.

533 verified names from Nigeria and Senegal and Guinea and Mali — each with its meaning, its sound, and its traditional spelling.

A

AbbasboyA stern and courageous man, traditionally associated with the lion/AB-bas/AbdouboyServant; in West African use, often a familiar form or short form of longer Abd-/Abd Allah names./ab-DOO/Abdou SalamboyServant of the Source of Peace/ab-doo sah-LAHM/Abdoul AzizboyServant of the Almighty/ab-DOOL ah-ZEEZ/Abdoul KaderboyServant of the All-Powerful/ab-DOOL kah-DEHR/Abdoul LatifboyA beautiful expression of devoted service to God, understood as “servant of the Gentle One.”/ab-DOOL la-TEEF/Abdoul RazakboyA devotional name expressing gratitude to God as the One who provides and sustains./ab-DOOL ra-ZAK/AbdoulayeboyServant of God/ab-doo-LAH-yeh/AbdourahmaneboyServant of the Most Merciful/ab-doo-rah-MAHN/Abdul BariboyServant of the One who brings creation into being/ab-dool baa-REE/Abdul BasirboyServant of the One who sees all things/ab-dool ba-SEER/Abdul BasitboyServant of the One who expands, grants abundance, and makes things ample./ab-dool ba-SEET/Abdul FattahboyServant of the Opener—the One who opens the way and grants victory or judgment./ab-dool FAT-tah/Abdul GafurboyServant of the Most Forgiving./ab-dool ga-FOOR/Abdul GhaffarboyServant of the Most Forgiving/ab-dool gha-FAAR/Abdul HafizboyServant of the One who protects and preserves/ab-dool ha-FEEZ/Abdul JabbarboyServant of the Compeller, the Mighty One./ab-dool ja-BAHR/Abdul LatifboyServant of the Gentle, Kind, or Subtle One./ab-dool la-TEEF/Abdul MajidboyServant of the Glorious One/ab-dool ma-JEED/Abdul MannanboyServant of the One who graciously gives/ab-dool man-NAAN/Abdul MatinboyServant of the One whose strength is unfailing/ab-dool ma-TEEN/Abdul MuizboyServant of the One who grants dignity and honor/ab-dool moo-IZZ/Abdul QuddusboyServant of the Most Holy One./ab-dool KUD-doos/Abdul RahimboyServant of the Merciful One/ab-dool ra-HEEM/Abdul RazakboyServant of the Provider, the One who provides abundantly./ab-dool ra-ZAK/Abdul RazzaqboyServant of the One who provides abundantly/ab-dool raz-ZAAK/Abdul SamadboyServant of the One upon whom all depend/ab-dool sa-MAD/Abdul WadudboyServant of the One filled with loving kindness/ab-dool wa-DOOD/Abdul WahidboyServant of the One/ab-dool wa-HEED/AbdulalimboyServant of the All-Knowing One./ab-dool-ah-LEEM/AbdulbariboyServant of the Creator/ab-dool-BAH-ree/AbdulbasirboyServant of the All-Seeing God/ab-dool-ba-SEER/AbdulfattahboyServant of al-Fattah, the Opener—the One who grants openings, victory, and judgment./ab-dool-FAT-tah/AbdulghafurboyServant of the Most Forgiving God/ab-dool-gha-FOOR/AbdulhafizboyServant of God, the Preserver and Protector/ab-dool-ha-FEEZ/AbdullahiboyServant of God/ab-doo-LAH-hee/AbdullatifboyServant of the Gentle and Kind God/ab-dool-la-TEEF/AbdulmuminboyServant of God, the Giver of faith and security/ab-dool-MOO-min/AbdulqayyumboyServant of the Self-Sustaining God/ab-dool-KAI-yoom/AbdulsamadboyServant of the Eternal and Self-Sufficient God/ab-dool-sa-MAD/AbdulwadudboyServant of the Most Loving God/ab-dool-wa-DOOD/AbeergirlFragrance, perfume, or a pleasant scent./a-BEER/AbidagirlA woman devoted to worship and a faithful life/AH-bi-dah/AbouboyA West African rendering of Abu, literally 'father of'; it can occur as a standalone personal name or shortened form./AH-boo/AboubacarboyA name honoring Abu Bakr, the first caliph and a beloved companion of the Prophet/ah-boo-bah-KAHR/Adamaboy or girlA name honoring Adam, the first human and prophet/ah-DAH-mah/AdhamboyDark, black, or dark-complexioned; also associated with a black horse./AD-ham/AdilboyJust, fair-minded, and upright/AH-dil/AdilagirlJust, fair-minded, and upright/ah-DEE-lah/AfnangirlBranches, boughs, or luxuriant foliage./af-NAHN/AfragirlWhite, fair, or bright; also used with the sense of a fair-complexioned woman./AF-rah/AfrahgirlJoyful happiness and glad celebrations/AF-rah/AhmadouboyMost praiseworthy; a form of Ahmad/ah-mah-DOO/AhsanboyExcellent, finest, or most admirable/AH-san/AishagirlAlive, living, and full of life/eye-SHAH/AissatougirlA name honoring Aisha, remembered as a beloved wife of the Prophet/eye-sah-TOO/AkramboyMost generous, noblest, or more generous./AK-ram/AlassanaboyBorn on Monday/ah-lah-SAH-nah/AlawiyagirlOf Ali; associated with Ali or an Alid/descendant of Ali. It may also be understood as lofty or exalted in name usage./ah-lah-WEE-yah/AlfaboyA learned religious teacher or scholar/AL-fa/AlhajiboyA pilgrim who has completed the Hajj; a name carrying associations of devotion and honor/al-HAH-jee/AliboyA noble and elevated person/AH-lee/AlimagirlLearned, knowledgeable, and wise/ah-LEE-mah/AlimatougirlBorn on Monday/ah-lee-MAH-too/AliouboyA West African form of Ali, meaning lofty, exalted, high, or noble./ah-LEE-oo/AliyuboyExalted and noble/ah-LEE-yoo/AlmamyboyAn imam or Muslim religious/political leader; a West African title-name derived from Arabic al-imam./al-MAH-mee/AlphaboyA religious scholar or teacher; a respected title-name in Fulani communities/AL-fah/AmadouboyMost praiseworthy; a form of Ahmad/ah-mah-DOO/AmaraboyA flourishing, long-lived person/ah-MAH-rah/AminboyTrustworthy and faithful/ah-MEEN/AminagirlTrustworthy, faithful, and reassuring/ah-MEE-nah/AminatagirlA trustworthy, faithful woman; a form of Amina/ah-mee-NAH-tah/AminuboyTrustworthy and faithful/ah-MEE-noo/AmirboyPrince or commander, a name of leadership and prestige/ah-MEER/AmiragirlPrincess or woman of leadership, graceful and respected/ah-MEE-rah/AmjadboyMost glorious and distinguished/AM-jad/AnasboyA warm, affectionate companion/AH-nas/AnisagirlA warm and gracious companion/ah-NEE-sah/AnwarboyMore radiant; brighter; luminous./AN-war/AqsagirlThe farthest or most distant; often associated with al-Aqsa Mosque./AK-sah/ArafatboyA name associated with the sacred plain of Arafat and the blessings of pilgrimage/A-ra-fat/ArdoboyChief or leader, a name carrying authority and respect/AR-doh/AreejgirlFragrance; sweet scent./ah-REEJ/ArifboyA thoughtful name for a child associated with wisdom, awareness, and understanding./a-REEF/ArifagirlA knowledgeable and discerning woman/ah-REE-fah/AsabegirlA girl born on Thursday./ah-SAH-beh/AsiyagirlA woman of faith and steadfast devotion/ah-SEE-yah/AsmagirlExalted and noble/AHS-mah/AsmaugirlExalted and lofty; a name expressing high hopes for a daughter/ahs-MOW/AstougirlA Senegalese/West African form or diminutive of Aïssatou (Aisha)./ahs-TOO/AtikuboyA boy born on Friday./ah-TEE-koo/AwagirlLife and vitality; the West African form of Eve/AH-wah/AwalboyFirst; earliest./AH-wal/AymanboyBlessed and fortunate/AY-man/AyyubboyA prophet’s name, associated with patience and steadfastness/AH-yub/AzharboyMore radiant, brighter, or flourishing./AZ-har/AzizboyEsteemed, cherished, and strong in the eyes of others/ah-ZEEZ/AzizagirlEsteemed and dearly cherished, with strength and dignity/ah-ZEE-zah/

B

BaababoyFather; a warm name honoring a beloved father or paternal elder./BAH-bah/BadrboyFull moon; a bright and beautiful presence/BAH-dr/BailaboyA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/BY-lah/BalaboyA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/BAH-lah/BalkissagirlA West African form of Arabic Bilqis/Bilqīs, the Queen of Sheba in Islamic tradition./bal-KEE-sah/BallaboyA traditional personal name used across Fulani and neighboring Sahelian communities/BAH-lah/BambaboyA shared West African male name and surname, also found among Fula families. It is notably associated in Senegal with Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, but does not literally mean “beloved and respected child” or “religious devotion.”/BAM-bah/Barakaboy or girlBlessing—a joyful gift from God/bah-RAH-kah/BariragirlArabic Barīra: “pious,” “virtuous,” or “righteous.”/bah-REE-rah/BashirboyA bearer of good news and joyful hope/bah-SHEER/BashiragirlA bringer of good news and happiness/bah-SHEE-rah/BashiruboyA bearer of good news and joyful tidings/bah-SHEE-roo/BasitboyArabic Basīṭ: “one who expands/spreads”; in religious usage, associated with the Generous or Bountiful One./BA-sit/BatoulgirlPure and devoted/bah-TOOL/BelloboyA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/BEL-loh/BilalboyFreshness and pure water/bee-LAHL/BilikisugirlBilqis, the celebrated Queen of Sheba in Islamic tradition/bee-lee-KEE-soo/BilkisugirlA West African form of Arabic Bilqis/Bilqīs, the Queen of Sheba in Islamic tradition./bil-KEE-soo/BintagirlArabic bint: “daughter.”/BIN-tah/BintougirlWest African, especially francophone, form of Bint: “daughter.”/BIN-too/BiroboyA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/BEE-roh/BocarboyA traditional West African form of Abu Bakr/BOH-kar/BubaboyA common West African familiar form or variant of Abubakar/Abū Bakr./BOO-bah/BurhanboyProof or clear evidence/boor-HAHN/BushragirlGood news and joyful tidings/BOOSH-rah/

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D

DahiruboyA Hausa-Fulani form of Arabic Ẓāhir/Zahir: “manifest,” “apparent,” or “visible.”/dah-HEE-roo/DalalgirlArabic Dalāl: “coquetry,” “pampering,” “fondness,” or “charm.”/dah-LAHL/DaoudaboyA name honoring David, a prophet known for devotion and beautiful praise/dah-OO-dah/DembaboyA shared Senegambian/West African male name used by some Fula families; no secure Fulfulde meaning of “joyful and honored child.”/DEM-bah/Dewgalboy or girlRain, bringing renewal and blessing/DEW-gahl/DikkoboyA northern Nigerian Hausa-Fulani male personal name; no dependable literal Fulfulde meaning is established./DEEK-koh/DjenabagirlA West African Fula/Manding form of Zaynab; Zaynab is traditionally linked to a fragrant flowering plant and is also interpreted as “father's adornment.”/jeh-NAH-bah/DjenabougirlA West African Fula/Manding form of Zaynab; Zaynab is traditionally linked to a fragrant flowering plant and is also interpreted as “father's adornment.”/jeh-nah-BOO/DjenebagirlA West African Fula/Manding form of Zaynab, traditionally associated with a fragrant flowering plant and sometimes interpreted as “father's adornment.”/jeh-NEH-bah/DjibrilboyWest African Arabic form of Jibril/Gabriel, the angelic messenger; the underlying name is commonly interpreted as “God is my strength.”/jee-BREEL/DramaneboyServant of the Most Merciful; a name associated with compassion and devotion/drah-MAHN/Dunyagirl“World” or “the worldly/temporal life.”/DOON-yah/

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F

FadilboyVirtuous and distinguished, someone admired for excellence/FAH-dil/FadilagirlVirtuous and distinguished, with qualities that bring honor/fah-DEE-lah/FadimatagirlA West African form of Fatima. The Arabic name is traditionally explained as “one who abstains” or “the weaned one.”/fah-dee-MAH-tah/FaisalboyA decisive person who distinguishes right from wrong/FAY-sal/FaizagirlVictorious and successful; a hopeful name for a daughter who will flourish/FIE-zah/FantagirlA cherished Sahelian feminine name, traditionally associated with Fatima/FAHN-tah/Farahboy or girlJoy and happiness/FAH-rah/Faridagirl“Unique,” “singular,” or “precious.”/fah-REE-dah/FarihagirlJoyful and full of happiness/fah-REE-hah/FarisboyA courageous horseman or knight/FAH-ris/FaroukboyOne who distinguishes truth from falsehood/fa-ROOK/FaruqboyOne who recognizes and upholds the difference between truth and falsehood/fah-ROOK/FatigirlShort form of Fatima; ultimately from Arabic, commonly glossed as “one who weans” or “one who abstains.”/FAH-tee/FatimagirlArabic female name meaning “one who weans” or “one who abstains”; borne by Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad./FAH-ti-mah/FatougirlWest African form of Fatima, ultimately meaning “one who weans” or “one who abstains.”/fah-TOO/FatoumatagirlA name honoring Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the Prophet/fah-too-MAH-tah/FawziboySuccessful and victorious/FAW-zee/FawziagirlSuccessful and victorious/FAW-zee-ah/FodeboyWest African Muslim name/title, usually written Fodé; derived through regional usage from Arabic faqīh, “jurist” or “learned religious scholar.”/FOH-deh/

G

H

HabibboyBeloved and dear/ha-BEEB/HabibagirlBeloved and cherished/ha-BEE-bah/HabygirlUsually a Senegalese/West African short form of Habiba or Habibatu, meaning “beloved.”/HAH-bee/HadigirlIn Hausa-Fulani usage, Hadi may be associated with a girl born on Sunday, from the regional form of Arabic al-aḥad (“Sunday”); it does not mean born on Friday./HAH-dee/HadiatougirlA precious gift, offered with gratitude to God/hah-dee-ah-TOO/HadiyagirlA precious gift and blessing to the family/hah-DEE-yah/HadizagirlHausa-West African form of Khadija; traditionally associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife. The Arabic name is commonly explained as “born prematurely” or “early child.”/hah-DEE-zah/HadjagirlA pilgrim who has completed the hajj; a name associated with devotion and honor/HAH-jah/HafidagirlArabic feminine name meaning “guardian,” “keeper,” or “preserver”; Arabic ḥafīda can also mean “granddaughter.”/hah-FEE-dah/HafizboyA guardian or memorizer, especially one devoted to sacred learning/ha-FIZ/HafizagirlA guardian and preserver; one who protects what is entrusted to her/hah-FEE-zah/HafsagirlYoung lioness; strong and courageous/HAF-sah/HafsatgirlYoung lioness; brave and resilient/HAF-sat/HafsatougirlWest African extended form of Hafsat/Hafsa, conventionally associated with “young lioness.”/haf-sah-TOO/HajaragirlArabic form of Hagar/Hājar, the wife of Ibrahim (Abraham) and mother of Isma'il in Islamic tradition./hah-JAH-rah/HakimboyWise and discerning/ha-KEEM/HakimagirlWise and discerning/ha-KEE-mah/HalimboyPatient, gentle, and forbearing/ha-LEEM/HalimagirlPatient, gentle, and kind-hearted/ha-LEE-mah/HamadiboyBorn on Thursday/hah-MAH-dee/HamidboyWorthy of praise/ha-MEED/HamidagirlFeminine form of Hamid, meaning “praiseworthy” or “one who praises.”/ha-MEE-dah/HamidouboyA praiseworthy and honored child/ha-mee-DOO/HammaboyA traditional Muslim personal name associated with wisdom and religious learning/HAM-mah/HamzaboyStrong and courageous, like a lion/HAM-zah/HanifagirlFeminine form of Hanif: upright, sincere in faith, or adhering to the true religion./ha-NEE-fah/HarounaboyA name honoring Aaron, the devoted brother of Moses/hah-ROO-nah/HaseenagirlBeautiful; good, virtuous./ha-SEE-na/HasibagirlEsteemed, noble, worthy; sometimes understood as of good lineage./ha-SEE-bah/HassanboyHandsome, good, and admirable/ha-SAHN/HassanagirlBeautiful, good, virtuous./has-SAH-nah/HauwagirlHawwa, the Arabic/Islamic name of Eve./HOW-wah/HawagirlHawwa, the Arabic/Islamic name of Eve./HAH-wah/HayatgirlLife, vitality, and the gift of living/hah-YAHT/HayatuboyLife and vitality/hah-YAH-too/HindgirlAn Arabic female name traditionally glossed as “a hundred camels” or “young camel”; it may also evoke Hind/India in later usage./HIND/HindatougirlA Sahelian feminine form of Hind, an Arabic name traditionally associated with “a hundred camels” or a young camel./hin-dah-TOO/HindegirlA regional Fulani/Sahelian form of the Arabic name Hind./HIN-deh/HindougirlA West African/Sahelian form of the Arabic female name Hind./HIN-doo/HishamboyGenerosity and liberality/hi-SHAHM/HusnagirlBeautiful, excellent, and virtuous/HOOS-nah/HusseinboyDiminutive of Hasan: little handsome one, little good one, or beautiful/good one./hoo-SAYN/

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KabiratgirlA girl with the promise of greatness and honor/kah-bee-RAT/KabiruboyGreat in character and destined for distinction/kah-BEE-roo/KadigirlA West African short form of Khadija/Khadidja (also spelled Khady); it does not literally mean "honorable woman."/KAH-dee/KaltoumagirlWest African spelling of Kulthum; traditionally glossed as full-cheeked or full-faced./kal-TOO-mah/KamalboyPerfection and excellence/kah-MAHL/KamilboyWhole, accomplished, and well-rounded/KAH-mil/KandegirlA traditional West African, including Fulani, feminine personal name; no secure single lexical meaning should be assigned./KAN-deh/KankougirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/KAHN-koo/KarambaboyA West African Muslim name/title associated with a learned religious teacher or Quranic scholar./kah-RAHM-bah/KaramokoboyA religious scholar or teacher/kah-rah-MOH-koh/KarimboyGenerous and noble-hearted, a person held in high esteem/kah-REEM/KarimagirlGenerous, gracious, and noble in character/kah-REE-mah/KassimboyOne who distributes fairly or shares generously/KAH-sim/KawthargirlAbundance, plentiful goodness; the name of a Quranic term./KOW-thar/KhadidjagirlA name honoring Khadijah, the faithful first wife of the Prophet/kah-DEE-jah/KhadimboyServant; often understood in Muslim usage as servant of God./KHAH-deem/KhadragirlGreen, verdant, or fresh./KHAH-drah/KhairagirlGoodness, generosity, and kindness/KHAIR-ah/KhairiyagirlKind-hearted, charitable, and benevolent/khay-REE-yah/KhalidboyEnduring and lasting in strength/KHAH-lid/KhalidagirlEnduring and strong through every season of life/KHAH-lee-dah/KhalifaboyA successor or leader, carrying a sense of responsibility and honor/kha-LEE-fah/KhalilboyFriend; especially a close or beloved friend./kha-LEEL/KhawlagirlFemale gazelle or doe./KHAW-la/KulsumgirlWest African spelling of Kulthum; traditionally glossed as full-cheeked or full-faced./kool-SOOM/KumbagirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/KOOM-bah/

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Maamaboy or girlMother or grandmother; a loving name that keeps an honored elder close to the family./MAH-mah/Maayoboy or girlRiver, suggesting a life that flows with strength and purpose/MAH-yoh/MabroukboyBlessed and warmly welcomed—a joyful child/mah-BROOK/MahamadouboyWest African, especially Francophone Sahelian, form of Muhammad: “praised” or “praiseworthy.”/mah-mah-DOO/MahamatboyChadian/Sahelian form of Muhammad: “praised” or “praiseworthy.”/ma-ha-MAT/Mahdiboy“The rightly guided one.”/MAHD-dee/Mahmoudboy“Praised” or “praiseworthy.”/mah-MOOD/Mahmudboy“Praised” or “praiseworthy.”/mah-MOOD/MaimounagirlBlessed and fortunate through God's grace/my-MOO-nah/Majidboy“Glorious,” “noble,” or “illustrious.”/MAH-jid/Malamboy“Learned person,” “teacher,” or religious scholar; also used as a respectful title and personal name in parts of the Sahel./mah-LAHM/MalikboyKing or ruler, expressing leadership and authority/MAH-lik/MalikagirlQueen, a name of dignity, strength, and honor/mah-LEE-kah/MamadouboyHighly praised; a West African form of Muhammad/mah-mah-DOO/MansourboyVictorious and destined to overcome life’s challenges/man-SOOR/MansouragirlVictorious and strong, a name celebrating success and honor/man-SOO-rah/MansurboyVictorious and blessed with triumph/man-SOOR/MansuragirlVictorious and triumphant/man-SOO-rah/MariamagirlA name honoring Mary, the devoted mother of Jesus/mah-ree-AH-mah/MaryamgirlArabic form of Mary/Miriam; the name of Maryam, mother of Jesus (Isa) in Islamic tradition./MAR-yam/MarziyagirlOne who is loved, accepted, and pleasing to God/mar-ZEE-yah/MasrurboyJoyful and filled with happiness/mah-SROOR/MatarboyRain; a hopeful blessing from the sky/MAH-tar/MawdoboyAn elder or respected senior; a name honoring the wisdom and standing of one’s forebears./MAW-doh/ModiboboyA learned teacher, a name associated with knowledge, honor, and standing/moh-DEE-boh/ModyboyA West African Muslim name/title associated with a learned Islamic teacher, scholar, or marabout; related to Modibo/Moodi, not to “praised.”/MOH-dee/MokhtarboyThe chosen one/MOKH-tar/MorboyA Senegalese/West African masculine name, often treated as a local form or short form associated with Muhammad. It does not mean “respected elder.”/MOHR/MoryboyA respected religious learner or scholar/MOH-ree/MouhamadouboyHighly praised; a West African form of Muhammad/moo-hah-mah-DOO/MoussaboyA name honoring Moses, a faithful prophet/MOO-sah/MoustaphaboyChosen and greatly honored; an epithet of the Prophet Muhammad/moos-TAH-fah/MuadhboyProtected and sheltered by God/moo-AZ/MubarakboyBlessed—a child whose arrival brings blessing and happiness/moo-BAH-rak/MubarakagirlA blessed and fortunate girl/moo-bah-RAH-kah/MuhammadboyHighly praised; a name expressing honor and admiration/moo-HAM-mad/MujahidboyOne who strives courageously for what is right/moo-JAH-hid/MujahidagirlA female striver; the feminine form of Mujahid. It denotes one who strives or struggles, rather than specifically a courageous person./moo-JAH-hee-dah/MujtababoyChosen, selected, or specially favored./mooj-TAH-bah/MunawwaragirlIlluminated, radiant, or enlightened./moo-nah-WAR-rah/MuniragirlRadiant and full of light/moo-NEE-rah/MuntasirboyVictorious; one who triumphs./moon-tah-SEER/MunthirboyWarner; one who gives warning./MOON-thir/MurjanatugirlCoral, especially precious red coral; not pearl./moor-ja-NAH-too/MurtalaboyA West African form of Arabic Murtaḍā: approved, pleasing, or chosen—often understood as approved by God./moor-TAH-lah/MusabboyA traditional Arabic masculine name, often glossed as one who bears or endures hardship; it is also the name of a Companion of the Prophet./MOO-sab/MuzaffarboyTriumphant and victorious/moo-ZAF-far/MuzaffaragirlTriumphant and victorious/moo-ZAF-fah-rah/

N

Naangeboy or girlSunshine and the warmth that brightens life/NAHN-geh/NabilagirlNoble and honorable/nah-BEE-lah/NabougirlA well-established Senegalese/West African female name, but it has no securely documented lexical Fulani meaning that should be presented as a definition./NAH-boo/NadiagirlThe spelling has multiple origins. As Arabic Nadiya/Nādiyah it is commonly glossed “dewy,” “fresh,” or “moist”; as a Slavic form it is associated with “hope.” It does not directly mean “tender-hearted.”/NAH-dee-ya/NadirboyRare and precious/NAH-deer/NadiragirlRare, exceptional, or precious./na-DEE-rah/NafigirlA West African female short form of Nafisa/Nafissatou; consequently associated with “precious” or “valuable,” rather than the Arabic masculine name Nafiʿ (“beneficial”)./NAH-fee/NafisagirlPrecious and exquisite/nah-FEE-sah/NafissatougirlPrecious and exquisite/nah-fee-sah-TOO/NaimboyComfort, ease, and a life filled with well-being/NAH-eem/NaimagirlPeaceful, contented, and at ease/NAH-ee-mah/NajatgirlA hopeful name for a child whose life brings relief and grace/NAH-jat/NajmagirlStar./NAJ-mah/NajwagirlA private or secret conversation; a confidential whisper or inner communication./NAJ-wah/NanagirlA widely used West African female name; it may function as a maternal or grandmother-style address in regional usage, but “honored womanhood” is not a standard Fula lexical meaning./NAH-nah/NargisgirlNarcissus; the name of the narcissus flower./NAR-gis/NasirboyA helper who brings victory and support/NAH-seer/NasiragirlA supportive helper who brings strength and victory/nah-SEE-rah/NasiruboyA child destined to overcome difficulties and help others/nah-SEE-roo/NassimagirlGentle breeze; a name suggesting freshness and calm/nah-SEE-mah/Ndiyamboy or girlWater, symbolizing life and abundance/NDEE-yahm/NenegirlGrandmother or respected elder woman; a name expressing affection for the family’s elders./NEH-neh/NouhouboyThe name of the prophet Noah/NOO-hoo/NouragirlLight, suggesting divine guidance and hope/NOO-rah/NuhagirlIntellect, reason, understanding, or wisdom./NOO-hah/NuhuboyA name honoring the prophet Noah/NOO-hoo/NurudeenboyLight of the religion/faith./noo-roo-DEEN/NusaybagirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/noo-SAI-bah/NusratgirlHelp, support, and victory/NOOS-rat/

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RabigirlUsually a regional shortened form of Arabic Rabiʿa, meaning “fourth” (feminine). “Spring” belongs to the distinct masculine Arabic name Rabiʿ./RAH-bee/RabiagirlFourth (feminine Arabic form); it is not the Arabic word for springtime./RAH-bee-ah/RabiatougirlFourth (a West African feminine form of Arabic Rabi'a)./rah-bee-ah-TOO/RabiatugirlFourth (a West African feminine form of Arabic Rabi'a)./rah-bee-AH-too/RabiouboySpring (Arabic Rabi'); the spelling can also reflect an Arabic name meaning “fourth,” depending on the original vowelled form./rah-bee-OO/RabiuboySpring (Arabic Rabi'); the spelling can also be associated with the Arabic personal name meaning “fourth.”/ra-BEE-oo/RabiyagirlFourth (feminine Arabic form, Rabi'a)./rah-BEE-yah/RachidboyWise, rightly guided, and mature in judgment/rah-SHEED/RachidagirlWise, rightly guided, and mature in judgment/rah-SHEE-dah/RafiboyHigh, elevated, exalted./RAH-fee/RafikagirlFemale companion, friend, or associate./rah-FEE-kah/RahilagirlA woman traveler; one who departs or journeys./rah-HEE-lah/RahimagirlA compassionate and kind-hearted woman/rah-HEE-mah/RahmagirlMercy, compassion, and tenderness/RAH-mah/RahmatougirlMerciful, compassionate, and caring/rah-mah-TOO/RaihanagirlBasil; an aromatic herb or fragrant plant./ry-HAH-nah/RamadanboyBorn in or associated with the month of Ramadan, a name carrying a warm sense of devotion/rah-ma-DAHN/RamatagirlMercy, compassion, and tenderness/rah-MAH-tah/RamatoulayegirlThe mercy of God/rah-mah-too-LIE/RamlagirlSand; sandy ground./RAM-lah/RashadboyRight guidance and sound judgment/ra-SHAHD/RashidagirlRightly guided; wise; possessing sound judgment./ra-SHEE-dah/RasoulboyMessenger, especially a messenger of God./rah-SOOL/RaufboyKind, gentle, and compassionate/RAH-oof/RidwanboyContentment, pleasure, or divine approval./rid-WAHN/RilwanboyArabic form of Riḍwān: satisfaction or approval; in religious use, God's good pleasure./ril-WAHN/RilwanuboyWest African form of Arabic Riḍwān: satisfaction, approval, especially God's good pleasure./ril-WAH-noo/RimagirlA graceful gazelle and an image of beauty/REE-mah/RiyadboyGardens or meadowlands; the Arabic word is the plural of rawḍah, “garden.”/ri-YAD/RokhayagirlSenegambian/West African rendering of Arabic Ruqayya. The name is conventionally associated with rising or elevation, though its older derivation is debated./roh-KHAH-yah/RokiagirlWest African rendering of Arabic Ruqayya, conventionally associated with rising or elevation./ROH-kee-ah/RukayatougirlWest African/French-influenced form of Ruqayya, conventionally associated with rising or elevation./roo-kah-yah-TOO/RukayyagirlArabic feminine name conventionally interpreted as rise or elevation./roo-KAI-yah/RuqayyagirlArabic feminine name conventionally interpreted as rise or elevation./roo-KAY-yah/

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SaadagirlHappiness, good fortune, and contentment/SAH-dah/SaadatugirlA bringer of happiness and prosperity/sah-AH-dah-too/SaadiagirlFortunate and blessed, with hopes of happiness and prosperity/sah-DEE-ah/SabirboyPatient, steadfast, and able to endure difficulties/SAH-beer/SabiragirlPatient, resilient, and steadfast through hardship/sah-BEE-rah/SabriboyPatient, steadfast, and able to endure with grace/SAHB-ree/SadiqboyTruthful, sincere, and trustworthy/SAH-dik/SadiyagirlFortunate and happy/sah-DEE-yah/SafagirlPurity and sincere devotion, recalling the sacred Islamic place of Safa/SAH-fah/SafigirlPure or clear; often used regionally as a feminine short form related to Safiya/Safiatou./SAH-fee/SafiatougirlWest African feminine form of Safiyya: pure, sincere, or chosen./sah-fee-ah-TOO/SafiyagirlPure, sincere, or chosen; also associated with a close or chosen friend./sah-FEE-yah/SafiyyagirlPure, sincere, or chosen; also associated with a close or chosen friend./sah-FEE-yah/SafuragirlArabic form associated in Islamic tradition with Moses’ wife, Zipporah; the Hebrew source name means “bird.”/sah-FOO-rah/SafwanboyArabic name associated with a smooth or solid rock; it may also be interpreted through the related idea of purity or clarity./SAF-wan/SahargirlThe calm beauty of the hours before dawn/SA-har/SaidboyA fortunate child whose life brings happiness/sah-EED/SaidagirlHappy, fortunate, and blessed/sah-EE-dah/SaiduboyHappy, fortunate, and blessed/sah-EE-doo/SaifboySword; a symbol of courage and strength/SAYF/SaifouboyWest African form of Arabic Sayf/Saif: sword./sigh-FOO/SaimagirlA woman who fasts; feminine form of an Arabic word for one observing a fast./SAH-ee-mah/SajjadboyOne who frequently prostrates in prayer; a devoted worshipper./saj-JAD/SakinagirlPeace, serenity, and a calm heart/sah-KEE-nah/SakinahgirlPeace, serenity, and calm/sah-KEE-nah/SalahboyRighteousness, goodness, and integrity/SAH-lah/SalamatugirlSafety, well-being, peace, or soundness./sah-lah-MAH-too/SalifboyRighteous, virtuous, or pious./SAH-leef/SalihboyRighteous, good, and virtuous/SAH-lih/SalihagirlRighteous, good, and virtuous/SAH-lee-hah/SalimboyPeaceful, safe, and well/sa-LEEM/SalimagirlPeaceful, safe, and well/sa-LEE-mah/SalimatagirlSafe, peaceful, and protected/sah-lee-MAH-tah/SalisuboyThird; traditionally, a third-born child./sah-LEE-soo/SalmagirlSafe, peaceful, and protected/SAL-ma/SambaboyBorn on Tuesday/SAHM-bah/SamiagirlA woman of high standing and distinction/sah-MEE-ah/SamirboyA companion in evening conversation; a congenial companion./sa-MEER/SamiragirlA pleasant companion and warm conversationalist/sah-MEE-rah/SaniboySecond; traditionally, a second-born child./SAH-nee/SekouboyA learned and respected religious man/seh-KOO/SerigneboyA Senegalese honorific and personal name derived from Shaykh, meaning a religious leader, elder, or marabout./seh-REEN/SeydouboyFortunate and blessed, with a life of happiness and good prospects/SAY-doo/SeynabougirlWest African form of Zaynab; traditionally associated with a fragrant flowering plant/tree, and also popularly glossed as “father's adornment.”/say-nah-BOO/ShafiuboyOne who brings healing or offers kindly intercession/sha-FEE-oo/ShakirboyThankful and appreciative/SHAH-kir/ShakiragirlA grateful girl who recognizes life’s blessings/shah-KEE-rah/ShamsuddinboySun of the religion/faith./shams-oo-DEEN/SharifboyNoble and honored, a name of dignity and distinction/shah-REEF/SharifagirlA noble and honored woman, respected for her dignity/shah-REE-fah/ShehuboyA respected religious teacher and guide/SHAY-hoo/ShuaibuboyA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/shoo-AY-boo/ShukriboyThankful; grateful./SHOOK-ree/ShukriyagirlGratitude; thankfulness./shook-REE-yah/ShukuragirlThankful; grateful; gratitude./shoo-KOO-rah/SidiboyMy master; lord; a respectful form of address./SEE-dee/SidikiboyTruthful; sincere./see-DEE-kee/SidragirlLote tree (Arabic sidra); also the name of the lote tree in Islamic tradition./SID-rah/SiragirlBorn on Sunday/SEE-rah/SohailboyCanopus, the bright star; an Arabic male name./so-HAYL/SokhnagirlA respected woman and lady/SOKH-nah/SoriboyFulani male personal name; no secure lexical meaning is established./SOH-ree/SoryboyVariant spelling of Sori, a Fulani male personal name; no secure lexical meaning is established./SOH-ree/SouadougirlHappy; fortunate./soo-AH-doo/SuhailboyCanopus, the bright star./soo-HAYL/SuhailagirlEasy; gentle; smooth./soo-HAY-lah/SuleymaneboyA name honoring Solomon, the wise prophet and king/soo-lay-MAHN/SultanboySovereign or one invested with authority and prestige/SOOL-tahn/SultanagirlSovereign queen, a name of dignity and commanding presence/sool-TAH-nah/SumayagirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/soo-MY-ah/SumayyagirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/soo-MAI-yah/

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YacineboyMasculine Francophone spelling of Yasin/Ya-Sin, the Quranic designation and name of surah 36./yah-SEEN/YacoubaboyA name honoring Jacob, a faithful patriarch and prophet/yah-KOO-bah/YahyaboyArabic form of the name John and the Quranic name of the prophet Yahya (John the Baptist); commonly associated with life/living in Arabic interpretation./YAH-hya/YamagirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/YAH-mah/YasinboyA cherished Quranic name, carrying spiritual significance/YAH-seen/YasminagirlJasmine, symbolizing beauty and a sweet fragrance/yas-MEE-nah/YayaboyA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/YAH-yah/YayegirlAn attested feminine name in Senegambian and Fulani/Pulaar-speaking settings; it may have maternal associations, but “motherly tenderness” is not a secure literal name meaning./YAH-yeh/YeroboyBorn on Friday/YEH-roh/YounoussaboyA regional form of Yunus, the name of the prophet Jonah/yoo-NOO-sa/YoussoufboyA name honoring Joseph, remembered for patience and faith/YOO-soof/YumnagirlBlessed, fortunate, and prosperous/YOOM-nah/YunusboyThe name of the prophet Jonah, associated with patience and devotion/YOO-noos/YunusaboyWest African masculine form of Yunus, the Quranic prophet Jonah./yoo-NOO-sah/YusragirlEase, comfort, and hopeful prosperity/YOOS-rah/

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ZafarboyVictory and triumph/ZAH-far/ZafiragirlVictorious and triumphant/zah-FEE-rah/ZahirboyArabic masculine name meaning apparent, manifest, clear, or shining./ZAH-hir/ZahragirlRadiant, bright, and flower-like/ZAH-rah/ZaidboyGrowth, increase, and abundance/ZAYD/ZainabgirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/ZAY-nab/ZainabougirlWest African feminine form of Zainab, traditionally associated with the Arabic name Zaynab and, uncertainly, a fragrant plant or flower./ZAY-nah-boo/ZakariboyGod remembers/zah-KAH-ree/ZakariaboyArabic form of Zachariah/Zakariya, meaning “God remembers.”/za-ka-REE-ya/ZakariyaboyArabic form of Zachariah, meaning “God remembers.”/za-ka-REE-ya/ZakariyyaboyYahweh/God remembers./zah-kah-REE-yah/ZakiboyPure-hearted, virtuous, and sincere/ZAH-kee/ZakiagirlPure-hearted, virtuous, and sincere/zah-KEE-ah/ZeinabgirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/ZAY-nab/ZeinabougirlWest African/French-influenced form of Zaynab/Zeinab; traditionally linked with a fragrant flowering plant, though the etymology is disputed./ZAY-nah-boo/ZeynabgirlVariant spelling of Zaynab, traditionally associated with a fragrant flowering plant; the exact etymology is disputed./ZAY-nab/ZubaidagirlThe choicest or finest part; often glossed as “little butter/cream” or “the best.”/zoo-BAY-dah/ZubairboyArabic name traditionally connected with strength, firmness, or bravery; its precise older etymology is not fully certain./zoo-BAIR/ZubairuboyWest African form of Zubayr/Zubair, traditionally associated with strength or bravery./zoo-BEYE-roo/ZulaihagirlA traditional Arabic/Persian literary name, especially associated with the wife of the Egyptian official in Islamic retellings of Joseph's story; no secure lexical meaning is established./zoo-LAY-hah/ZuleikhagirlA traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story/zoo-LAY-khah/ZulfikarboyArabic Dhū al-Fiqār: the name of ʿAlī's famous sword; commonly interpreted as “possessor of the notches/furrows.”/zool-fee-KAR/