What is the Sharia ruling on naming males with feminine names such as Aisha, Fatimah, and Maryam?
Among the errors and innovations (bid'ah) in naming is naming males with female names and vice-versa. This sometimes occurs in some ignorant environments where some fathers name their male children with female names—such as the name "Bunyah" (little daughter)—believing that this will prevent their death. This contradicts a fundamental principle of the religion, for death and life are in the hand of Allah alone, and a name neither advances nor postpones anything in Allah's decree. A Muslim must pay attention to the matter of names. If a Muslim is named with a female name that males do not typically use, it is legislated for him to change it, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, changed the names of a group of companions.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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