Home βΊ Baby Names Directory βΊ Qais
Qais
Pronounced KICE /ΛkaΙͺs/High
Meaning: Firm, steadfast (traditional gloss); an ancient Arabic name borne by the poet Qais, the Majnun of the Layla and Majnun romanceLow
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Qais is an ancient Arabian name β traditionally glossed 'firm, steadfast', though early Arabic name etymologies are debated β borne by pre-Islamic tribes and, unforgettably, by Qais ibn al-Mulawwah, the seventh-century poet whose love for Layla earned him the title Majnun, 'the possessed'. Nizami's Persian retelling made the pair the Romeo and Juliet of the East, centuries before Verona's.
The name remains current across the Arab world and Afghanistan. In the U.S. it is rare β one syllable carrying twelve centuries of love poetry.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- β
Qais ibn al-Mulawwah (645β688)Arab poet whose love for Layla made him the legendary Majnun of Eastern romance.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Qais mean?
Qais is an ancient Arabic name traditionally glossed 'firm, steadfast', famous through the poet Qais, the Majnun of the Layla romance.
How do you pronounce Qais?
It's said KICE /ΛkaΙͺs/ β a single syllable; the Arabic q is deeper than an English k.
Is Qais a boy or girl name?
Qais is a boy's name.
How popular is Qais?
Qais is a rare name in the U.S., classic across the Arab world and Afghanistan.