Introduction
Selecting a name for your child is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as parents. For members of the Coptic Orthodox Church, this choice carries additional spiritual significance, connecting your child to a rich heritage of faith dating back to ancient Egypt. Coptic baby names represent more than mere labels—they embody profound spiritual meanings, honor revered saints, and preserve an ancient Christian tradition that has withstood centuries of challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we explore traditional Coptic baby names that reflect this beautiful cultural and religious heritage. Whether you’re expecting a child, researching your Coptic roots, or simply interested in these meaningful names with deep historical resonance, this collection offers insight into one of Christianity’s oldest naming traditions. The Coptic Orthodox Church naming practice connects modern families to apostolic times, creating a spiritual bond across generations.
Table of Contents
About the Coptic Orthodox Church
The Coptic Orthodox Church traces its origins to 42 AD when Saint Mark the Evangelist brought Christianity to Egypt. This ancient Christian denomination adheres to miaphysite Christology and preserves many early Christian traditions, including distinctive liturgies conducted in the Coptic language—a direct descendant of ancient Egyptian. The church has survived centuries of persecution while maintaining its unique cultural heritage. Today, with approximately 20 million adherents worldwide, the Coptic Church remains strongest in Egypt but has significant diaspora communities across North America, Australia, and Europe. The church continues to influence Egyptian culture, art, and naming traditions while maintaining ties to its ancient roots.
![Image: An ornate Coptic Orthodox Church interior featuring traditional iconography, with rays of light illuminating ancient religious symbols. The church’s distinctive architecture showcases colorful biblical scenes and saints, with ceremonial candles burning and creating a reverent atmosphere.]
Boys Names in the Coptic Orthodox Tradition
Choosing a name from the Coptic Orthodox Church tradition for your son connects him to thousands of years of spiritual heritage. These names typically honor saints, martyrs, and biblical figures significant to the Coptic faith.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abanoub | Father of Gold | Honors St. Abanoub, a child martyr who was only 12 when he testified for his faith |
| 2 | Mina | Daily offering | Named after St. Mina (Menas), one of Egypt’s most beloved saints known for miracles |
| 3 | Kyrillos | Lordly | Honors several patriarchs of Alexandria, including St. Cyril who defended Orthodox faith |
| 4 | Shenouda | Son of God | Named after St. Shenouda the Archimandrite, a monastic reformer and Coptic scholar |
| 5 | Bishoy | Noble | Commemorates St. Bishoy, known as “The Perfect Man” for his devout asceticism |
| 6 | Philopateer | Lover of the Father | Honors St. Philopateer Mercurius, the saint of two swords |
| 7 | Youssef | God increases | Biblical patriarch Joseph who became vizier of Egypt |
| 8 | Tadros | Gift of God | Remembers St. Theodore, a military saint known for courage |
| 9 | Bola | Small | Honors St. Paul the Apostle or St. Paul the First Hermit |
| 10 | Botros | Rock | Commemorates St. Peter the Apostle |
| 11 | Antonios | Priceless | Named after St. Anthony the Great, father of monasticism |
| 12 | Athanasios | Immortal | Remembers St. Athanasius, defender of the faith against Arianism |
| 13 | Pavly | Small | Another form honoring St. Paul |
| 14 | Makarios | Blessed | Named after St. Macarius the Great, founder of Scetis monastery |
| 15 | Abraam | Father of multitudes | Biblical patriarch Abraham |
| 16 | Arsany | Elevated | After St. Arsenius the Great, desert father and theologian |
| 17 | Isaak | Laughter | Biblical patriarch Isaac |
| 18 | Tawadros | Gift of God | Another form honoring St. Theodore |
| 19 | Moisés | Drawn from water | Biblical prophet Moses |
| 20 | Daoud | Beloved | Biblical King David |
| 21 | Malak | Angel | Spiritually significant name referring to heavenly messengers |
| 22 | Yoannis | God is gracious | Honors St. John the Baptist or St. John the Beloved |
| 23 | Samuel | Heard by God | Biblical prophet Samuel |
| 24 | Kirollos | Lordly | Variant of Kyrillos honoring St. Cyril |
| 25 | Ebram | Father of multitudes | Variant of Abraham |
| 26 | Marcos | Warlike | Honors St. Mark the Evangelist, founder of the Coptic Church |
| 27 | Ephraim | Fruitful | Named after St. Ephraim the Syrian, hymnographer |
| 28 | George | Farmer | Honors St. George the martyr, greatly venerated in Coptic tradition |
| 29 | Raphael | God has healed | Named after Archangel Raphael |
| 30 | Daniel | God is my judge | Biblical prophet Daniel |
| 31 | Morcos | Warlike | Variant of Marcos, honoring St. Mark |
| 32 | Kerolos | Lordly | Variant of Kyrillos |
| 33 | Amir | Prince | Common name among Coptic Christians meaning “prince” |
| 34 | Karas | Grace | Named after St. Karas, a beloved Egyptian saint |
| 35 | Pachomius | Great eagle | Founder of communal monasticism in Egypt |
| 36 | Boulos | Small | Variant of Paul honoring the Apostle |
| 37 | Benjamin | Son of my right hand | Biblical figure and name of several Coptic patriarchs |
| 38 | Gabriel | God is my strength | Named after Archangel Gabriel |
| 39 | Isaac | Laughter | Variant spelling of biblical patriarch |
| 40 | Yousef | God increases | Variant of Joseph |
| 41 | Takla | Plant of God | Honors St. Takla Haymanot, revered in Oriental Orthodox churches |
| 42 | Shenouty | Son of God | Variant of Shenouda |
| 43 | Abram | Exalted father | Biblical figure, earlier name of Abraham |
| 44 | Agabus | Beloved | Biblical prophet mentioned in Acts |
| 45 | Timothy | Honoring God | Biblical companion of St. Paul |
| 46 | Beshoy | Noble | Variant of Bishoy |
| 47 | Mikhail | Who is like God | Named after Archangel Michael |
| 48 | Luke | Light-giving | Honors St. Luke the Evangelist |
| 49 | Angelos | Messenger | Reference to heavenly messengers |
| 50 | Solomon | Peaceful | Biblical King Solomon |
| 51 | Apollo | Destroyer | Named after the Biblical Apollos, eloquent preacher |
| 52 | Barsoum | Son of fasting | Common monastic name in Coptic tradition |
| 53 | Jacob | Supplanter | Biblical patriarch Jacob |
| 54 | Maximus | Greatest | Honors St. Maximus the Confessor |
| 55 | Musa | Drawn from water | Variant of Moses |
| 56 | Nathaniel | Gift of God | Biblical disciple known for sincerity |
| 57 | Pisentios | The skilled one | Named after St. Pisentios, a 7th-century bishop and saint |
| 58 | Reweiss | Pure | Named after St. Reweiss, a beloved Coptic saint |
| 59 | Sergius | Servant | Honors St. Sergius, a Roman soldier martyred for his faith |
| 60 | Thomas | Twin | Honors St. Thomas the Apostle |
| 61 | Verena | True | Though typically feminine, sometimes used for boys in Coptic families |
| 62 | Wissa | Watchful | Named after St. Wissa, an Egyptian martyr |
| 63 | Mattaos | Gift of God | Honors St. Matthew the Evangelist |
| 64 | Abanob | Father of gold | Variant of Abanoub, the child martyr |
| 65 | Zosima | Viable | Named after St. Zosima who met St. Mary of Egypt |
| 66 | Simon | He has heard | Honors several Biblical figures including St. Peter |
| 67 | Basil | Royal | Named after St. Basil the Great |
| 68 | Cyril | Lordly | Variant spelling honoring St. Cyril |
| 69 | Didymus | Twin | Alternative name of St. Thomas the Apostle |
| 70 | Emmanuel | God with us | Biblical name for Christ |
| 71 | Fam | Golden | Named after St. Phoebammon, an Egyptian martyr |
| 72 | Gideon | Feller, hewer | Biblical judge known for faith |
| 73 | Horus | Named after an early Christian martyr (not the Egyptian deity) | Reclaimed name in Coptic tradition |
| 74 | Isaiah | Salvation of God | Biblical prophet |
| 75 | Jesse | Gift | Father of King David in the Bible |
| 76 | Karass | Grace | Variant of Karas |
| 77 | Lazarus | God has helped | Biblical figure raised from dead by Jesus |
| 78 | Noah | Rest, comfort | Biblical patriarch who built the ark |
| 79 | Oscar | Divine spear | Adopted into Coptic usage |
| 80 | Peter | Rock | Honors St. Peter the Apostle |
| 81 | Ramsis | Child of Ra | Ancient Egyptian name reclaimed in Christian context |
| 82 | Stephen | Crown | First Christian martyr |
| 83 | Titus | Honorable | Companion of St. Paul |
| 84 | Urban | Of the city | Early Roman Pope and martyr |
| 85 | Victor | Conqueror | Named after St. Victor, a Roman soldier martyred for faith |
| 86 | Wadid | Beloved | Common name among Coptic Christians |
| 87 | Yacob | Supplanter | Variant of Jacob |
| 88 | Zaki | Pure, virtuous | Common name among Egyptian Christians |
| 89 | Ammon | Hidden | Named after St. Ammon, desert father |
| 90 | Barsanuphius | Son of excellence | Named after a 6th-century hermit saint |
| 91 | Claudius | Lame | Named after St. Claudius of Antioch, martyr |
| 92 | Domadius | Of the Lord | Early Coptic martyr |
| 93 | Epiphanius | Manifestation | Named after St. Epiphanius of Salamis |
| 94 | Faltaous | Golden | Named after St. Philotheus, an Egyptian martyr |
| 95 | Gallacion | Milk-white | Early Christian martyr honored in Coptic tradition |
| 96 | Hakeem | Wise | Common name among Egyptian Christians |
| 97 | Isidore | Gift of Isis | Ancient Egyptian name Christianized in Coptic tradition |
| 98 | Julius | Downy-bearded | Named after St. Julius of Aqfahs, Egyptian martyr |
| 99 | Kosmas | Order | Named after St. Cosmas the Unmercenary Healer |
| 100 | Louka | Light-giving | Variant of Luke |
Girls Names in the Coptic Orthodox Tradition
Female names in the Coptic Orthodox Church often honor female saints, martyrs, and biblical women who exemplify faith and virtue. These names celebrate the spiritual heritage that Coptic baby names represent.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demiana | Tamer | Honors St. Demiana who was martyred with 40 virgins |
| 2 | Marina | From the sea | Named after St. Marina who vanquished demons |
| 3 | Verena | True | Honors St. Verena who taught hygiene to Egyptians |
| 4 | Mary | Bitter sea, beloved | The mother of Jesus Christ, highly venerated |
| 5 | Monica | Advisor | Mother of St. Augustine, model of persistent prayer |
| 6 | Mariam | Bitter sea, beloved | Semitic variant of Mary |
| 7 | Youstina | Just | Named after St. Justina, virgin martyr |
| 8 | Irini | Peace | Honors St. Irene the Martyr |
| 9 | Febronia | Fruitful | Named after St. Febronia, nun and martyr |
| 10 | Sara | Princess | Biblical matriarch Sarah |
| 11 | Rebecca | To bind | Biblical wife of Isaac |
| 12 | Anastasia | Resurrection | Honors St. Anastasia, martyr |
| 13 | Helena | Bright one | Named after St. Helena who found the True Cross |
| 14 | Theodora | Gift of God | Honors several female saints of this name |
| 15 | Martha | Lady | Biblical friend of Jesus |
| 16 | Barbara | Foreign | Honors St. Barbara, who was martyred by her father |
| 17 | Sophia | Wisdom | Represents divine wisdom, and honors St. Sophia |
| 18 | Tamav | Mother | Common honorific title used as a name |
| 19 | Mohrael | God’s love | Named after a beloved Coptic child martyr |
| 20 | Christine | Follower of Christ | Honors St. Christine the Great Martyr |
| 21 | Elizabeth | God is my oath | Biblical mother of John the Baptist |
| 22 | Catherine | Pure | Honors St. Catherine of Alexandria |
| 23 | Philomena | Beloved | Named after St. Philomena, virgin martyr |
| 24 | Thekla | Glory of God | First female martyr, disciple of St. Paul |
| 25 | Julietta | Youthful | Honors St. Julietta, martyr |
| 26 | Susanna | Lily | Biblical figure known for virtue |
| 27 | Rachel | Ewe | Biblical wife of Jacob |
| 28 | Lydia | From Lydia | First European convert of St. Paul |
| 29 | Anna | Grace | Mother of the Virgin Mary |
| 30 | Magdalena | From Magdala | Named after Mary Magdalene, apostle to the apostles |
| 31 | Rafka | Little one | Named after St. Rafka, Lebanese saint honored by Oriental Orthodox |
| 32 | Tamina | Precious | Name common among Coptic Christians |
| 33 | Eve | Life | Biblical first woman |
| 34 | Damaris | Gentle | Biblical convert of St. Paul mentioned in Acts |
| 35 | Priscilla | Ancient | Biblical woman who taught Apollo with her husband |
| 36 | Tabitha | Gazelle | Biblical woman raised from death by St. Peter |
| 37 | Aquila | Eagle | Though masculine in origin, used for girls in Coptic tradition |
| 38 | Anahid | Immaculate | Name common among Coptic Christians |
| 39 | Anisia | Performance | Named after St. Anisia of Thessalonica, martyr |
| 40 | Basilia | Royal | Feminine form of Basil, honoring St. Basil |
| 41 | Charita | Grace | Named after St. Charity, martyr |
| 42 | Doxa | Glory | Represents divine glory |
| 43 | Eugenia | Well-born | Named after St. Eugenia of Rome |
| 44 | Fevronia | Fruitful | Variant of Febronia |
| 45 | Gabriella | God is my strength | Feminine form of Gabriel |
| 46 | Hermione | Well-born | Named after St. Hermione, daughter of St. Philip |
| 47 | Iris | Rainbow | Symbolic of God’s covenant |
| 48 | Josephine | God increases | Feminine form of Joseph |
| 49 | Khadija | Premature child | Common name among Egyptian Christians |
| 50 | Lillian | Lily | Symbol of purity in Christian tradition |
| 51 | Marcelline | Young warrior | Named after St. Marcellina, sister of St. Ambrose |
| 52 | Nefertari | Beautiful companion | Ancient Egyptian name reclaimed in Christian context |
| 53 | Olivia | Olive tree | Symbol of peace in Christian tradition |
| 54 | Perpetua | Everlasting | Named after St. Perpetua, martyr |
| 55 | Quarta | Fourth | Named after a Biblical figure mentioned by Paul |
| 56 | Raissa | Rose | Named after St. Raissa, martyr |
| 57 | Salome | Peace | Biblical follower of Jesus |
| 58 | Tatiana | Founder | Honors St. Tatiana of Rome |
| 59 | Ursula | Little bear | Named after St. Ursula, virgin martyr |
| 60 | Valentina | Strong | Feminine form of Valentine, honoring the saint |
| 61 | Winifred | Friend of peace | Honored in several Christian traditions |
| 62 | Xenia | Hospitality | Named after St. Xenia of Petersburg |
| 63 | Yodit | Praised | Ethiopian form of Judith, biblical heroine |
| 64 | Zenobia | Life of Zeus | Christianized in context to mean “life from God” |
| 65 | Agatha | Good | Named after St. Agatha of Sicily |
| 66 | Brigita | Exalted one | Named after St. Bridget |
| 67 | Cecilia | Blind | Named after St. Cecilia, patron of music |
| 68 | Drusilla | Strong | Biblical figure in Acts |
| 69 | Esther | Star | Biblical queen who saved her people |
| 70 | Faith | Faith | One of the three theological virtues |
| 71 | Gloria | Glory | Represents divine glory |
| 72 | Hope | Hope | One of the three theological virtues |
| 73 | Ileana | God is gracious | Variant of Helena |
| 74 | Joy | Joy | Fruit of the Holy Spirit |
| 75 | Katrina | Pure | Variant of Catherine |
| 76 | Leah | Weary | Biblical wife of Jacob |
| 77 | Maria | Bitter sea, beloved | Variant of Mary |
| 78 | Naomi | Pleasant | Biblical mother-in-law of Ruth |
| 79 | Ophelia | Help | Represents divine assistance |
| 80 | Paula | Small | Feminine form of Paul |
| 81 | Quinta | Fifth | Biblical figure mentioned by Paul |
| 82 | Rebekah | To bind | Variant of Rebecca |
| 83 | Seraphina | Burning ones | Reference to highest order of angels |
| 84 | Teresa | Harvester | Named after several saints |
| 85 | Umm | Mother | Title used as a name in Coptic tradition |
| 86 | Victoria | Victory | Named after St. Victoria, martyr |
| 87 | Wilma | Resolute protector | Adopted into Coptic usage |
| 88 | Ximena | Listener | Adopted into Coptic usage |
| 89 | Yasmin | Jasmine flower | Common name among Egyptian Christians |
| 90 | Zoe | Life | Named after St. Zoe, martyr |
| 91 | Angelina | Little angel | Reference to heavenly messengers |
| 92 | Bernice | Bringer of victory | Biblical figure in Acts |
| 93 | Claudia | Lame | Biblical figure mentioned by Paul |
| 94 | Dorcas | Gazelle | Alternative name for Tabitha in Acts |
| 95 | Euphemia | Well-spoken | Named after St. Euphemia the All-Praised |
| 96 | Felicity | Happiness | Named after St. Felicity, martyr |
| 97 | Glynis | Pure | Adopted into Coptic usage |
| 98 | Hannah | Grace | Biblical mother of Samuel |
| 99 | Iovita | Joyful | Named after an early Christian martyr |
| 100 | Julia | Youthful | Named after several early Christian martyrs |
Egyptian Christian Names with Ancient Heritage
These Coptic baby names have roots in ancient Egyptian culture but have been embraced within the Coptic Orthodox Church tradition.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amun | Hidden one | Christianized to represent the mysterious nature of God |
| 2 | Nefertiti | The beautiful one has come | Reclaimed to celebrate God’s beauty in creation |
| 3 | Ramses | Child of Ra | Repurposed to honor divine light |
| 4 | Thutmose | Born of Thoth | Reclaimed to celebrate wisdom |
| 5 | Ankhes | She lives | Represents eternal life in Christ |
| 6 | Kiya | Person | Represents individual dignity in Christ |
| 7 | Tiye | Goddess | Reclaimed to honor divine femininity |
| 8 | Ahmose | Born of the moon | Repurposed to celebrate God’s creation |
| 9 | Senusret | Man of the goddess | Reclaimed to represent devotion |
| 10 | Hatshepsut | Foremost of noble women | Honors female leadership |
| 11 | Meritaten | Beloved of Aten | Repurposed to represent God’s beloved |
| 12 | Nefertari | Beautiful companion | Represents companionship with Christ |
| 13 | Ptahhotep | Peace of Ptah | Reclaimed to represent God’s peace |
| 14 | Amenhotep | Peace of Amun | Repurposed as “Peace of God” |
| 15 | Nitocris | Divine consort | Reclaimed to represent devotion to God |
| 16 | Psamtik | Maker of fine pottery | Represents God as divine craftsman |
| 17 | Shabaka | Wild cat | Symbolic of spiritual vigilance |
| 18 | Takelot | Festival of Bastet | Reclaimed to celebrate divine joy |
| 19 | Usermare | Powerful like Ra | Repurposed to represent divine power |
| 20 | Wennefer | Eternally good | Represents God’s eternal goodness |
| 21 | Xerxes | Ruler over heroes | Adopted into Coptic usage from Persian influence |
| 22 | Yorke | From the river | Represents baptism |
| 23 | Zekhariou | God remembers | Ancient Egyptian form of Zechariah |
| 24 | Akhenaten | Effective spirit of Aten | Reclaimed as “Effective spirit of God” |
| 25 | Beketaten | Handmaid of Aten | Repurposed as “Handmaid of God” |
| 26 | Cleopatra | Father’s glory | Historical name adopted into Christian usage |
| 27 | Djoser | Holy one | Represents divine holiness |
| 28 | Esna | The fish | Early Christian symbol reclaimed |
| 29 | Femi | Love me | Represents divine love |
| 30 | Gahiji | Hunter | Symbolic of spiritual seeking |
Orthodox Baby Names with Spiritual Significance
These names from the broader Orthodox tradition have been embraced by the Coptic Orthodox Church and carry deep spiritual meanings.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Theophilus | Friend of God | First recipient of Luke’s Gospel |
| 2 | Macarius | Blessed | Named after St. Macarius the Great |
| 3 | Theodoros | Gift of God | Honors St. Theodore the General |
| 4 | Anastasia | Resurrection | Celebrates Christ’s resurrection |
| 5 | Christodoulos | Servant of Christ | Represents devotion to Jesus |
| 6 | Dorothea | Gift of God | Named after St. Dorothy the Virgin Martyr |
| 7 | Eleutherios | Free | Named after St. Eleutherius, bishop and martyr |
| 8 | Fotini | Enlightened one | The Samaritan woman at the well |
| 9 | Gregory | Watchful | Named after St. Gregory the Theologian |
| 10 | Hermanubis | Hermes-Anubis | Ancient name reclaimed in Christian context |
| 11 | Ignatius | Fiery one | Named after St. Ignatius of Antioch |
| 12 | John | God is gracious | Named after St. John the Baptist, Apostle, or other saints |
| 13 | Kassiani | From Cassia | Named after St. Kassiani, hymnographer |
| 14 | Leonidas | Lion-like | Named after St. Leonidas of Alexandria, martyr |
| 15 | Melania | Black, dark | Named after St. Melania the Younger |
| 16 | Nathanael | Gift of God | Apostle also known as Bartholomew |
| 17 | Onuphrius | Always happy | Named after St. Onuphrius the Hermit |
| 18 | Parascheva | Preparation | Named after St. Paraskevi, healer of blindness |
| 19 | Quintus | Fifth | Early Christian martyr |
| 20 | Romanos | Roman | Named after St. Romanos the Melodist |
| 21 | Seraphim | Burning ones | Named after St. Seraphim of Sarov |
| 22 | Thaddaeus | Heart | One of the Twelve Apostles |
| 23 | Uncumber | Free from care | Named after St. Wilgefortis |
| 24 | Varus | Elevated | Named after St. Varus, soldier martyr |
| 25 | Xanthippe | Yellow horse | Early Christian convert mentioned by Paul |
| 26 | Yegor | Farmer | Slavic form of George, adopted by some Copts |
| 27 | Zenaida | Of Zeus | Christianized as “Of God,” early Christian physician |
| 28 | Alexandra | Defender of mankind | Named after several early Christian martyrs |
| 29 | Bartholomew | Son of Talmai | One of the Twelve Apostles |
| 30 | Constantine | Steadfast | First Christian Roman Emperor |
Ancient Egyptian Christian Names
These names represent the unique fusion of ancient Egyptian culture with Christianity that defines the Coptic Orthodox Church heritage.
| No. | Name | Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pakhom | Eagle | Named after St. Pachomius, founder of communal monasticism |
| 2 | Isidora | Gift of Isis | Christianized as “Gift of God” |
| 3 | Amunhotep | Peace of Amun | Christianized as “Peace of God” |
| 4 | Sherit | Little one | Symbol of humility in Christ |
| 5 | Thutmosis | Born of Thoth | Reclaimed as symbol of divine wisdom |
| 6 | Kemetea | Of black soil | Represents the fertile spiritual soil of Egypt |
| 7 | Sirius | Scorching | Adopted for symbolic brightness |
| 8 | Taharka | Exalted | Represents spiritual elevation |
| 9 | Meryetre | Beloved of the Eye | Reclaimed as “Beloved of God” |
| 10 | Nemesou | Born of the sword | Symbol of spiritual warrior |
| 11 | Pedubast | Given by Bastet | Reclaimed as “Gift of God” |
| 12 | Horemheb | Horus is in festival | Christianized reference to divine joy |
| 13 | Nitiqret | Divine consort | Reclaimed to represent the Church as bride of Christ |
| 14 | Pinedjem | Sweet Tree | Symbolic of the Cross |
| 15 | Satiah | Daughter of the moon | Symbolic of divine creation |
| 16 | Tausret | Mighty lady | Represents spiritual strength |
| 17 | Unnefer | Beautiful being | Represents divine beauty |
| 18 | Wadjet | Papyrus-colored one | Symbol of the Scriptures |
| 19 | Yuya | Greatest one | Representative of God’s greatness |
| 20 | Ahmose | Born of the moon | Repurposed to celebrate God’s creation |
| 21 | Baketaten | Handmaid of Aten | Christianized as “Handmaid of God” |
| 22 | Cleotra | Father’s glory | Historical name adopted into Christian usage |
| 23 | Djehutymes | Born of Thoth | Symbol of divine wisdom |
| 24 | Eshe | Life | Symbolic of eternal life in Christ |
| 25 | Femi | Love me | Represents divine love |
| 26 | Heqet | Ruler | Symbol of Christ’s lordship |
| 27 | Iput | Favored one | Represents divine favor |
| 28 | Kemsit | The black one | Reference to fertile soil of Egypt |
| 29 | Meresankh | She loves life | Represents love of eternal life |
| 30 | Nebt-Het | Lady of the house | Symbol of the Church as God’s household |
Conclusion: Choosing a Coptic Baby Name
Selecting a Coptic baby name for your child connects them to an unbroken chain of faith stretching back to the earliest days of Christianity. These names carry profound spiritual significance, honoring the saints and martyrs who shaped the Coptic Orthodox Church through centuries of both persecution and flourishing. Beyond being simply beautiful or meaningful labels, these names serve as constant reminders of your child’s spiritual heritage and the virtues they are called to embody.
Whether you choose a name honoring a beloved saint like Mina or Demiana, an ancient Egyptian name reclaimed for Christian significance like Isidora, or a biblical name with deep resonance like Youssef or Mariam, your choice blesses your child with a spiritual legacy. Many Coptic families select names during baptism, allowing the church community to participate in welcoming the child into the faith.
Remember that in the Coptic Orthodox tradition, a name is never merely a personal identifier—it’s a declaration of faith, a connection to history, and a blessing that guides your child through life. May your chosen name be a source of strength, identity, and spiritual foundation for your little one as they grow in faith and love.
FAQs
Yes, names implying servitude to anyone other than Allah (e.g., Abdul-Nabi – servant of the Prophet), names that are exclusively Attributes of Allah (like Al-Khaliq – The Creator, unless preceded by ‘Abd’), names suggesting arrogance (like Malik al-Amlak – King of Kings), or names with negative meanings are generally discouraged or forbidden. Consulting knowledgeable sources is advised.
No, while Arabic names are very common due to the language of the Quran, Muslim Baby Names can come from any language as long as they have a good and permissible meaning and don’t belong exclusively to other religious traditions or have negative connotations. Many Muslims use names from Persian, Turkish, Urdu, African, and other backgrounds
Meaning is highly emphasized. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed choosing names with good meanings, as they are believed to have an impact on the child and are a form of dua (supplication). It’s a key consideration when selecting Meaningful Muslim Baby Names.
Yes, the Aqiqah is a recommended Sunnah (practice of the Prophet PBUH). It involves sacrificing an animal (usually sheep or goat) for the baby, shaving the baby’s head, donating the weight of the hair in silver (or its value) to charity, and formally announcing the chosen name. It’s typically done on the seventh day after birth but can be done later.
Use reliable resources. Websites specializing in Islamic Baby Names (like QuranicNames.com), academic resources on Arabic/Islamic culture, reputable general naming sites (like Behind the Name), or consulting with knowledgeable Islamic scholars or community elders can help ensure accuracy.