Short Answer:
No, you do not need to change your name after converting to Islam — unless your current name carries a meaning that contradicts Islamic beliefs or values.
A Closer Look
One of the most common questions among new Muslims is whether they must adopt a new “Islamic” name. In reality, Islam does not mandate a name change upon conversion.1 In most cases, keeping your given name is not only permissible but also encouraged.
When Is a Name Change Recommended?
A name change is only advised in a few specific situations:
- If the name has an offensive or un-Islamic meaning, such as references to false gods, explicit immorality, or beliefs that contradict tawheed (the oneness of God).2
- If the name implies servitude to anything other than Allah, such as ‘Abd al-Lāt (servant of the pre-Islamic deity al-Lāt), or contains obscene or harmful meanings.3
In these cases, scholars recommend choosing a name that better reflects Islamic values.
What About Arabic Names?
Many Muslims have Arabic names, but this is usually cultural or personal — not a religious obligation. Islam is a global faith, and names from any language are acceptable, as long as the meaning is appropriate and respectful.
Choosing an Arabic or traditional Muslim name can be a powerful spiritual gesture, and some reverts find it meaningful. But it remains entirely optional.4
What Did the Prophet (PBUH) Do?
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) only changed people’s names when the meaning was problematic.5 For example, he changed a man’s name from Harb (war) to Salam (peace), and he once changed a name meaning “the disobedient one” to “the beautiful one.”6
However, he did not require people to change names with good or neutral meanings — even if those names weren’t Arabic or overtly “Islamic.”
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Permissible to keep your name if it has a good or neutral meaning.
- 🚫 Recommended to change it only if the meaning is offensive, idolatrous, or inappropriate.
- 🧕🏽 Completely optional to take on an Arabic or traditional Islamic name as a personal or spiritual choice.
- 🌍 Islam welcomes names from all cultures, as long as the meanings uphold Islamic ethics.
💬 Comments
Are you a convert who kept or changed your name? What influenced your decision? Share your experience or ask a follow-up question — respectful discussion is always welcome!
References
- Yusuf Weltch, “Is It Necessary to Change My Name after Accepting Islam?,” Seekers Guidance, 2022, https://seekersguidance.org/answers/islamic-belief/is-it-necessary-to-change-my-name-after-accepting-islam/. ↩︎
- “Changing one’s name after embracing Islam,” IslamWeb.net, Fatwa #84551, 2002, https://www.islamweb.net/en/fatwa/84551/changing-ones-name-after-embracing-islam. ↩︎
- Muhammad al-Munajjid, “Changing one’s name upon accepting Islam,” IslamQA.info, Question: 122, 1997, https://islamqa.info/en/answers/122/changing-one-s-name-upon-accepting-islam. ↩︎
- Ahmad Kutty, “How to Choose a Muslim Name: A Complete Guide,” AboutIslam.net, 2024, https://aboutislam.net/counseling/ask-the-scholar/family/what-are-the-islamic-guidelines-of-choosing-names/. ↩︎
- Adil Salahi, “The Prophet Changed Names When Necessary,” Arab News, 2004, https://www.arabnews.com/node/249316. ↩︎
- Dar al-Ifta (Egypt), “I am a new convert to Islam, should I change my name to a new one?,” Dar-AlIfta.org, Fatwa #4833, 2013, https://www.dar-alifta.org/en/fatwa/details/4833/i-am-a-new-convert-to-islam-should-i-change-my-name-to-a-new-one. ↩︎