Egyptian baby names with meaning

Egyptian baby names are an important part of the culture and tradition of the ancient Egyptians. Not only do they carry meaning and history, but they are also often chosen as part of a family’s language and heritage.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular Egyptian baby names and their meanings, as well as provide some insight into their cultural and historical context.

Overview of Egyptian Culture

Egypt has a long and storied history, with its culture having lasting impacts on the globe. Some of the world’s most recognizable cultural icons and symbols have their origins in Egypt. Ancient Egyptians had deeply rooted traditions and customs, passed down through generations.

This includes naming children. As is common in many cultures, ancient Egyptians used names to honor ancestors, express religious beliefs, distinguish between family members, or carry messages about a child’s destiny or luck.

Traditional Egyptian baby names are still ruling the charts today. These often consist of one-syllable names which have distinctive meanings as well as multiple syllabled traditional names with Islamic or ancient Egyptian roots.

Commonly seen Egyptian baby girl names include Aaliyah (Noble) and Mariam (Bitter), while male monikers include Abdlhadi (One Who Serves God) and Najm (Star). Many parents choose to give their children these traditional titles because they reflect the distinct history that many share in Egypt dating back centuries—often even before Christianity reigned over the region in 500 AD!

Popular Egyptian Baby Names

Egyptian baby names are very popular and have a deep rooted history. Whether you’re looking for a unique name for your new baby or a name for a character for a story, these Egyptian baby names with meaning can be a great choice. With a wide range of names to pick from, you’ll be sure to find one you like.

So let’s take a look at some of the most popular Egyptian baby names with meaning:

Boys

Egyptian baby names for boys are thoughtful, historic and ancient. These boy names span centuries—from ancient Egyptian choices to modern favorites. In choosing an Egyptian name for your little one, you will join thousands of parents who have done the same throughout history.

The most popular Egyptian boy’s name is Mohamed or Mohammed, carried by over 35 million people in the Arab world — this form of the name means praised highly.

Other popular choices include Ahmed (the most commony used form of the name is Ahmed), Ali (means elevated or sublime), Omar, and Amir. Some less common names are Amr (which means commander), Khalid, Hamza (which means strong powerful lion), and Imran (which means long-living).

Many ancient Egyptian baby boy names originate from rulers such as Ramses, Seti and Tutankhamen; from Gods like Horus and Thoth; or from Gods associated with protection like Anubis and Osiris. Other striking names come from the verbiage of Ancient Egypt: words for strength or justice become perfect monikers for a strong new life.

1. Akil

Akil – Akil is the perfect name for your little one and it means ‘wise’ in Egyptian. This is a name that’s perfect for a strong, determined and courageous child. It’s certainly an appropriate choice if you’re looking for an Egyptian baby name with meaning.

2. Amun

Amun is an extremely popular Egyptian baby name that means “hidden”. The name has direct links to the god Amun, who was part of the Theban triad and was known as King of Gods. He is most commonly depicted holding a staff with two ram’s heads, representing the duality of good and evil.

It’s easy to see why this name remains so popular today, as it evokes a sense of strength, wisdom and power – which makes it perfect for any new little one.

3. Anubis

Anubis is a spiritual and ancient Egyptian baby name, commonly understood to refer to the god of mummification and the afterlife. It may be derived from the ancient Egyptian words ‘anbu’, meaning ‘the royal child’ and ‘wang’, meaning protector or leader.

Anubis is also related to the god Anpu, who was associated with funerary rites and guarding tombs. In some countries, Anubis may be used as an alternative name for Jack or John.

Historically speaking, in many African cultures it was customary to give children names that celebrated their ancestry as well as their parents’ faith in divine forces. Some cultures also used animals with mythological status such as Anubis to symbolize protection and guardianship over loved ones.

Girls

Girls’ names in this list range from the popular to the exotic and traditional. Many of these names carry religious significance, harking back to the Biblical figure of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Other common names in this list include Gamila, meaning “beautiful;” Fadila, meaning “generous;” and Fatima, which is derived from Mohamed’s daughter’s name. Some more trendy options for girls’ names include Dareen, which means “star-like,” and Imani meaning”belief”.

Take the time to read through some of these meaningful titles and pick a special name for your little one:

• Hana: Joyful
• Nadine: Hope
• Mona: Beloved
• Gamila: Beautiful
• Fadila: Generous
• Fatima: Daughter Of Mohamed
• Lina: Palm Tree
• Nourhan: Light
• Dareen: Star Like
• Farah/Faraa’h (Arabic variant): Joyful, Gladness, Gaiety
• Imani/Imene (Arabic variant): Belief

1. Bastet

Bastet is a popular female Egyptian baby name, derived from the ancient Egyptian goddess of protection and joy.

Traditionally, Bastet was seen as a fierce lion-headed deity and was believed to protect people from harm. As such, parents who want to give their child protection may consider this name as an option.

The name Bastet has meaning of “She of the ointment jar” and is said to bring luck in life.

2. Isis

Isis is a powerful and dark Egyptian goddess. She was seen as a mother, daughter, sister, wife, healer and protector of all other gods.

Isis’ symbols are the moon disk and the throne.

Parents who want to honor history may choose this name for their daughter to reflect the all-encompassing protection that Isis offered the ancients.

3. Ma’at

Ma’at is a female name that translates to “truth and justice.” It also references a goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology who represented the concepts of truth, law, order, harmony, balance and morality.

Ma’at is said to have been the daughter of Ra, the sun god.

Parents often choose this name for their babies as it symbolizes the importance of justice and peace in their world. Popular variations of Ma’at include Máet and Maati.

Meaning of Baby Names

Giving your baby a name with a beautiful meaning is a lovely way to start their life. Egyptian culture has deep reverence for symbolism and ancient mythology, which makes it the perfect source of meaningful and inspirational baby names.

From strong, powerful names of ancient gods and goddesses to more subtle, yet meaningful names of kings and pharaohs, this list has something for every baby name.

Let’s explore the beautiful meanings behind some popular Egyptian baby names:

1. Akil

Akil is a classic name for baby boys, meaning “wise and understanding”, taken from the Egyptian language. Akil is associated with Ancient Egypt and culture as it has been used in many texts from that time period. This classic name has withstood the test of time and still flows nicely in modern times. It is also seen as a unisex name, but commonly used for boys.

The alternate spelling of Akil can be found as Aqil, who was a biblical prophet in both religious traditions— Islam and Christianity. The nickname options including Akili or Kili can be used to give this classic name a modern twist.

2. Amun

The name Amun (alternatively Amon, Amen, or Imen) comes from ancient Egyptian mythology and means “The Hidden One.” In Egyptian mythology, Amun was the god of Thebes and one of the famous nine gods known as The Ennead – worshipped throughout ancient Egypt.

Amun was also known as a creator-god who sprung self-created from a primordial watery chaos. He is often depicted with a headdress with two tall feathers representing his divinity.

Amun was associated with many aspects of life including fertility, agriculture, war and protection. He was often paired with Ra (another member of the Ennead) to form one of the first true gods and goddesses pairing in Ancient Egypt – collectively named Amun-Ra. Even today, Amun is still connected to faith and spirituality within many aspects of culture including dance and music.

3. Anubis

Anubis is an ancient Egyptian deity with a unique background story. He is the god of embalming and was once thought of as a protector of souls, guiding them to the afterlife. The name Anubis translates as “lord of the place of love” or “lord of truth“.

Anubis is often depicted in artwork and characterized as black-purple, featuring a jackal’s headdress, designed to show his dominance over death and dying. His power and connections represent life after death and spirit. He is usually linked with Osiris and Maat, helping to protect both participants in the afterlife’s journey.

In honor of this powerful figure, many parents choose to bestow Anubis upon their children with great pride and love.

4. Bastet

Bastet is an Egyptian baby name that comes from the goddess Bastet or Bast. In ancient Egyptian mythology, she was a goddess of cats, protection, joy, pleasure and fertility. She was depicted in the form of a woman with the head of a lioness or sometimes as just a domesticated cat.

As such, Bastet is one of the most commonly worshipped deities in ancient Egypt’s history. The spelling for this name can be found in various forms like Baset and Binti-Bast which each have slightly different meanings.

The literal translation for Bastet means “she who mocks” and people often interpret her as an enigmatic figure full of mischief and power. It’s also been said that she provided comfort to people in times of hardship as well as bring joy when it is most needed. Although there are Egyptian gods more popular than this one, experts believe that Bastet holds a very special place in their pantheon due to her colorful nature which appeals to so many people around the world.

When parents decide to name their baby after the beloved goddess they usually choose variations such as Bastian or Basile to avoid confusion with other names that are spelled differently but pronounced similarly like Benedict or Barstow. As such, some parents might opt for using middle names like Phoebe (the Greek version) or Althea (the Romanized version).

Other alternative spellings are Basteen and Paseka which retain the original spirit of her name (while still being unique).

5. Isis

Isis is a female Ancient Egyptian name, which was also popularized in the Roman Empire. The name is derived from the Ancient Egyptian deity ‘Isis’ who was one of the most powerful and important gods in the Ancient Egyptian pantheon. She was venerated by all ancient Egyptians, as she was thought to be a protector goddess who brought wealth and health to those who honored her.

The meaning of this female name from Ancient Egypt is debated, but commonly accepted meanings include “mother of gods” or “throne”. In ancient times, this female deity has been associated with many attributes: she is often depicted as a powerful leader and symbolizes wisdom, knowledge and justice.

As an important figure in Egyptian mythology, Isis has been venerated for thousands of years by cultures around the world including Chinese and Greek mythology referring to her as ‘the Queen of Heaven’ or ‘Goddess mother’.

Additionally, the meaning of Isis often relates to motherly love and protection– something that many parents seek in a baby name when looking for the perfect one for their child. Together with its origin coming from an ancient Egyptian divine figure, Isis can be seen as a strong representation that carries a historical legacy behind it; yet it still retains its graceful touch with potential portentious meanings like “wisdom” incorporated within it.

6. Ma’at

Ma’at is a female Egyptian name that means “truth”. It was the name of the goddess of justice, law, and order. The goddess Ma’at represented cosmic order, justice and harmony. She is often portrayed as a woman with wings and a feather on her head, carrying the ankh which stands for life in ancient Egypt.

Her symbol is the scales representing balance in all things.

This unique name will remind its bearer to stay true and honest throughout life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be seen that the choice for your baby’s name is an important one and it should reflect your values and beliefs as a family.

Ancient Egyptian names had a significant meaning to them, so searching through them can make your baby’s name more special. They also give your little one an extra touch of history and tradition.

Remember to find a name that you both (you and your partner) like and that symbolizes something important in your life. We hope you have found some inspiration in this example guide for Egyptian baby names with meaning.