Top PakistaniBaby Names
In Pakistan, a name is considered the first gift parents give to their child, and it is chosen with immense religious weight. The vast majority of names are Arabic or Persian in origin, reflecting the deep Islamic heritage. However, there is a uniquely 'Pakistani' flavor—a love for poetic, soft-sounding Urdu names like 'Zoya' or 'Ayzal' that bridge the gap between tradition and modern aesthetics. It is not just a label; it is a prayer for the child's future character.
The 'Good Meaning' Requirement
It is a cultural mandate that a name must have a 'good meaning' (Achha Matlab). Parents often consult scholars or elders to ensure the name brings blessings (Barakah). A name with a negative or heavy meaning is strictly avoided, as it is believed to affect the child's personality and destiny. This is why names like 'Harb' (War) are discouraged, while names like 'Aman' (Peace) are cherished.
100+ Popular Pakistani Names (2026)
Explore the top choices preferred by parents in Pakistan, ranging from the traditional to the modern.
sana
Resplendent and Glorious - Shining with brilliance and honor
rukhsana
Bright-faced, Radiant - One with a luminous presence
fatima
The Shining One - Daughter of Prophet Muhammad, the most honored woman in Islam
maryam
Star of the Sea - Beloved - Mother of Jesus in the Quran
ali
The Exalted One - Cousin and successor of Prophet Muhammad, symbol of courage and knowledge
amina
Trustworthy and Honest - Mother of Prophet Muhammad
zainab
Grace and Beauty - Granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad, known for wisdom and piety
imran
Long-lived - Prosperous - One blessed with longevity and prosperity
laila
Night Beauty - One with mysterious charm and dark elegance
malik
King - One of sovereign authority and noble bearing
aisha
Living, Alive - One full of vitality and spirit
faisal
Decisive and Determined - One who judges with wisdom and clarity
noor2
Light and Radiance - One who brings illumination and hope
khalid
Eternal, Immortal - One who will endure forever
usman
One of Strong Scent - Third Caliph of Islam, known for his piety and generosity
zahra
The Bright One - Radiant and Shining - Flourishing like a flower
leila
Night, Dark Beauty - One with mysterious charm
bilal
Moisture and Freshness - The first Muezzin of Islam, symbol of freedom
amir
Prince, Commander, Emir - A leader of noble character
saira
Blooming Flower, Princess - One who is beautiful and noble
rania
Queen - Sovereign - One of royal and majestic bearing
mariam
Beloved, Star of the Sea - One who is cherished
ayaan
Gift of God - One who arrives or comes forth with blessings
rashid
Well-Guided and Prudent - One who follows the right path with wisdom
hassan
Good, Beautiful - One with handsome features
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Trending Boy Names
ali
The Exalted One - Cousin and successor of Prophet Muhammad, symbol of courage and knowledge
imran
Long-lived - Prosperous - One blessed with longevity and prosperity
malik
King - One of sovereign authority and noble bearing
faisal
Decisive and Determined - One who judges with wisdom and clarity
usman
One of Strong Scent - Third Caliph of Islam, known for his piety and generosity
khalid
Eternal, Immortal - One who will endure forever
bilal
Moisture and Freshness - The first Muezzin of Islam, symbol of freedom
amir
Prince, Commander, Emir - A leader of noble character
rashid
Well-Guided and Prudent - One who follows the right path with wisdom
ayaan
Gift of God - One who arrives or comes forth with blessings
saeed
Happy and Blessed - One who brings joy and good fortune
hassan
Good, Beautiful - One with handsome features
nasir
Helper and Supporter - One who brings aid and victory
akram
Most Generous and Honorable - One with great virtue and dignity
karim
Generous, Gracious - The Most Merciful
jamal
Beauty, Elegance - One with graceful features
arif
Wise and Learned - One who possesses deep knowledge and understanding
rahim
Merciful, Compassionate - One who shows mercy
sameer
Lively Companion - One who brings joy and entertainment
tariq
Morning Star, The Piercer - One who breaks through darkness
Trending Girl Names
sana
Resplendent and Glorious - Shining with brilliance and honor
rukhsana
Bright-faced, Radiant - One with a luminous presence
fatima
The Shining One - Daughter of Prophet Muhammad, the most honored woman in Islam
maryam
Star of the Sea - Beloved - Mother of Jesus in the Quran
amina
Trustworthy and Honest - Mother of Prophet Muhammad
zainab
Grace and Beauty - Granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad, known for wisdom and piety
laila
Night Beauty - One with mysterious charm and dark elegance
noor2
Light and Radiance - One who brings illumination and hope
aisha
Living, Alive - One full of vitality and spirit
zahra
The Bright One - Radiant and Shining - Flourishing like a flower
leila
Night, Dark Beauty - One with mysterious charm
saira
Blooming Flower, Princess - One who is beautiful and noble
rania
Queen - Sovereign - One of royal and majestic bearing
mariam
Beloved, Star of the Sea - One who is cherished
nadia
Hope and Inspiration - One who brings hope to others
yasmin
Jasmine Flower - One who is fragrant and delicate
alisha
Noble and Exalted - Of noble character and divine grace
amira
Princess, Noblewoman - One of royal descent
safiya
Pure and Clear - One with a transparent and honest heart
farah
Joy, Happiness - One who brings delight
Boy Names from Pakistan
Strong, meaningful names for your son
Girl Names from Pakistan
Beautiful, graceful names for your daughter
Notable Figures
- Malala Yousafzai
- Imran Khan
- Benazir Bhutto
- Abdul Sattar Edhi
Trending Now
We are seeing a move away from long, compound names towards short, Quranic names with soft phonetics (e.g., Eshaal, Rayyan, Zaviyar). Parents are also revisiting classical Persian names that sound modern to the international ear.