Fulani names.
533 verified names from Nigeria and Senegal and Guinea and Mali — each with its meaning, its sound, and its traditional spelling.
A
Abbas“A stern and courageous man, traditionally associated with the lion”/AB-bas/maleAbdou“Servant; in West African use, often a familiar form or short form of longer Abd-/Abd Allah names.”/ab-DOO/maleAbdou Salam“Servant of the Source of Peace”/ab-doo sah-LAHM/maleAbdoul Aziz“Servant of the Almighty”/ab-DOOL ah-ZEEZ/maleAbdoul Kader“Servant of the All-Powerful”/ab-DOOL kah-DEHR/maleAbdoul Latif“A beautiful expression of devoted service to God, understood as “servant of the Gentle One.””/ab-DOOL la-TEEF/maleAbdoul Razak“A devotional name expressing gratitude to God as the One who provides and sustains.”/ab-DOOL ra-ZAK/maleAbdoulaye“Servant of God”/ab-doo-LAH-yeh/maleAbdourahmane“Servant of the Most Merciful”/ab-doo-rah-MAHN/maleAbdul Bari“Servant of the One who brings creation into being”/ab-dool baa-REE/maleAbdul Basir“Servant of the One who sees all things”/ab-dool ba-SEER/maleAbdul Basit“Servant of the One who expands, grants abundance, and makes things ample.”/ab-dool ba-SEET/maleAbdul Fattah“Servant of the Opener—the One who opens the way and grants victory or judgment.”/ab-dool FAT-tah/maleAbdul Gafur“Servant of the Most Forgiving.”/ab-dool ga-FOOR/maleAbdul Ghaffar“Servant of the Most Forgiving”/ab-dool gha-FAAR/maleAbdul Hafiz“Servant of the One who protects and preserves”/ab-dool ha-FEEZ/maleAbdul Jabbar“Servant of the Compeller, the Mighty One.”/ab-dool ja-BAHR/maleAbdul Latif“Servant of the Gentle, Kind, or Subtle One.”/ab-dool la-TEEF/maleAbdul Majid“Servant of the Glorious One”/ab-dool ma-JEED/maleAbdul Mannan“Servant of the One who graciously gives”/ab-dool man-NAAN/maleAbdul Matin“Servant of the One whose strength is unfailing”/ab-dool ma-TEEN/maleAbdul Muiz“Servant of the One who grants dignity and honor”/ab-dool moo-IZZ/maleAbdul Quddus“Servant of the Most Holy One.”/ab-dool KUD-doos/maleAbdul Rahim“Servant of the Merciful One”/ab-dool ra-HEEM/maleAbdul Razak“Servant of the Provider, the One who provides abundantly.”/ab-dool ra-ZAK/maleAbdul Razzaq“Servant of the One who provides abundantly”/ab-dool raz-ZAAK/maleAbdul Samad“Servant of the One upon whom all depend”/ab-dool sa-MAD/maleAbdul Wadud“Servant of the One filled with loving kindness”/ab-dool wa-DOOD/maleAbdul Wahid“Servant of the One”/ab-dool wa-HEED/maleAbdulalim“Servant of the All-Knowing One.”/ab-dool-ah-LEEM/maleAbdulbari“Servant of the Creator”/ab-dool-BAH-ree/maleAbdulbasir“Servant of the All-Seeing God”/ab-dool-ba-SEER/maleAbdulfattah“Servant of al-Fattah, the Opener—the One who grants openings, victory, and judgment.”/ab-dool-FAT-tah/maleAbdulghafur“Servant of the Most Forgiving God”/ab-dool-gha-FOOR/maleAbdulhafiz“Servant of God, the Preserver and Protector”/ab-dool-ha-FEEZ/maleAbdullahi“Servant of God”/ab-doo-LAH-hee/maleAbdullatif“Servant of the Gentle and Kind God”/ab-dool-la-TEEF/maleAbdulmumin“Servant of God, the Giver of faith and security”/ab-dool-MOO-min/maleAbdulqayyum“Servant of the Self-Sustaining God”/ab-dool-KAI-yoom/maleAbdulsamad“Servant of the Eternal and Self-Sufficient God”/ab-dool-sa-MAD/maleAbdulwadud“Servant of the Most Loving God”/ab-dool-wa-DOOD/maleAbeer“Fragrance, perfume, or a pleasant scent.”/a-BEER/femaleAbida“A woman devoted to worship and a faithful life”/AH-bi-dah/femaleAbou“A West African rendering of Abu, literally 'father of'; it can occur as a standalone personal name or shortened form.”/AH-boo/maleAboubacar“A name honoring Abu Bakr, the first caliph and a beloved companion of the Prophet”/ah-boo-bah-KAHR/maleAdama“A name honoring Adam, the first human and prophet”/ah-DAH-mah/anyAdham“Dark, black, or dark-complexioned; also associated with a black horse.”/AD-ham/maleAdil“Just, fair-minded, and upright”/AH-dil/maleAdila“Just, fair-minded, and upright”/ah-DEE-lah/femaleAfnan“Branches, boughs, or luxuriant foliage.”/af-NAHN/femaleAfra“White, fair, or bright; also used with the sense of a fair-complexioned woman.”/AF-rah/femaleAfrah“Joyful happiness and glad celebrations”/AF-rah/femaleAhmadou“Most praiseworthy; a form of Ahmad”/ah-mah-DOO/maleAhsan“Excellent, finest, or most admirable”/AH-san/maleAisha“Alive, living, and full of life”/eye-SHAH/femaleAissatou“A name honoring Aisha, remembered as a beloved wife of the Prophet”/eye-sah-TOO/femaleAkram“Most generous, noblest, or more generous.”/AK-ram/maleAlassana“Born on Monday”/ah-lah-SAH-nah/maleAlawiya“Of 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/femaleAlfa“A learned religious teacher or scholar”/AL-fa/maleAlhaji“A pilgrim who has completed the Hajj; a name carrying associations of devotion and honor”/al-HAH-jee/maleAli“A noble and elevated person”/AH-lee/maleAlima“Learned, knowledgeable, and wise”/ah-LEE-mah/femaleAlimatou“Born on Monday”/ah-lee-MAH-too/femaleAliou“A West African form of Ali, meaning lofty, exalted, high, or noble.”/ah-LEE-oo/maleAliyu“Exalted and noble”/ah-LEE-yoo/maleAlmamy“An imam or Muslim religious/political leader; a West African title-name derived from Arabic al-imam.”/al-MAH-mee/maleAlpha“A religious scholar or teacher; a respected title-name in Fulani communities”/AL-fah/maleAmadou“Most praiseworthy; a form of Ahmad”/ah-mah-DOO/maleAmara“A flourishing, long-lived person”/ah-MAH-rah/maleAmin“Trustworthy and faithful”/ah-MEEN/maleAmina“Trustworthy, faithful, and reassuring”/ah-MEE-nah/femaleAminata“A trustworthy, faithful woman; a form of Amina”/ah-mee-NAH-tah/femaleAminu“Trustworthy and faithful”/ah-MEE-noo/maleAmir“Prince or commander, a name of leadership and prestige”/ah-MEER/maleAmira“Princess or woman of leadership, graceful and respected”/ah-MEE-rah/femaleAmjad“Most glorious and distinguished”/AM-jad/maleAnas“A warm, affectionate companion”/AH-nas/maleAnisa“A warm and gracious companion”/ah-NEE-sah/femaleAnwar“More radiant; brighter; luminous.”/AN-war/maleAqsa“The farthest or most distant; often associated with al-Aqsa Mosque.”/AK-sah/femaleArafat“A name associated with the sacred plain of Arafat and the blessings of pilgrimage”/A-ra-fat/maleArdo“Chief or leader, a name carrying authority and respect”/AR-doh/maleAreej“Fragrance; sweet scent.”/ah-REEJ/femaleArif“A thoughtful name for a child associated with wisdom, awareness, and understanding.”/a-REEF/maleArifa“A knowledgeable and discerning woman”/ah-REE-fah/femaleAsabe“A girl born on Thursday.”/ah-SAH-beh/femaleAsiya“A woman of faith and steadfast devotion”/ah-SEE-yah/femaleAsma“Exalted and noble”/AHS-mah/femaleAsmau“Exalted and lofty; a name expressing high hopes for a daughter”/ahs-MOW/femaleAstou“A Senegalese/West African form or diminutive of Aïssatou (Aisha).”/ahs-TOO/femaleAtiku“A boy born on Friday.”/ah-TEE-koo/maleAwa“Life and vitality; the West African form of Eve”/AH-wah/femaleAwal“First; earliest.”/AH-wal/maleAyman“Blessed and fortunate”/AY-man/maleAyyub“A prophet’s name, associated with patience and steadfastness”/AH-yub/maleAzhar“More radiant, brighter, or flourishing.”/AZ-har/maleAziz“Esteemed, cherished, and strong in the eyes of others”/ah-ZEEZ/maleAziza“Esteemed and dearly cherished, with strength and dignity”/ah-ZEE-zah/female
B
Baaba“Father; a warm name honoring a beloved father or paternal elder.”/BAH-bah/maleBadr“Full moon; a bright and beautiful presence”/BAH-dr/maleBaila“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/BY-lah/maleBala“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/BAH-lah/maleBalkissa“A West African form of Arabic Bilqis/Bilqīs, the Queen of Sheba in Islamic tradition.”/bal-KEE-sah/femaleBalla“A traditional personal name used across Fulani and neighboring Sahelian communities”/BAH-lah/maleBamba“A 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/maleBaraka“Blessing—a joyful gift from God”/bah-RAH-kah/anyBarira“Arabic Barīra: “pious,” “virtuous,” or “righteous.””/bah-REE-rah/femaleBashir“A bearer of good news and joyful hope”/bah-SHEER/maleBashira“A bringer of good news and happiness”/bah-SHEE-rah/femaleBashiru“A bearer of good news and joyful tidings”/bah-SHEE-roo/maleBasit“Arabic Basīṭ: “one who expands/spreads”; in religious usage, associated with the Generous or Bountiful One.”/BA-sit/maleBatoul“Pure and devoted”/bah-TOOL/femaleBello“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/BEL-loh/maleBilal“Freshness and pure water”/bee-LAHL/maleBilikisu“Bilqis, the celebrated Queen of Sheba in Islamic tradition”/bee-lee-KEE-soo/femaleBilkisu“A West African form of Arabic Bilqis/Bilqīs, the Queen of Sheba in Islamic tradition.”/bil-KEE-soo/femaleBinta“Arabic bint: “daughter.””/BIN-tah/femaleBintou“West African, especially francophone, form of Bint: “daughter.””/BIN-too/femaleBiro“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/BEE-roh/maleBocar“A traditional West African form of Abu Bakr”/BOH-kar/maleBuba“A common West African familiar form or variant of Abubakar/Abū Bakr.”/BOO-bah/maleBurhan“Proof or clear evidence”/boor-HAHN/maleBushra“Good news and joyful tidings”/BOOSH-rah/female
C
D
Dahiru“A Hausa-Fulani form of Arabic Ẓāhir/Zahir: “manifest,” “apparent,” or “visible.””/dah-HEE-roo/maleDalal“Arabic Dalāl: “coquetry,” “pampering,” “fondness,” or “charm.””/dah-LAHL/femaleDaouda“A name honoring David, a prophet known for devotion and beautiful praise”/dah-OO-dah/maleDemba“A shared Senegambian/West African male name used by some Fula families; no secure Fulfulde meaning of “joyful and honored child.””/DEM-bah/maleDewgal“Rain, bringing renewal and blessing”/DEW-gahl/anyDikko“A northern Nigerian Hausa-Fulani male personal name; no dependable literal Fulfulde meaning is established.”/DEEK-koh/maleDjenaba“A 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/femaleDjenabou“A 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/femaleDjeneba“A West African Fula/Manding form of Zaynab, traditionally associated with a fragrant flowering plant and sometimes interpreted as “father's adornment.””/jeh-NEH-bah/femaleDjibril“West African Arabic form of Jibril/Gabriel, the angelic messenger; the underlying name is commonly interpreted as “God is my strength.””/jee-BREEL/maleDramane“Servant of the Most Merciful; a name associated with compassion and devotion”/drah-MAHN/maleDunya““World” or “the worldly/temporal life.””/DOON-yah/female
E
F
Fadil“Virtuous and distinguished, someone admired for excellence”/FAH-dil/maleFadila“Virtuous and distinguished, with qualities that bring honor”/fah-DEE-lah/femaleFadimata“A West African form of Fatima. The Arabic name is traditionally explained as “one who abstains” or “the weaned one.””/fah-dee-MAH-tah/femaleFaisal“A decisive person who distinguishes right from wrong”/FAY-sal/maleFaiza“Victorious and successful; a hopeful name for a daughter who will flourish”/FIE-zah/femaleFanta“A cherished Sahelian feminine name, traditionally associated with Fatima”/FAHN-tah/femaleFarah“Joy and happiness”/FAH-rah/anyFarida““Unique,” “singular,” or “precious.””/fah-REE-dah/femaleFariha“Joyful and full of happiness”/fah-REE-hah/femaleFaris“A courageous horseman or knight”/FAH-ris/maleFarouk“One who distinguishes truth from falsehood”/fa-ROOK/maleFaruq“One who recognizes and upholds the difference between truth and falsehood”/fah-ROOK/maleFati“Short form of Fatima; ultimately from Arabic, commonly glossed as “one who weans” or “one who abstains.””/FAH-tee/femaleFatima“Arabic female name meaning “one who weans” or “one who abstains”; borne by Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.”/FAH-ti-mah/femaleFatou“West African form of Fatima, ultimately meaning “one who weans” or “one who abstains.””/fah-TOO/femaleFatoumata“A name honoring Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the Prophet”/fah-too-MAH-tah/femaleFawzi“Successful and victorious”/FAW-zee/maleFawzia“Successful and victorious”/FAW-zee-ah/femaleFode“West African Muslim name/title, usually written Fodé; derived through regional usage from Arabic faqīh, “jurist” or “learned religious scholar.””/FOH-deh/male
G
Gaoussou“A West African form associated with Arabic Qāsim, “one who divides/distributes.””/gah-OO-soo/maleGarba“Hausa male personal name, commonly associated with a boy born on Wednesday; also used among some Fulani in northern Nigeria.”/GAR-ba/maleGhalib“One who overcomes and prevails”/GHAH-lib/maleGhaliba“She who prevails and overcomes”/GHAH-lee-bah/femaleGhani“Prosperous and blessed with abundance”/GHAH-nee/maleGhaniya“Prosperous and blessed with abundance and well-being”/ghah-NEE-yah/femaleGhazal“A fragrant flower and beautiful presence”/ghah-ZAHL/femaleGidado“Hausa male personal name also found among Fulani in northern Nigeria; it is not a distinct pan-Fula name, and a secure lexical translation is not established.”/gee-DAH-doh/male
H
Habib“Beloved and dear”/ha-BEEB/maleHabiba“Beloved and cherished”/ha-BEE-bah/femaleHaby“Usually a Senegalese/West African short form of Habiba or Habibatu, meaning “beloved.””/HAH-bee/femaleHadi“In 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/femaleHadiatou“A precious gift, offered with gratitude to God”/hah-dee-ah-TOO/femaleHadiya“A precious gift and blessing to the family”/hah-DEE-yah/femaleHadiza“Hausa-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/femaleHadja“A pilgrim who has completed the hajj; a name associated with devotion and honor”/HAH-jah/femaleHafida“Arabic feminine name meaning “guardian,” “keeper,” or “preserver”; Arabic ḥafīda can also mean “granddaughter.””/hah-FEE-dah/femaleHafiz“A guardian or memorizer, especially one devoted to sacred learning”/ha-FIZ/maleHafiza“A guardian and preserver; one who protects what is entrusted to her”/hah-FEE-zah/femaleHafsa“Young lioness; strong and courageous”/HAF-sah/femaleHafsat“Young lioness; brave and resilient”/HAF-sat/femaleHafsatou“West African extended form of Hafsat/Hafsa, conventionally associated with “young lioness.””/haf-sah-TOO/femaleHajara“Arabic form of Hagar/Hājar, the wife of Ibrahim (Abraham) and mother of Isma'il in Islamic tradition.”/hah-JAH-rah/femaleHakim“Wise and discerning”/ha-KEEM/maleHakima“Wise and discerning”/ha-KEE-mah/femaleHalim“Patient, gentle, and forbearing”/ha-LEEM/maleHalima“Patient, gentle, and kind-hearted”/ha-LEE-mah/femaleHamadi“Born on Thursday”/hah-MAH-dee/maleHamid“Worthy of praise”/ha-MEED/maleHamida“Feminine form of Hamid, meaning “praiseworthy” or “one who praises.””/ha-MEE-dah/femaleHamidou“A praiseworthy and honored child”/ha-mee-DOO/maleHamma“A traditional Muslim personal name associated with wisdom and religious learning”/HAM-mah/maleHamza“Strong and courageous, like a lion”/HAM-zah/maleHanifa“Feminine form of Hanif: upright, sincere in faith, or adhering to the true religion.”/ha-NEE-fah/femaleHarouna“A name honoring Aaron, the devoted brother of Moses”/hah-ROO-nah/maleHaseena“Beautiful; good, virtuous.”/ha-SEE-na/femaleHasiba“Esteemed, noble, worthy; sometimes understood as of good lineage.”/ha-SEE-bah/femaleHassan“Handsome, good, and admirable”/ha-SAHN/maleHassana“Beautiful, good, virtuous.”/has-SAH-nah/femaleHauwa“Hawwa, the Arabic/Islamic name of Eve.”/HOW-wah/femaleHawa“Hawwa, the Arabic/Islamic name of Eve.”/HAH-wah/femaleHayat“Life, vitality, and the gift of living”/hah-YAHT/femaleHayatu“Life and vitality”/hah-YAH-too/maleHind“An Arabic female name traditionally glossed as “a hundred camels” or “young camel”; it may also evoke Hind/India in later usage.”/HIND/femaleHindatou“A Sahelian feminine form of Hind, an Arabic name traditionally associated with “a hundred camels” or a young camel.”/hin-dah-TOO/femaleHinde“A regional Fulani/Sahelian form of the Arabic name Hind.”/HIN-deh/femaleHindou“A West African/Sahelian form of the Arabic female name Hind.”/HIN-doo/femaleHisham“Generosity and liberality”/hi-SHAHM/maleHusna“Beautiful, excellent, and virtuous”/HOOS-nah/femaleHussein“Diminutive of Hasan: little handsome one, little good one, or beautiful/good one.”/hoo-SAYN/male
I
Ibrahima“A name honoring Abraham, the faithful friend of God”/ee-brah-HEE-mah/maleIdris“Name of the prophet Idris; traditionally associated with study or learning in Islamic interpretation.”/EED-rees/maleIdrissa“West African/Sahelian form of Idris, the name of the prophet Idris.”/ee-DREE-sa/maleIkhlas“Sincere devotion and purity of heart”/ikh-LAHS/femaleIlham“Divine inspiration and guidance”/IL-ham/femaleIlyas“My God is Yahweh; the Arabic form of the prophet Elijah.”/il-YAAS/maleIman“Faith and deep trust in God”/ee-MAHN/femaleImane“Faith and trust in God”/ee-MAHN/femaleImran“Prosperity, flourishing, or long life; also the Qur'anic name associated with the family of Mary.”/IM-rahn/maleInas“Warm-hearted companionship and friendliness”/ee-NAHS/femaleIqbal“Good fortune, prosperity, and success”/ik-BAL/maleIshaq“He laughs; the Arabic form of Isaac, a prophet's name.”/ees-HAHK/maleIsmaela“A name honoring Ishmael, remembered for faith and perseverance”/ees-mah-EL-ah/maleIsmail“God hears; the Arabic form of the prophet Ishmael.”/is-MAH-eel/maleIsmaila“God hears; God has listened to your prayer”/ees-my-LAH/maleIsmailu“God hears; a West African/Fulani form of Ismail (Ishmael).”/ees-mah-EE-loo/maleIssa“A name honoring Jesus, a revered prophet in Islam”/EES-sah/maleIyad“Support, protection, strength, or a firm foundation.”/ee-YAAD/male
J
Jafar“A small stream or rivulet”/JAH-far/maleJalal“Majesty and noble dignity”/ja-LAHL/maleJalil“Majestic, honored, and exalted”/ja-LEEL/maleJalila“Exalted, venerable, majestic, or noble; feminine form of Jalil.”/ja-LEE-lah/femaleJamil“Handsome and beautiful”/jah-MEEL/maleJamila“Beautiful and graceful”/jah-MEE-lah/femaleJannah“Garden; by Islamic usage, Paradise.”/JAN-nah/femaleJannat“Gardens; used with the sense of Paradise.”/JAN-nat/femaleJannatu“Paradise/garden; a West African Muslim feminine form related to Jannat.”/jan-NAH-too/femaleJibril“A name honoring the angel Gabriel”/jib-REEL/maleJihan“The world, universe, or age.”/jee-HAHN/femaleJuma“Friday, a day of communal prayer and blessing”/JOO-mah/maleJumanah“A precious pearl”/joo-MA-nah/femaleJummai“Friday; a Hausa form of the Arabic Islamic day-name Jumu'a, also used among Hausa-speaking Fulani.”/joom-MY/femaleJuwairiya“Young woman or young girl; an Arabic Islamic name, used by Fulani as well as other Muslim communities.”/joo-WAI-ree-yah/female
K
Kabirat“A girl with the promise of greatness and honor”/kah-bee-RAT/femaleKabiru“Great in character and destined for distinction”/kah-BEE-roo/maleKadi“A West African short form of Khadija/Khadidja (also spelled Khady); it does not literally mean "honorable woman."”/KAH-dee/femaleKaltouma“West African spelling of Kulthum; traditionally glossed as full-cheeked or full-faced.”/kal-TOO-mah/femaleKamal“Perfection and excellence”/kah-MAHL/maleKamil“Whole, accomplished, and well-rounded”/KAH-mil/maleKande“A traditional West African, including Fulani, feminine personal name; no secure single lexical meaning should be assigned.”/KAN-deh/femaleKankou“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/KAHN-koo/femaleKaramba“A West African Muslim name/title associated with a learned religious teacher or Quranic scholar.”/kah-RAHM-bah/maleKaramoko“A religious scholar or teacher”/kah-rah-MOH-koh/maleKarim“Generous and noble-hearted, a person held in high esteem”/kah-REEM/maleKarima“Generous, gracious, and noble in character”/kah-REE-mah/femaleKassim“One who distributes fairly or shares generously”/KAH-sim/maleKawthar“Abundance, plentiful goodness; the name of a Quranic term.”/KOW-thar/femaleKhadidja“A name honoring Khadijah, the faithful first wife of the Prophet”/kah-DEE-jah/femaleKhadim“Servant; often understood in Muslim usage as servant of God.”/KHAH-deem/maleKhadra“Green, verdant, or fresh.”/KHAH-drah/femaleKhaira“Goodness, generosity, and kindness”/KHAIR-ah/femaleKhairiya“Kind-hearted, charitable, and benevolent”/khay-REE-yah/femaleKhalid“Enduring and lasting in strength”/KHAH-lid/maleKhalida“Enduring and strong through every season of life”/KHAH-lee-dah/femaleKhalifa“A successor or leader, carrying a sense of responsibility and honor”/kha-LEE-fah/maleKhalil“Friend; especially a close or beloved friend.”/kha-LEEL/maleKhawla“Female gazelle or doe.”/KHAW-la/femaleKulsum“West African spelling of Kulthum; traditionally glossed as full-cheeked or full-faced.”/kool-SOOM/femaleKumba“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/KOOM-bah/female
L
Ladi“A Hausa short form of Ladidi, generally associated with sweetness or pleasantness; also used by some Hausa-speaking Fulani.”/LAH-dee/femaleLamido“Ruler or sovereign, recalling Fulani chieftaincy and leadership”/lah-MEE-doh/maleLamina“Born on Sunday”/lah-MEE-nah/maleLamine“Trustworthy and faithful”/lah-MEEN/maleLaraba“Wednesday; a Hausa weekday name used in northern Nigerian Muslim communities, including Hausa-speaking Fulani.”/lah-RAH-bah/femaleLatif“Gentle, kind, and gracious”/la-TEEF/maleLatifa“Gentle, kind, and gracious”/la-TEE-fah/femaleLuqman“Name of Luqman, the wise figure in the Qur'an; conventionally associated with wisdom.”/look-MAN/male
M
Maama“Mother or grandmother; a loving name that keeps an honored elder close to the family.”/MAH-mah/anyMaayo“River, suggesting a life that flows with strength and purpose”/MAH-yoh/anyMabrouk“Blessed and warmly welcomed—a joyful child”/mah-BROOK/maleMahamadou“West African, especially Francophone Sahelian, form of Muhammad: “praised” or “praiseworthy.””/mah-mah-DOO/maleMahamat“Chadian/Sahelian form of Muhammad: “praised” or “praiseworthy.””/ma-ha-MAT/maleMahdi““The rightly guided one.””/MAHD-dee/maleMahmoud““Praised” or “praiseworthy.””/mah-MOOD/maleMahmud““Praised” or “praiseworthy.””/mah-MOOD/maleMaimouna“Blessed and fortunate through God's grace”/my-MOO-nah/femaleMajid““Glorious,” “noble,” or “illustrious.””/MAH-jid/maleMalam““Learned person,” “teacher,” or religious scholar; also used as a respectful title and personal name in parts of the Sahel.”/mah-LAHM/maleMalik“King or ruler, expressing leadership and authority”/MAH-lik/maleMalika“Queen, a name of dignity, strength, and honor”/mah-LEE-kah/femaleMamadou“Highly praised; a West African form of Muhammad”/mah-mah-DOO/maleMansour“Victorious and destined to overcome life’s challenges”/man-SOOR/maleMansoura“Victorious and strong, a name celebrating success and honor”/man-SOO-rah/femaleMansur“Victorious and blessed with triumph”/man-SOOR/maleMansura“Victorious and triumphant”/man-SOO-rah/femaleMariama“A name honoring Mary, the devoted mother of Jesus”/mah-ree-AH-mah/femaleMaryam“Arabic form of Mary/Miriam; the name of Maryam, mother of Jesus (Isa) in Islamic tradition.”/MAR-yam/femaleMarziya“One who is loved, accepted, and pleasing to God”/mar-ZEE-yah/femaleMasrur“Joyful and filled with happiness”/mah-SROOR/maleMatar“Rain; a hopeful blessing from the sky”/MAH-tar/maleMawdo“An elder or respected senior; a name honoring the wisdom and standing of one’s forebears.”/MAW-doh/maleModibo“A learned teacher, a name associated with knowledge, honor, and standing”/moh-DEE-boh/maleMody“A West African Muslim name/title associated with a learned Islamic teacher, scholar, or marabout; related to Modibo/Moodi, not to “praised.””/MOH-dee/maleMokhtar“The chosen one”/MOKH-tar/maleMor“A Senegalese/West African masculine name, often treated as a local form or short form associated with Muhammad. It does not mean “respected elder.””/MOHR/maleMory“A respected religious learner or scholar”/MOH-ree/maleMouhamadou“Highly praised; a West African form of Muhammad”/moo-hah-mah-DOO/maleMoussa“A name honoring Moses, a faithful prophet”/MOO-sah/maleMoustapha“Chosen and greatly honored; an epithet of the Prophet Muhammad”/moos-TAH-fah/maleMuadh“Protected and sheltered by God”/moo-AZ/maleMubarak“Blessed—a child whose arrival brings blessing and happiness”/moo-BAH-rak/maleMubaraka“A blessed and fortunate girl”/moo-bah-RAH-kah/femaleMuhammad“Highly praised; a name expressing honor and admiration”/moo-HAM-mad/maleMujahid“One who strives courageously for what is right”/moo-JAH-hid/maleMujahida“A female striver; the feminine form of Mujahid. It denotes one who strives or struggles, rather than specifically a courageous person.”/moo-JAH-hee-dah/femaleMujtaba“Chosen, selected, or specially favored.”/mooj-TAH-bah/maleMunawwara“Illuminated, radiant, or enlightened.”/moo-nah-WAR-rah/femaleMunira“Radiant and full of light”/moo-NEE-rah/femaleMuntasir“Victorious; one who triumphs.”/moon-tah-SEER/maleMunthir“Warner; one who gives warning.”/MOON-thir/maleMurjanatu“Coral, especially precious red coral; not pearl.”/moor-ja-NAH-too/femaleMurtala“A West African form of Arabic Murtaḍā: approved, pleasing, or chosen—often understood as approved by God.”/moor-TAH-lah/maleMusab“A 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/maleMuzaffar“Triumphant and victorious”/moo-ZAF-far/maleMuzaffara“Triumphant and victorious”/moo-ZAF-fah-rah/female
N
Naange“Sunshine and the warmth that brightens life”/NAHN-geh/anyNabila“Noble and honorable”/nah-BEE-lah/femaleNabou“A 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/femaleNadia“The 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/femaleNadir“Rare and precious”/NAH-deer/maleNadira“Rare, exceptional, or precious.”/na-DEE-rah/femaleNafi“A West African female short form of Nafisa/Nafissatou; consequently associated with “precious” or “valuable,” rather than the Arabic masculine name Nafiʿ (“beneficial”).”/NAH-fee/femaleNafisa“Precious and exquisite”/nah-FEE-sah/femaleNafissatou“Precious and exquisite”/nah-fee-sah-TOO/femaleNaim“Comfort, ease, and a life filled with well-being”/NAH-eem/maleNaima“Peaceful, contented, and at ease”/NAH-ee-mah/femaleNajat“A hopeful name for a child whose life brings relief and grace”/NAH-jat/femaleNajma“Star.”/NAJ-mah/femaleNajwa“A private or secret conversation; a confidential whisper or inner communication.”/NAJ-wah/femaleNana“A 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/femaleNargis“Narcissus; the name of the narcissus flower.”/NAR-gis/femaleNasir“A helper who brings victory and support”/NAH-seer/maleNasira“A supportive helper who brings strength and victory”/nah-SEE-rah/femaleNasiru“A child destined to overcome difficulties and help others”/nah-SEE-roo/maleNassima“Gentle breeze; a name suggesting freshness and calm”/nah-SEE-mah/femaleNdiyam“Water, symbolizing life and abundance”/NDEE-yahm/anyNene“Grandmother or respected elder woman; a name expressing affection for the family’s elders.”/NEH-neh/femaleNouhou“The name of the prophet Noah”/NOO-hoo/maleNoura“Light, suggesting divine guidance and hope”/NOO-rah/femaleNuha“Intellect, reason, understanding, or wisdom.”/NOO-hah/femaleNuhu“A name honoring the prophet Noah”/NOO-hoo/maleNurudeen“Light of the religion/faith.”/noo-roo-DEEN/maleNusayba“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/noo-SAI-bah/femaleNusrat“Help, support, and victory”/NOOS-rat/female
O
Oumar“Born on Saturday”/oo-MAHR/maleOumarou“A name honoring Umar, an early leader of the Muslim community”/oo-mah-ROO/maleOumou“A West African rendering of Ummu/Umu, meaning “mother of” in Arabic name constructions.”/OO-moo/femaleOusmane“A name honoring Uthman, an early caliph and companion of the Prophet”/oos-MAHN/male
P
Q
Qadir“Powerful and capable of great things”/KAH-deer/maleQadira“Powerful and capable of overcoming challenges”/KAH-dee-rah/femaleQamar“The moon, bringing light and beauty to the night”/QAH-mar/anyQasim“One who distributes or shares fairly”/KAH-sim/maleQudus“Holy, sacred, or most holy; it is often associated with the Arabic divine epithet al-Quddus.”/KOO-doos/male
R
Rabi“Usually a regional shortened form of Arabic Rabiʿa, meaning “fourth” (feminine). “Spring” belongs to the distinct masculine Arabic name Rabiʿ.”/RAH-bee/femaleRabia“Fourth (feminine Arabic form); it is not the Arabic word for springtime.”/RAH-bee-ah/femaleRabiatou“Fourth (a West African feminine form of Arabic Rabi'a).”/rah-bee-ah-TOO/femaleRabiatu“Fourth (a West African feminine form of Arabic Rabi'a).”/rah-bee-AH-too/femaleRabiou“Spring (Arabic Rabi'); the spelling can also reflect an Arabic name meaning “fourth,” depending on the original vowelled form.”/rah-bee-OO/maleRabiu“Spring (Arabic Rabi'); the spelling can also be associated with the Arabic personal name meaning “fourth.””/ra-BEE-oo/maleRabiya“Fourth (feminine Arabic form, Rabi'a).”/rah-BEE-yah/femaleRachid“Wise, rightly guided, and mature in judgment”/rah-SHEED/maleRachida“Wise, rightly guided, and mature in judgment”/rah-SHEE-dah/femaleRafi“High, elevated, exalted.”/RAH-fee/maleRafika“Female companion, friend, or associate.”/rah-FEE-kah/femaleRahila“A woman traveler; one who departs or journeys.”/rah-HEE-lah/femaleRahima“A compassionate and kind-hearted woman”/rah-HEE-mah/femaleRahma“Mercy, compassion, and tenderness”/RAH-mah/femaleRahmatou“Merciful, compassionate, and caring”/rah-mah-TOO/femaleRaihana“Basil; an aromatic herb or fragrant plant.”/ry-HAH-nah/femaleRamadan“Born in or associated with the month of Ramadan, a name carrying a warm sense of devotion”/rah-ma-DAHN/maleRamata“Mercy, compassion, and tenderness”/rah-MAH-tah/femaleRamatoulaye“The mercy of God”/rah-mah-too-LIE/femaleRamla“Sand; sandy ground.”/RAM-lah/femaleRashad“Right guidance and sound judgment”/ra-SHAHD/maleRashida“Rightly guided; wise; possessing sound judgment.”/ra-SHEE-dah/femaleRasoul“Messenger, especially a messenger of God.”/rah-SOOL/maleRauf“Kind, gentle, and compassionate”/RAH-oof/maleRidwan“Contentment, pleasure, or divine approval.”/rid-WAHN/maleRilwan“Arabic form of Riḍwān: satisfaction or approval; in religious use, God's good pleasure.”/ril-WAHN/maleRilwanu“West African form of Arabic Riḍwān: satisfaction, approval, especially God's good pleasure.”/ril-WAH-noo/maleRima“A graceful gazelle and an image of beauty”/REE-mah/femaleRiyad“Gardens or meadowlands; the Arabic word is the plural of rawḍah, “garden.””/ri-YAD/maleRokhaya“Senegambian/West African rendering of Arabic Ruqayya. The name is conventionally associated with rising or elevation, though its older derivation is debated.”/roh-KHAH-yah/femaleRokia“West African rendering of Arabic Ruqayya, conventionally associated with rising or elevation.”/ROH-kee-ah/femaleRukayatou“West African/French-influenced form of Ruqayya, conventionally associated with rising or elevation.”/roo-kah-yah-TOO/femaleRukayya“Arabic feminine name conventionally interpreted as rise or elevation.”/roo-KAI-yah/femaleRuqayya“Arabic feminine name conventionally interpreted as rise or elevation.”/roo-KAY-yah/female
S
Saada“Happiness, good fortune, and contentment”/SAH-dah/femaleSaadatu“A bringer of happiness and prosperity”/sah-AH-dah-too/femaleSaadia“Fortunate and blessed, with hopes of happiness and prosperity”/sah-DEE-ah/femaleSabir“Patient, steadfast, and able to endure difficulties”/SAH-beer/maleSabira“Patient, resilient, and steadfast through hardship”/sah-BEE-rah/femaleSabri“Patient, steadfast, and able to endure with grace”/SAHB-ree/maleSadiq“Truthful, sincere, and trustworthy”/SAH-dik/maleSadiya“Fortunate and happy”/sah-DEE-yah/femaleSafa“Purity and sincere devotion, recalling the sacred Islamic place of Safa”/SAH-fah/femaleSafi“Pure or clear; often used regionally as a feminine short form related to Safiya/Safiatou.”/SAH-fee/femaleSafiatou“West African feminine form of Safiyya: pure, sincere, or chosen.”/sah-fee-ah-TOO/femaleSafiya“Pure, sincere, or chosen; also associated with a close or chosen friend.”/sah-FEE-yah/femaleSafiyya“Pure, sincere, or chosen; also associated with a close or chosen friend.”/sah-FEE-yah/femaleSafura“Arabic form associated in Islamic tradition with Moses’ wife, Zipporah; the Hebrew source name means “bird.””/sah-FOO-rah/femaleSafwan“Arabic name associated with a smooth or solid rock; it may also be interpreted through the related idea of purity or clarity.”/SAF-wan/maleSahar“The calm beauty of the hours before dawn”/SA-har/femaleSaid“A fortunate child whose life brings happiness”/sah-EED/maleSaida“Happy, fortunate, and blessed”/sah-EE-dah/femaleSaidu“Happy, fortunate, and blessed”/sah-EE-doo/maleSaif“Sword; a symbol of courage and strength”/SAYF/maleSaifou“West African form of Arabic Sayf/Saif: sword.”/sigh-FOO/maleSaima“A woman who fasts; feminine form of an Arabic word for one observing a fast.”/SAH-ee-mah/femaleSajjad“One who frequently prostrates in prayer; a devoted worshipper.”/saj-JAD/maleSakina“Peace, serenity, and a calm heart”/sah-KEE-nah/femaleSakinah“Peace, serenity, and calm”/sah-KEE-nah/femaleSalah“Righteousness, goodness, and integrity”/SAH-lah/maleSalamatu“Safety, well-being, peace, or soundness.”/sah-lah-MAH-too/femaleSalif“Righteous, virtuous, or pious.”/SAH-leef/maleSalih“Righteous, good, and virtuous”/SAH-lih/maleSaliha“Righteous, good, and virtuous”/SAH-lee-hah/femaleSalim“Peaceful, safe, and well”/sa-LEEM/maleSalima“Peaceful, safe, and well”/sa-LEE-mah/femaleSalimata“Safe, peaceful, and protected”/sah-lee-MAH-tah/femaleSalisu“Third; traditionally, a third-born child.”/sah-LEE-soo/maleSalma“Safe, peaceful, and protected”/SAL-ma/femaleSamba“Born on Tuesday”/SAHM-bah/maleSamia“A woman of high standing and distinction”/sah-MEE-ah/femaleSamir“A companion in evening conversation; a congenial companion.”/sa-MEER/maleSamira“A pleasant companion and warm conversationalist”/sah-MEE-rah/femaleSani“Second; traditionally, a second-born child.”/SAH-nee/maleSekou“A learned and respected religious man”/seh-KOO/maleSerigne“A Senegalese honorific and personal name derived from Shaykh, meaning a religious leader, elder, or marabout.”/seh-REEN/maleSeydou“Fortunate and blessed, with a life of happiness and good prospects”/SAY-doo/maleSeynabou“West African form of Zaynab; traditionally associated with a fragrant flowering plant/tree, and also popularly glossed as “father's adornment.””/say-nah-BOO/femaleShafiu“One who brings healing or offers kindly intercession”/sha-FEE-oo/maleShakir“Thankful and appreciative”/SHAH-kir/maleShakira“A grateful girl who recognizes life’s blessings”/shah-KEE-rah/femaleShamsuddin“Sun of the religion/faith.”/shams-oo-DEEN/maleSharif“Noble and honored, a name of dignity and distinction”/shah-REEF/maleSharifa“A noble and honored woman, respected for her dignity”/shah-REE-fah/femaleShehu“A respected religious teacher and guide”/SHAY-hoo/maleShuaibu“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/shoo-AY-boo/maleShukri“Thankful; grateful.”/SHOOK-ree/maleShukriya“Gratitude; thankfulness.”/shook-REE-yah/femaleShukura“Thankful; grateful; gratitude.”/shoo-KOO-rah/femaleSidi“My master; lord; a respectful form of address.”/SEE-dee/maleSidiki“Truthful; sincere.”/see-DEE-kee/maleSidra“Lote tree (Arabic sidra); also the name of the lote tree in Islamic tradition.”/SID-rah/femaleSira“Born on Sunday”/SEE-rah/femaleSohail“Canopus, the bright star; an Arabic male name.”/so-HAYL/maleSokhna“A respected woman and lady”/SOKH-nah/femaleSori“Fulani male personal name; no secure lexical meaning is established.”/SOH-ree/maleSory“Variant spelling of Sori, a Fulani male personal name; no secure lexical meaning is established.”/SOH-ree/maleSouadou“Happy; fortunate.”/soo-AH-doo/femaleSuhail“Canopus, the bright star.”/soo-HAYL/maleSuhaila“Easy; gentle; smooth.”/soo-HAY-lah/femaleSuleymane“A name honoring Solomon, the wise prophet and king”/soo-lay-MAHN/maleSultan“Sovereign or one invested with authority and prestige”/SOOL-tahn/maleSultana“Sovereign queen, a name of dignity and commanding presence”/sool-TAH-nah/femaleSumaya“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/soo-MY-ah/femaleSumayya“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/soo-MAI-yah/female
T
Tahir“Pure-hearted and sincere”/TAH-heer/maleTahira“Pure-hearted and virtuous”/tah-HEE-rah/femaleTajuddin“Crown of religion/faith.”/ta-jood-DEEN/maleTalatu“Tuesday, traditionally given in northern Nigerian naming practice”/tah-LAH-too/femaleTalha“A type of tree, commonly identified as an acacia; also a well-established Arabic male personal name.”/TAL-ha/maleTalib“A devoted seeker of knowledge and wisdom”/TAH-lib/maleTalla“Fulani male personal name; no secure lexical meaning is established.”/TAH-lah/maleTaqwa“God-consciousness; piety”/TAK-wah/femaleTariq“Night visitor/knocker; also the bright star that appears at night”/TAH-rik/maleTasnim“A blessed fountain in paradise”/TAS-neem/femaleTawfiq“A child guided toward success and a fulfilling future”/taw-FEEK/maleTawfiqa“A girl guided toward success, goodness, and achievement”/taw-FEE-kah/femaleThabit“Steadfast, firm, and unwavering”/THAH-bit/maleThabita“Steadfast, firm, and unwavering”/thah-BEE-tah/femaleThierno“A respected spiritual teacher and guide”/chee-ER-noh/maleTidiane“A follower of the Tijani Sufi tradition, expressing devoted faith”/tee-dyah-NEH/maleTierno“A respected religious teacher and guide”/tee-ER-noh/maleTijani“Associated with or a follower of the Tijaniyya Sufi order”/tee-JAH-nee/male
U
Umm Kulthum“Mother of Kulthum; Kulthum is traditionally interpreted as “one with full/plump cheeks””/oom KUL-thoom/femaleUmmulkhairi“Mother of goodness”/oom-ool-KHY-ree/femaleUmmulkulsum“Mother of Kulthum”/oom-ul-KOOL-soom/femaleUsman“A Fulani/Sahelian form of Arabic Uthman; the Arabic name is traditionally associated with the bustard bird”/OOS-man/male
W
Wahida“Unique and one of a kind”/wah-HEE-dah/femaleWali“A protector, guardian, or friend of God”/WAH-lee/maleWalid“Newborn child; a fresh beginning”/wa-LEED/maleWaly“A regional spelling of Wali: guardian, protector, patron, or friend of God”/WAH-lee/maleWarda“Rose”/WAR-dah/femaleWassila“Connection, means of approach, or intercession”/wah-SEE-lah/female
Y
Yacine“Masculine Francophone spelling of Yasin/Ya-Sin, the Quranic designation and name of surah 36.”/yah-SEEN/maleYacouba“A name honoring Jacob, a faithful patriarch and prophet”/yah-KOO-bah/maleYahya“Arabic 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/maleYama“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/YAH-mah/femaleYasin“A cherished Quranic name, carrying spiritual significance”/YAH-seen/maleYasmina“Jasmine, symbolizing beauty and a sweet fragrance”/yas-MEE-nah/femaleYaya“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/YAH-yah/maleYaye“An 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/femaleYero“Born on Friday”/YEH-roh/maleYounoussa“A regional form of Yunus, the name of the prophet Jonah”/yoo-NOO-sa/maleYoussouf“A name honoring Joseph, remembered for patience and faith”/YOO-soof/maleYumna“Blessed, fortunate, and prosperous”/YOOM-nah/femaleYunus“The name of the prophet Jonah, associated with patience and devotion”/YOO-noos/maleYunusa“West African masculine form of Yunus, the Quranic prophet Jonah.”/yoo-NOO-sah/maleYusra“Ease, comfort, and hopeful prosperity”/YOOS-rah/female
Z
Zafar“Victory and triumph”/ZAH-far/maleZafira“Victorious and triumphant”/zah-FEE-rah/femaleZahir“Arabic masculine name meaning apparent, manifest, clear, or shining.”/ZAH-hir/maleZahra“Radiant, bright, and flower-like”/ZAH-rah/femaleZaid“Growth, increase, and abundance”/ZAYD/maleZainab“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ZAY-nab/femaleZainabou“West African feminine form of Zainab, traditionally associated with the Arabic name Zaynab and, uncertainly, a fragrant plant or flower.”/ZAY-nah-boo/femaleZakari“God remembers”/zah-KAH-ree/maleZakaria“Arabic form of Zachariah/Zakariya, meaning “God remembers.””/za-ka-REE-ya/maleZakariya“Arabic form of Zachariah, meaning “God remembers.””/za-ka-REE-ya/maleZakariyya“Yahweh/God remembers.”/zah-kah-REE-yah/maleZaki“Pure-hearted, virtuous, and sincere”/ZAH-kee/maleZakia“Pure-hearted, virtuous, and sincere”/zah-KEE-ah/femaleZeinab“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/ZAY-nab/femaleZeinabou“West African/French-influenced form of Zaynab/Zeinab; traditionally linked with a fragrant flowering plant, though the etymology is disputed.”/ZAY-nah-boo/femaleZeynab“Variant spelling of Zaynab, traditionally associated with a fragrant flowering plant; the exact etymology is disputed.”/ZAY-nab/femaleZubaida“The choicest or finest part; often glossed as “little butter/cream” or “the best.””/zoo-BAY-dah/femaleZubair“Arabic name traditionally connected with strength, firmness, or bravery; its precise older etymology is not fully certain.”/zoo-BAIR/maleZubairu“West African form of Zubayr/Zubair, traditionally associated with strength or bravery.”/zoo-BEYE-roo/maleZulaiha“A 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/femaleZuleikha“A traditional Fulani/Fula name carried through generations — its exact literal meaning isn't recorded, which is part of its story”/zoo-LAY-khah/femaleZulfikar“Arabic Dhū al-Fiqār: the name of ʿAlī's famous sword; commonly interpreted as “possessor of the notches/furrows.””/zool-fee-KAR/male