Names have a certain impact on the child's character or personality.The meaning of the name would inspire him,when he grows old enough to understand its meaning and indication.A good and pleasant name would motivate the person to do good acts and inspire him strength and honor,since he is repeatedly called by it.There is a large collection of Islamic Names With Meanings in this book.It is the primary duty of parents to assign a good Islamic Name to their children.Before you decide a name for your child,it is good to consider some important details.Know that the name, which you decide for your child will stay with him all through his life,therefore the name you choose should not embarrass or humiliate his personality.Here is an Islamic Book containing Muslim Names With Meaning.
For example,if the child is named 'Abdullah' meaning 'a slave of Allah';his name will make him realize and keep him aware of his servitude to Allah. He will understand his true role and the purpose of life.Likewise,if he is named after the Khalifah Uthmaan Ibn Affan;the character,qualities and actions of Uthmaan Ibn Affan (radhiyallahu anhu) would influence him.It might even lead him to perform actions,which befit his name and prevent those,which conflict its character.Similar is the case with unpleasant names,which denote bad qualities and actions.A bad name might even provoke the person to do evil.
Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said:"Every child is held in pledge for his Aqeeqah which is sacrificed for him on his seventh day,and he is named on it and his head is shaved."[(Saheeh) by Shaikh al-Albanee (1165)Abu Dawood (vol:2,no: 2831)and others].Another narration in this aspect is related by Anas (radhiallahu anhu),who said:'Allah's Messenger(sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said:"A boy was born to me this night and I have given him the name of my forefather Ibraheem."[Saheeh Muslim (4/5733)]
In light of these Ahaadeeth we understand that the child can be named on the first day of his birth or it can be delayed until the seventh day.However,what is recommended is to name the child on the seventh day,as such is related in the saying of Allah's Messenger r.Regarding the Hadeeth which mentions the Prophet's practice is taken as an evidence to prove that the child can be named before the seventh day.It is the right of the father to choose and name the child because the child will be ascribed and attributed to him (so and so,son/daughter of so and so). But it is Mustahabb (recommended) for the father to consult and involve his wife in the decision.It is also permissible to allow the grandparents or someone else to name the child,since this is also confirmed in the Sunnah.
