Uwais

♂ Boy

Pronounced oo-WICE /uˈwaɪs/Medium

Meaning: An Arabic name best known from Uwais al-Qarani, an early Yemeni figure revered in Islamic tradition for his piety and his devotion to his mother, though he never met the Prophet. The name is often linked to a diminutive of a word for wolf, but that reading is not certain.Low

In 30 seconds: A name of quiet devotion: Uwais recalls Uwais al-Qarani, revered in Islamic tradition (said 'oo-WICE'). Gentle and rare.

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningAn Arabic name best known from Uwais al-Qarani, an early Yemeni figure revered in Islamic tradition for his piety and his devotion to his mother, though he never met the Prophet. The name is often linked to a diminutive of a word for wolf, but that reading is not certain.

U.S. rank (2023)#9673 ↗ Rising

2023 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 62

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

Uwais is an old Arabic name whose fame rests on Uwais al-Qarani, remembered in Islamic tradition as a man of deep piety who stayed to care for his mother rather than travel to meet the Prophet. He became a byword for sincere, unseen devotion. The literal root is sometimes read as a diminutive of a word for wolf, but that is not settled, and we note it as uncertain (said 'oo-WICE').

It appears only extremely rarely for boys in the U.S., mostly in Muslim families. Rare, revered, and gentle.

Did you know? Uwais is remembered through Uwais al-Qarani, an early Yemeni figure honoured in Islamic tradition for his devotion and his care for his mother — a name that carries quiet reverence (said 'oo-WICE').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Uwais — Arabic; Uwais al-Qarani noted respectfully; literal root uncertain

Variations

OwaisUwaysOvais

Nicknames

WaisUwi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Uwais…

Owais— the more common spelling of the same name

Anas— a like early Islamic-era Arabic name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Uwais mean?

Uwais is an Arabic name best known from Uwais al-Qarani, revered in Islamic tradition for his piety; the literal root is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Uwais?

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

Is Uwais a boy or girl name?

Uwais is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Uwais?

Uwais is an extremely rare name for boys in the U.S., with wider use across the Muslim world.