Most-asked question

How should I choose a name for my child?

266 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, Camperdown, Jamiat KZN). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“The Fuqaha (jurists) have mentioned a general rule one should take into consideration when naming a child. The preferable view of the Fuqaha (jurists) is to abstain from keeping such names which are not mentioned by Allah Ta’aala and Rasulullaah Sallallahu Alayi Wa Sallam and those names that Muslims do not generally use.”

Azaadville — Choosing A Name For A Child · 26 Aug 2023

“It is permissible for a woman to change her surname to her husband’s surname.”

AskImam — Changing ones name after marriage · 21 Jul 2019

“There is no issue in naming a child “Sufyān.” It is a well-known and noble Muslim name borne by many great personalities in Islamic history, including Ṣaḥābah, scholars, and righteous people.”

Camperdown — Naming a Child Sufyaan · 3 Jun 2026

“There is no prescribed ritual to be performed when it comes to changing a person’s name. If a person has an unpleasant sounding name or a name that has a bad name, he should change his name by adopting a good Muslim name that has a good meaning. (al-Mau’su’ah, Vol: 11, Pg: 337)”

Jamiat KZN — Changing one’s name · 4 Sep 2015

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Naming a Child Sufyaan Camperdown · 3 Jun 2026
  2. Naming one’s child “Khalid bin Waleed” Ibn Masood · 6 Jul 2025
  3. Naming A Child After An Angel Azaadville · 30 Jul 2024
  4. What is the status of keeping two names for a child? AskImam · 25 Feb 2024
  5. Changing one's name when accepting Islam Mufti Online · 16 Aug 2022
  6. Changing one’s name Jamiat KZN · 4 Sep 2015
  7. Fear of Mispronunciation of a Child’s Name Camperdown · 13 May 2026
  8. Muslim Revert Changing His Name Ibn Masood · 22 Apr 2025
  9. Naming A Child Before The Seventh Day Azaadville · 9 Jan 2024
  10. What is the best name for my daughter? AskImam · 8 Feb 2024
  11. Meaning of the name Dihya Mufti Online · 20 Dec 2021
  12. Unique Name For My Child? Jamiat KZN · 13 Apr 2013
  13. Unique Sahabi Names for Naming a Baby Boy Camperdown · 6 May 2025
  14. Choosing A Name For A Child Azaadville · 26 Aug 2023
  15. Changing ones name after marriage AskImam · 21 Jul 2019

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