Owais

♂ Boy

Pronounced oh-WICE /oˈwaɪs/High

Meaning: From Arabic — a diminutive linked to 'wolf' (aws); borne by the revered early Muslim Owais al-QarniMedium

In 30 seconds: A little wolf with a saintly soul: Owais links to the wolf and honors Owais al-Qarni — the devoted follower the Prophet praised though they never met. Tender, strong, and deeply revered.

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic — a diminutive linked to 'wolf' (aws); borne by the revered early Muslim Owais al-Qarni

U.S. rank (2025)#3073 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births40 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 433

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

Owais comes from Arabic, a diminutive linked to aws, 'wolf' (so 'little wolf'). It is borne in honor of Owais al-Qarni, a Yemeni contemporary of the Prophet Muhammad famed for his piety and devotion despite never meeting him — a model of pure faith.

In the U.S. it appears in Muslim families, especially of South Asian heritage. Rare, wolf-and-devotion at the root, and revered.

Did you know? Owais al-Qarni was so devoted that the Prophet Muhammad praised him without ever meeting him — and a Sufi tradition of spiritual connection across distance, 'Uwaisi', is named after him.

Overall data confidence 78%

Islamic name references — Owais/Uwais — etymology and bearer

Variations

UwaisOwaizAwais

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Owais Raza Qadri (1970-)
Pakistani naat reciter and religious singer
★Owais Shah (1978-)
English cricketer who played international cricket for England

If you like Owais…

Ayaan— a companion modern Muslim name

Zayd— another revered early-Islamic name

Faris— lands in the same popularity range

Younis— a fellow Arabic choice

Yunis— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Owais

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Owais mean?

Owais is Arabic, linked to 'little wolf'; it honors the devout Owais al-Qarni.

How do you pronounce Owais?

It's said oh-WICE /oˈwaɪs/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Owais a boy or girl name?

Owais is a boy's name.

How popular is Owais?

Owais is a rare name in the U.S.