Bilal

♂ Boy

Pronounced bih-LAL /bɪˈlɑːl/High

Meaning: Flowing water; moisture; from Arabic bilal (flowing water, moistening, freshness)High

In 30 seconds: An Arabic name meaning 'flowing water' or 'freshness,' borne by Bilal ibn Rabah — the first muezzin of Islam, freed from slavery by Abu Bakr and given the honor of being the first person to call the Islamic call to prayer.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFlowing water; moisture; from Arabic bilal (flowing water, moistening, freshness)

U.S. rank (2025)#1212 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births167 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 5,857

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Bilal derives from Arabic bilal (flowing water, freshness, moisture). Bilal ibn Rabah was the Prophet Muhammad's first muezzin, freed from slavery by the companion Abu Bakr Siddiq. His resonant voice and steadfast faith made him iconic in Islamic history.

Bilal is widely used in Muslim communities worldwide. It ranked #1181 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Bilal ibn Rabah (c.580–640 CE) was an Ethiopian-Arab slave who was tortured for converting to Islam but steadfastly refused to recant. The Prophet Muhammad chose him as the first muezzin — the person who calls Muslims to prayer — an enormous honor that made him one of Islam's most beloved figures.

Overall data confidence 89%

Behind the Name — Bilal — Arabic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BellalBilaal

Nicknames

Bil

Famous Bearers

★Bilal ibn Rabah (580–640)
First muezzin of Islam, a freed Ethiopian-Arab former slave chosen by the Prophet Muhammad for his powerful voice to call Muslims to prayer. One of Islam's most revered companions.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Bilal mean?

Bilal means 'flowing water,' 'freshness,' or 'moisture' in Arabic. Bilal ibn Rabah was Islam's first muezzin.

How do you pronounce Bilal?

It's said bih-LAL — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Bilal a boy or girl name?

Bilal is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Bilal?

Bilal ranked #1181 for U.S. boys in 2024.