Arabic Girl Names That Mean Gentleness
If you want Arabic girl names that mean gentleness, the language offers far more range than one soft-sounding word can capture.
Names183
OriginArabic
MeaningGentleness
GenderGirl
Arabic naming tradition ties meaning directly to root letters, and gentleness shows up again and again through a specific three-letter root, l-y-n, the same root behind the everyday word for 'soft.' You can hear it directly in Layana and Layan, and more quietly in Lina and Leena.
Not every name here leans on that root, though. Halima and Rahma come from separate word families tied to patience and mercy, while Rahaf reaches for gentleness through image rather than word: a breeze, not a texture. That variety is the real story of this list.
Arabic girl names that mean gentleness, and how they get there
Layan is the most literal, defined as softness and gentle flowing. Layana shares that same l-y-n root. Lina and Leena carry the tender meaning in a shorter, more familiar shape, which is partly why both cross so easily into Western use. Dalila, better known through the Delilah story, means gentle and delicate at its root, separate from its biblical narrative.
Names that reach gentleness through a different word
Halima means gentle, patient, and mild, describing temperament rather than texture. Rahma, one of the 99 names of Allah, centers on mercy and compassion, a gentleness of character. Rahaf paints gentleness as atmosphere, a soft, spacious breeze. Liyana, though Malay rather than Arabic, sits comfortably alongside them since it means the same tenderness.
Names List
Lina#572 in the U.S.Tender; a short form of names ending in -lina (Carolina, Angelina, Catalina) or independently an Arabic nPronounced LEE-nuh▶Aleena#657 in the U.S.An elaboration of Alina or Elena; in Arabic aleena or alina can mean soft, gentle, or delicate; in GermanPronounced ah-LEE-nuh▶Layan#831 in the U.S.From Arabic layan, meaning 'softness', 'tenderness', or 'gentle flowing', related to the Arabic root laynPronounced lah-YAHN▶Ayra#939 in the U.S.Variant spelling of Aira or Ayra, likely derived from Sanskrit arya meaning noble, honorable, or of high Pronounced AY-rah▶Leena#1086 in the U.S.Tender; Finnish form of Helena (bright, shining) or a spelling variant of Lena; in Arabic, layna means tePronounced LEE-nuh▶Alisha#1137 in the U.S.Noble kind; a spelling variant of Alicia, from Germanic Adalheidis (adal: noble + heid: kind/type); possiPronounced uh-LEE-shuh▶Dalila#1328 in the U.S.Gentle, delicate, languishingPronounced dah-LEE-lah▶Liyana#1484 in the U.S.Softness, tenderness, gentlenessPronounced lee-YAH-nuh▶Halima#1683 in the U.S.Gentle, patient, mildPronounced hah-LEE-mah▶Layana#1981 in the U.S.Soft, gentle, tender; derived from the Arabic root l-y-n (as in 'layyinah', soft/tender). Sometimes givenPronounced lah-YAH-nah▶Rahma#2258 in the U.S.mercy, compassion, divine kindnessPronounced RAH-mah▶Daila#2304 in the U.S.to draw water, gentlePronounced DY-luh▶Rahaf#3065 in the U.S.From Arabic rahafa meaning to be mild, gentle, or to wave gently like a breeze; connotes spaciousness, gePronounced rah-HAF▶Layanna#3242 in the U.S.Modern blend of Lay- — from Layla or the Arabic name Layan, 'softness, gentleness' — with AnnaPronounced lay-AN-uh▶Hanan#3407 in the U.S.Tenderness, compassion, affection, mercy; from the Arabic root for warmth of heartPronounced hah-NAHN▶Haneen#3837 in the U.S.From Arabic hanin, 'longing, yearning, tender nostalgia' — the heart's soft ache for the belovedPronounced hah-NEEN▶Karime#4411 in the U.S.Latina form of Karima/Karim — from Arabic karim, 'generous, noble, kind'Pronounced kah-REE-meh▶Nadiya#4429 in the U.S.From Slavic Nadiya, 'hope' (Nadezhda), and Arabic Nadia, 'tender, delicate; the beginning'; routes layerePronounced nah-DEE-yah▶Rahil#4620 in the U.S.Arabic/Persian form of Rachel — from Hebrew Rachel, 'ewe' (a gentle female sheep)Pronounced rah-HEEL▶Suhaill#4623 in the U.S.Suhaill is a doubled-l spelling of Suhail, an Arabic name that is above all the name of Canopus, one of tPronounced soo-HAYL▶Jouri#4696 in the U.S.From Arabic Jouri/Joori, 'a kind of rose (the Damask rose); a beautiful pearl'Pronounced JOO-ree▶Saba#4741 in the U.S.From Arabic/Persian saba, 'a gentle morning breeze (from the east)'; also Saba, the kingdom of Sheba; rouPronounced SAH-bah▶Lyna#4956 in the U.S.Spelling of Lina — from Arabic, 'tender, soft; a young palm tree'; also a short form of names ending in -Pronounced LEE-nah▶Ruqayyah#5252 in the U.S.From Arabic Ruqayyah, 'rise, ascent; gentle, tender, charming' (a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad)Pronounced roo-KY-yah▶Suhayla#5405 in the U.S.From Arabic suhayla, 'smooth, gentle, easy' (the feminine of Suhayl, the star Canopus)Pronounced soo-HY-lah▶Anayat#5438 in the U.S.From Arabic/Urdu inayat, 'grace, favor, kindness; divine blessing, benevolence, care'Pronounced ə-NAH-yat▶Haleema#5486 in the U.S.-ee- spelling of Halima — from Arabic halima, 'gentle, patient, mild, forbearing'Pronounced hə-LEE-mah▶Leyana#5517 in the U.S.From Arabic layan/liyan, 'tenderness, softness, gentleness'; also a modern -ana name; routes layeredPronounced lay-AH-nah▶Ruqayya#5561 in the U.S.From Arabic — variously 'gentleness, tenderness', 'a charm/spell of protection', or 'rising, ascent'; thePronounced roo-KY-yah▶Deema#5646 in the U.S.From Arabic dima, 'a cloud bringing gentle, steady, lasting rain' (without thunder)Pronounced DEE-mah▶Karyme#5686 in the U.S.A spelling of Karime/Karima — from Arabic karim, 'generous, noble, kind, honourable' (the feminine of KarPronounced kah-REE-meh▶Lamees#5696 in the U.S.From Arabic lamis, 'soft, tender, smooth to the touch'Pronounced lə-MEESE▶Inayat#5848 in the U.S.From Arabic inaya, 'care, concern, kindness, favour, grace; divine providence'Pronounced ih-NAH-yat▶Alinah#6155 in the U.S.An -h spelling of Alina — variously 'noble, bright' (a Slavic short of Adelina), 'light' (Greek, via HelePronounced ə-LEE-nah▶Rahmah#6560 in the U.S.From Arabic rahmah, 'mercy; compassion; kindness' (a central divine attribute in Islam)Pronounced RAH-mah▶Dima#6678 in the U.S.From Arabic dima, 'a gentle, steady, lasting rain' (a blessing); also a Slavic pet of Dmitri; used for boPronounced DEE-mah▶Zalilah#6891 in the U.S.From Arabic, variously linked to a 'gentle breeze' and an 'abundance; plenty' sense; routes uncertainPronounced zah-LEE-lah▶Halimah#7020 in the U.S.From Arabic halimah, 'gentle; patient; mild; forbearing' — the name of Halimah, the wet-nurse of the PropPronounced hah-LEE-mah▶Mawada#7438 in the U.S.From Arabic mawaddah, 'affection; love; tenderness; loving kindness' — a Quranic word for the bond betweePronounced mah-WAH-dah▶Nihal#7471 in the U.S.From Arabic/Turkish nihal, 'a young plant; a sapling; a tender shoot' (a girls' name); also Sanskrit, 'coPronounced nih-HAHL▶Suhaila#7526 in the U.S.A feminine of Suhail — from Arabic, 'gentle; smooth; easy'; also the name of the bright star Suhail (CanoPronounced soo-HY-lah▶Fiza#7693 in the U.S.From Arabic/Urdu faiza/fiza, 'a gentle breeze; fresh air; abundance; overflowing'Pronounced FEE-zah▶Rahima#7847 in the U.S.The feminine of Rahim — from Arabic, 'merciful; compassionate; kind'Pronounced rah-HEE-mah▶Rehema#7852 in the U.S.From Swahili (from Arabic rahma), 'mercy; compassion; grace'Pronounced reh-HEH-mah▶Dalal#8030 in the U.S.From the Arabic, 'gentle coquetry; coyness; being pampered/treated tenderly' (an image of being cherishedPronounced dah-LAHL▶Daniah#8035 in the U.S.A form of Dania — from the Arabic, 'close; near; within reach' (also linked to 'a tender fruit, low and ePronounced DAH-nee-ah▶Deya#8049 in the U.S.A form of Diya — from the Arabic, 'light; radiance; glow; brilliance'; also linked to the Sanskrit Daya (Pronounced DAY-ah▶Hadeel#8089 in the U.S.From the Arabic Hadil, 'the cooing/murmuring of a dove' — a gentle, peaceful soundPronounced hah-DEEL▶Haleemah#8092 in the U.S.A spelling of Halima — from the Arabic, 'gentle; patient; mild; forbearing' (Halima, the foster mother ofPronounced hah-LEE-mah▶Aydah#8095 in the U.S.A form of the Arabic Aida/Aidah, 'returning; visitor,' with a related sense of 'reward.' Warm and gentle;Pronounced AY-dah▶Leyan#8196 in the U.S.A form of Layan/Liyana — from the Arabic, 'soft; tender; gentle; supple'; routes uncertainPronounced LAY-ahn▶Massa#8233 in the U.S.A name used in several cultures, variously the Arabic masa ('evening; a gentle touch') and a West AfricanPronounced MAH-sah▶Latifa#8700 in the U.S.From the Arabic latifa, 'gentle; kind; pleasant; subtle; delicate'Pronounced lah-TEE-fah▶Halimatou#9119 in the U.S.A West African (Fulani/Pulaar) form of Halima — from the Arabic halim, 'gentle; patient; mild; kind'Pronounced hah-lee-mah-TOO▶Dema#9132 in the U.S.Dema reads as a spelling of Dima, an Arabic name meaning 'a lasting, gentle downpour of rain' (a blessingPronounced DEE-muh▶Nahima#9176 in the U.S.Nahima is most often explained as a form of the Arabic Naima, 'contented, at ease, tranquil,' and it alsoPronounced nuh-HEE-muh▶Layaan#9255 in the U.S.From the Arabic layan, 'softness; tenderness; gentleness; a life of ease'Pronounced lah-YAHN▶Nadiyah#9340 in the U.S.A spelling of Nadia — from the Arabic, variously 'tender; delicate; moist with dew' and 'the caller; the Pronounced nah-DEE-yah▶Waniya#9489 in the U.S.From the Arabic/Urdu, variously glossed 'a gift from God; a gentle rain/cloud'; sources vary, so routes uPronounced WAH-nee-yah▶Deem#9684 in the U.S.A form of Dima/Deem — from the Arabic, 'a continuous, gentle rain; a lasting shower without thunder'Pronounced DEEM▶Karima#9857 in the U.S.From the Arabic karima, a feminine of Karim, 'generous; noble; kind; honorable'Pronounced kah-REE-mah▶Leenah#9924 in the U.S.A spelling of Lina/Lena — variously from the Arabic lina, 'tender/a young palm tree', and a short form ofPronounced LEE-nah▶Reham#10076 in the U.S.From the Arabic riham/reham, 'gentle, soaking rain; a light continuous rain' (a symbol of blessing and mePronounced reh-HAHM▶Ruqaya#10103 in the U.S.From the Arabic Ruqaya/Ruqayyah, variously 'gentle; rising/ascending; a healing charm'; borne by a daughtPronounced roo-KY-yah▶Suheyla#10156 in the U.S.A Turkish form of Suhaila — from the Arabic Suhayl (the star Canopus), hence 'a bright star'; also 'gentlPronounced soo-HAY-lah▶Alanoud#10280 in the U.S.From the Arabic Al-Anoud, understood as 'the tender/delicate ones' or 'the resolute one'; a graceful tradPronounced al-ah-NOOD▶Eilaf#10474 in the U.S.From the Arabic Eilaf (Ilaf), 'affection; intimacy; a close and protective bond' — a word tied to the QurPronounced EE-laf▶Hena#10541 in the U.S.Read as the Arabic/Urdu Hena ('henna,' the reddish dye plant of celebration) and as a form of Hannah ('grPronounced HEH-nah▶Imane#10557 in the U.S.A French/Maghrebi spelling of the Arabic Iman, 'faith; belief; conviction; trust in God.' A gentle virtuePronounced ee-MAHN▶Lima#10705 in the U.S.Read as the place-name Lima (the Peruvian capital) or as the Arabic Lima/Leema ('kind; gracious'); it alsPronounced LEE-muh▶Liyanna#10709 in the U.S.A modern spelling blending Liana ('a climbing vine') with Aliyah/Liyana (Arabic, 'exalted; soft; tender')Pronounced lee-AH-nuh▶Raiha#10868 in the U.S.From the Arabic Raiha (Raeeha), 'fragrance; sweet scent; aroma' - a gentle, sensory virtue name. Soft andPronounced RY-hah▶Raihana#10869 in the U.S.From the Arabic Raihana (Rayhana), 'sweet basil; a fragrant, sweet-smelling plant or flower' - a name of Pronounced ry-HAH-nah▶Ruba#10893 in the U.S.From the Arabic Ruba, 'hills; highlands; elevated ground' (a plural evoking rolling high country). A gentPronounced ROO-bah▶Nurah#10926 in the U.S.From the Arabic Nura, 'light' (from nur, 'light; radiance'). A luminous, widely loved name in Arabic and Pronounced NOO-rah▶Sumaira#11056 in the U.S.From the Arabic Sumaira, a diminutive of Samra, linked to a root for 'brownish; tawny; fair of complexionPronounced soo-MY-rah▶Aamna#11142 in the U.S.A spelling of the Arabic Amna, 'safe; secure; at peace' — related to Aminah, the name of the Prophet MuhaPronounced AHM-nah▶Asyah#11186 in the U.S.A spelling of Asiya, from the Arabic, 'one who tends the weak and heals; consoler.' Borne by the honored Pronounced AH-see-ah▶Halime#11421 in the U.S.The Turkish form of Halima, Arabic for 'gentle; patient; mild' — borne by Halima, the foster mother of thPronounced hah-lee-MEH▶Hayaa#11436 in the U.S.From the Arabic haya, 'modesty; bashfulness; a sense of shame and dignity' — a valued virtue in Islamic tPronounced hah-YAH▶Lamis#11655 in the U.S.From the Arabic Lamis (Lamees), 'soft to the touch; tender; delicate' — a classical name praised in old APronounced lah-MEES▶Layanah#11665 in the U.S.Often read as an extended form of the Arabic Layan, 'softness; gentleness; ease of living'; separately asPronounced lah-YAH-nah▶Linah#11806 in the U.S.An h-final spelling of the Arabic Lina, from a root carrying the sense of softness and tenderness; it is Pronounced LEE-nuh▶Ruman#11920 in the U.S.From Arabic Ruman (rumman), 'pomegranate,' and borne by Umm Ruman, a companion in early Islamic history. Pronounced ROO-man▶Shahad#11954 in the U.S.From Arabic shahd/shahad, 'honey; honeycomb; sweetness.' A sweet, tender name popular across the Arabic-sPronounced shah-HAD▶Sifa#11968 in the U.S.From Arabic shifa, 'healing; cure; health'; also used in Swahili with a sense of 'praise; quality.' A genPronounced SEE-fah▶Ruwaida#11983 in the U.S.From Arabic ruwaida, a diminutive linked to the sense of 'walking gently, going softly, taking it slow' —Pronounced roo-WAY-duh▶Saffiyah#11993 in the U.S.A spelling of the Arabic Safiyya, 'pure; chosen; a sincere friend.' Safiyya bint Huyayy was a wife of thePronounced sah-FEE-yah▶Wania#12040 in the U.S.Wania is an Arabic/Urdu name read as 'gift' or 'a caring, gentle one; the one who is desired'. Meanings vPronounced WAH-nee-uh▶Sulema#12049 in the U.S.A Spanish/Arabic form of Suleima (a feminine of Sulaiman/Solomon) and akin to Salma, from the Arabic rootPronounced soo-LAY-mah▶Suleyma#12050 in the U.S.A Spanish/Arabic spelling of Suleima (a feminine of Sulaiman/Solomon), akin to Salma, from the Arabic rooPronounced soo-LAY-mah▶Zainah#12091 in the U.S.From the Arabic Zainah/Zaynah, 'beauty; grace; adornment,' a form of Zainab/Zayn. A gentle name in praisePronounced ZAY-nah▶Aasiya#12128 in the U.S.From the Arabic Asiya, 'one who tends to the weak; one who heals; caretaker' — the name of the wife of PhPronounced AH-see-yah▶Aamani#12182 in the U.S.From the Sanskrit aamani, a word for the spring season — the time of new growth. It also sits very close Pronounced ah-MAH-nee▶Ashiya#12272 in the U.S.Ashiya reads as a form of Aasiya ('one who tends the weak; consoler', an honored name in Islam) or of AisPronounced ah-SHEE-yuh▶Ashwaq#12276 in the U.S.Ashwaq is an Arabic girl's name meaning 'longings; yearnings', the plural of shawq ('deep affection; longPronounced ash-WAHK▶Amalina#12315 in the U.S.From the Malay and Arabic Amalina, tied to amin/amanah, 'honest; trustworthy; faithful.' A gentle virtue Pronounced ah-mah-LEE-nah▶Bana#12322 in the U.S.Bana is an Arabic girl's name referring to a graceful, sweet-scented tree (the ban/moringa), by extensionPronounced BAH-nah▶Annisa#12354 in the U.S.A spelling of the Arabic Anisa, 'friendly; companionable.' The written form also recalls An-Nisa ('the WoPronounced uh-NEE-sah▶Enayah#12524 in the U.S.An Arabic name from inaya ('care, concern, protection, solicitude') — a tender virtue name. Spellings varPronounced eh-NY-ah▶Hanadi#12591 in the U.S.From the Arabic Hanadi, a name linked to a girl of a gentle, generous, easy-going nature; also read as rePronounced hah-NAH-dee▶Harin#12593 in the U.S.As a Korean given name Harin is built from chosen hanja (often carrying senses like 'summer' and 'wise/gePronounced HAH-rin▶Humayra#12617 in the U.S.From the Arabic Humayra, 'little reddish one,' a tender nickname reportedly given to Aisha, wife of the PPronounced hoo-MY-rah▶Jazirah#12673 in the U.S.From the Arabic jazirah, 'island' — a word familiar from place names across the Arabic-speaking world. A Pronounced jah-ZEE-rah▶Ahleena#12748 in the U.S.A form of Aleena/Alina — Arabic/Urdu for 'soft; silky; tender,' and a Slavic short form of names like YelPronounced ah-LEE-nah▶Khalise#12767 in the U.S.Khalise is a form of the Arabic Khalisa, from khalis, meaning 'pure; sincere; clear.' A gentle virtue namPronounced kah-LEES▶Hanin#12939 in the U.S.From the Arabic Hanin, 'longing; tender yearning; compassion; deep affection.' A soft, feeling-rich name.Pronounced hah-NEEN▶Naeema#13048 in the U.S.A spelling of the Arabic Naima or Naeema, from a root meaning ease, comfort and blessing; the related worPronounced nah-EE-muh▶Raseel#13112 in the U.S.From Arabic rasil/rasil, tied to a root suggesting ease, gentleness and an unhurried, flowing manner; thePronounced rah-SEEL▶Rasha#13151 in the U.S.From Arabic rasha, 'young gazelle; fawn' — a classic image of grace and gentleness in Arabic poetry, and Pronounced RAH-shuh▶Rouguiatou#13154 in the U.S.Rouguiatou is a French-spelled West African form of Ruqayyah, an Arabic name linked to senses of gentlenePronounced roo-gee-ah-TOO▶Rukia#13161 in the U.S.Rukia is an East African (Swahili) form of Arabic Ruqayyah, a name tied to senses of gentleness, tendernePronounced roo-KEE-ah▶Talah#13285 in the U.S.From the Arabic talah, 'a young palm tree' — a slender, growing sapling. A gentle nature name used acrossPronounced TAH-luh▶Talilah#13310 in the U.S.Echoes the Hebrew Talia/Talya, 'dew of God; gentle rain,' and reads by other routes as an Arabic name (tiPronounced tah-LEE-lah▶Yusrah#13389 in the U.S.From Arabic yusr, 'ease; prosperity' — the word famously paired with hardship in the Quranic phrase promiPronounced YOOS-rah▶Yassira#13400 in the U.S.From the Arabic Yasira, 'easy; gentle; wealthy' (root yasir). A soft, meaning-rich Arabic name.Pronounced yah-SEE-rah▶Amnah#13589 in the U.S.From the Arabic Amna, 'safety; security; peace of mind,' related to Aminah, 'trustworthy' — the name of tPronounced AM-nuh▶Anniya#13601 in the U.S.Anniya is a modern American girls' name, a doubled-n spelling in the Aniya and Anaya family. These names Pronounced uh-NEE-uh▶Azizah#13667 in the U.S.From the Arabic aziz, 'mighty; powerful; dear, beloved' — Azizah is the feminine form. It carries both stPronounced uh-ZEE-zuh▶Bareerah#13679 in the U.S.From the Arabic root birr, 'righteousness; devotion; dutiful kindness.' Bareerah (Barirah) was also the nPronounced buh-REE-ruh▶Bibihalima#13698 in the U.S.A compound name from Afghan and Central Asian usage: Bibi, a Persian-derived honorific for a respected woPronounced bee-bee-huh-LEE-muh▶Sadeen#13840 in the U.S.Sadeen (also spelled Sadeem or Saden) is an Arabic girl's name usually connected to sadim, the faint mistPronounced sah-DEEN▶Enayat#13954 in the U.S.From Arabic inayat, 'care; favor; solicitude' — the attentive kindness one person shows another, and in rPronounced eh-NAH-yut▶Hanaan#14035 in the U.S.From Arabic hanan, 'mercy, tenderness, affectionate compassion'. The doubled -aa- spelling marks the longPronounced hah-NAHN▶Heyam#14067 in the U.S.From Arabic hiyam/hayam, a word for passionate love — the kind that makes one wander, lovesick and lost iPronounced heh-YAM▶Liyanah#14411 in the U.S.Liyanah is a modern spelling of Liyana, an Arabic and Malay name usually glossed 'tenderness; softness' (Pronounced lee-YAH-nuh▶Liyan#14434 in the U.S.From the Arabic Liyan, 'gentleness; softness; a comfortable, easy life'; separately a Chinese name (elemePronounced lee-YAHN▶Layann#14436 in the U.S.May represent the Arabic Layan (Lain), 'softness, tenderness, a gentle and easy life'. In English-speakinPronounced LAY-an▶Layanne#14437 in the U.S.The -anne spelling gives a French finish to Layan (Arabic, 'softness, gentle living') or to a fused Lay pPronounced lay-AN▶Insiyah#14479 in the U.S.An Arabic name, 'friendly; sociable; companionable' (from uns, 'friendliness'); it is also honored in somPronounced in-SEE-yah▶Naami#14686 in the U.S.Naami rests on the Semitic root n-'-m, 'to be pleasant; sweet; gracious' — the root behind Hebrew Naomi aPronounced nah-AH-mee▶Nadiah#14688 in the U.S.Nadiah spells Nadia, a name with two honest homes. In Russian and other Slavic languages Nadia is a pet fPronounced NAH-dee-uh▶Naudia#14719 in the U.S.Naudia is a modern respelling of Nadia, with an -au- that shifts the vowel. Nadia is the Slavic pet form Pronounced NAW-dee-uh▶Rawda#14734 in the U.S.From the Arabic rawda, 'garden; green meadow.' Ar-Rawdah is the revered garden area in the Prophet's MosqPronounced RAW-dah▶Niema#14807 in the U.S.From the Arabic Ni'ma (Nima), 'blessing; grace; favor' — a warm virtue name. A gentle, meaning-rich choicPronounced NEE-mah▶Rafif#14830 in the U.S.From the Arabic root r-f-f, giving a sense of 'gleaming, shimmering; delicate, fine' — the soft glitter oPronounced ra-FEEF▶Rakiya#14837 in the U.S.A Hausa and wider West African form of the Arabic name Ruqayyah, borne by a daughter of the Prophet MuhamPronounced rah-KEE-yah▶Ramata#14840 in the U.S.A West African form of Rahmatou/Rahmatu, from the Arabic rahma, 'mercy, compassion' — one of the warmest Pronounced rah-MAH-tah▶Rokhaya#14876 in the U.S.A Senegalese and wider West African form of the Arabic Ruqayyah, borne by a daughter of the Prophet MuhamPronounced roh-KY-ah▶Rokia#14877 in the U.S.A West African form of the Arabic Ruqayyah — borne by a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and often glossPronounced roh-KEE-ah▶Ruwayda#14897 in the U.S.From an Arabic root carrying the sense of moving gently and without haste — 'walking softly; unhurried.' Pronounced roo-WAY-dah▶Ruqiya#14967 in the U.S.A spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, linked to 'rise; ascent' (and 'charm; incantation of protection') — thPronounced roo-KEE-yah▶Suhaylah#15002 in the U.S.Suhaylah (Suhaila) is the feminine of the Arabic name Suhayl, from a root carrying the sense of 'smooth, Pronounced soo-HAY-lah▶Yasira#15148 in the U.S.From the Arabic root y-s-r, Yasira carries 'easy; gentle; effortless,' and by a related sense 'prosperousPronounced yah-SEE-rah▶Yashfa#15221 in the U.S.From an Arabic root tied to shifa ('healing; cure'), Yashfa is generally read as 'healing; one who heals'Pronounced YASH-fah▶Anesia#15361 in the U.S.Anesia reads as a form of Anisia, a Greek saint's name linked to a word for completing or fulfilling, or Pronounced uh-NEE-zhuh▶Takiya#15362 in the U.S.From the Arabic Taqiyya, 'piety; God-consciousness; devoutness' (from taqwa, mindfulness of God). A gentlPronounced tah-KEE-yah▶Anisah#15372 in the U.S.From the Arabic Anisa, 'friendly; companionable; a good companion.' The related An-Nisa ('the Women') is Pronounced uh-NEE-sah▶Anirah#15430 in the U.S.From the Arabic Anira/Munira, tied to nur, 'light' — 'luminous; bright; radiant.' A gentle light-name; noPronounced uh-NEER-ah▶Tayeba#15742 in the U.S.From the Arabic Tayyiba, 'good; pure; wholesome; agreeable' — a warm virtue name. Noted honestly.Pronounced tah-YEE-bah▶Damirah#15780 in the U.S.Damirah reads as an Arabic-rooted name understood as 'good-natured; of good character,' related to a rootPronounced duh-MEE-rah▶Inas#16099 in the U.S.From the Arabic Inas, 'sociability; friendliness; congeniality' -- the warmth of good company. A gentle vPronounced EE-nahs▶Khalisa#16462 in the U.S.A name echoing the Arabic khalisa ('pure; sincere; genuine'); as spelled it may be that word or a modern Pronounced kah-LEE-sah▶Latifah#16564 in the U.S.From the Arabic Latifah, 'gentle; kind; subtle; pleasant.' The masculine Al-Latif ('the Subtle; the GentlPronounced lah-TEE-fah▶Maryum#16775 in the U.S.Maryum is an Urdu spelling of Maryam, the form of Mary honoured in both Christianity and Islam (from the Pronounced MAR-yum▶Niemah#16832 in the U.S.Niemah most plausibly reflects the Arabic ni'ma, 'blessing, grace or favor,' and may also be read as a phPronounced NEE-muh▶Naeemah#16853 in the U.S.From the Arabic Naima/Naeemah, 'blessing; contentment; tranquillity' — a word linked in Islamic traditionPronounced nah-EE-mah▶Raifa#17072 in the U.S.From the Arabic Ra'ifa, 'compassionate; merciful; kind-hearted' - a gentle virtue name.Pronounced RY-fah▶Noorie#17087 in the U.S.A soft form of Noor/Nur, the Arabic and Persian word for 'light' — a luminous, gentle name. Warm and brigPronounced NOOR-ee▶Rehma#17095 in the U.S.Rehma is a form of rahma, the Arabic and Urdu word for 'mercy, compassion'. Mercy is central to Islam: thPronounced REH-mah▶Ruqayah#17139 in the U.S.A spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, 'ascent; rise' and linked to ruqya ('charm; protection') — the same naPronounced roo-KY-yah▶Ruweyda#17140 in the U.S.A Somali form of the Arabic Ruwaida, 'walking gently; proceeding softly and gracefully' - an image of unhPronounced roo-WAY-dah▶Sahla#17154 in the U.S.From the Arabic sahla, 'smooth; easy; gentle; level' — a soft virtue name suggesting ease and grace.Pronounced SAH-lah▶Ruqaiya#17158 in the U.S.A spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, linked to senses of 'rise; ascent' (and 'charm; incantation of protectPronounced roo-KY-yah▶Ruqaiyah#17159 in the U.S.A spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, understood as 'ascent; rise; gentle' and linked to ruqya ('charm; spelPronounced roo-KY-yah▶Saharra#17178 in the U.S.Saharra is a spelling of the Arabic girl's name Sahar, meaning 'dawn' or the quiet hour just before sunriPronounced suh-HAR-uh▶Sakeenah#17187 in the U.S.From the Arabic Sakina, 'tranquillity; calm; serenity' — in the Quran, the peace and reassurance that GodPronounced sah-KEE-nah▶Romaisa#17271 in the U.S.From the Arabic Rumaysa (Al-Rumaysa), a name for a star in the sky. In tradition it is also linked to a wPronounced roh-MY-sah▶Suhailah#17311 in the U.S.A feminine form of the Arabic Suhail, the bright star Canopus, linked to 'gentle; smooth; level.' A luminPronounced soo-HAY-lah▶Nouran#17327 in the U.S.An Arabic name from nur ('light'), read as 'two lights; radiant; full of light.' A luminous, gentle name.Pronounced noo-RAHN▶Tahirah#17340 in the U.S.From the Arabic Tahira, 'pure; chaste; virtuous.' It is honored as an epithet of Fatimah and of Khadijah,Pronounced tah-HEE-rah▶Tasnia#17374 in the U.S.Tasnia is a girl's name popular in Bengali-speaking Muslim families, tied to Tasnim, the name of a heavenPronounced TAHS-nee-uh▶Umaira#17449 in the U.S.An Arabic feminine name usually read as a diminutive of Umar/Amir, from the root meaning 'to flourish; toPronounced oo-MY-rah▶Rizwana#17927 in the U.S.The feminine form of the Arabic Ridwan ('acceptance; contentment; the good pleasure of God'; also the namPronounced riz-WAH-nah▶Selima#18426 in the U.S.A form of the Arabic Salima, 'safe; sound; peaceful; whole,' from the peace-root of salaam; the Selima spPronounced seh-LEE-mah▶Malaka#18521 in the U.S.Malaka is most naturally read as an Arabic name from malak, 'angel,' the feminine form conveying an angelPronounced muh-LAH-kuh▶Rokiatou#18585 in the U.S.A West African (Mali/Senegal) form of the Arabic Ruqayyah, the name of a daughter of the Prophet MuhammadPronounced roh-kee-AH-too▶Saher#18732 in the U.S.Saher is a form of the Arabic Sahar, meaning 'dawn' or 'the last hours of night before daybreak,' and by Pronounced SAH-hair▶Lateefah#18809 in the U.S.Lateefah is a phonetic spelling of Latifah, an Arabic name from latif, 'gentle, kind, subtle, pleasant.' Pronounced luh-TEE-fuh▶AdabFrom the Arabic adab, 'good manners; refinement; courtesy; culture' — a word for graceful, respectful conPronounced ah-DAB▶HalimatuA West African form of Halima (Halimah), from the Arabic for 'gentle; patient; mild.' Halimah was the wetPronounced hah-lee-MAH-too▶IlahiFrom the Arabic/Urdu ilahi, 'my God; divine,' a devotional term of praise and prayer. Used as a name it iPronounced ee-LAH-hee▶TahuraFrom the Arabic Tahura, 'pure; clean' — related to the root behind Tahirah. A gentle virtue name, noted hPronounced tah-HOO-rah▶
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Frequently Asked
What is a common Arabic name meaning gentle or soft?
Layan is one of the clearest examples, meaning softness and gentle flowing. Lina and Leena carry the same 'tender' meaning in shorter, more familiar forms.
Is Halima an Arabic name for gentleness?
Yes. Halima means gentle, patient, and mild, describing a calm temperament rather than a soft texture like some of the other names on this list.
Are Lina and Leena the same name?
They're close but not identical. Lina and Leena both mean tender in Arabic, though Leena also exists independently in Finnish as a form of Helena.
Does Rahma mean gentle?
Not exactly. Rahma means mercy and compassion rather than softness, though it shares the same warm, gentle spirit as the other names here and holds deep spiritual meaning in Islam.