MallowbyNames

Bilaal

bee-LAHL · Of uncertain origin, but traditionally associated with the Arabic word for 'moist' or 'fresh'.

Peak popularity
2022
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Bilaal since 1990

Babies named Bilaal per year in U.S. Social Security records.

37101990200020102020Most births 2022Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s27
2000s38
2010s34
2020s26

Meaning & origin

Bilaal, a variant of Bilal, has been used in the United States since at least 1990, according to Social Security data. The name has never broken into the top 1000, but it has maintained a stable presence among a small but consistent group of families. Its peak year for recorded births was 2022, showing a modest uptick in recent years. The name's religious significance from Islamic history gives it a distinct resonance, though its precise etymology remains uncertain. Bilaal has not been concentrated in any particular state, reflecting its use across diverse communities.

Bilaal is a variant transliteration of Bilal, a name of Arabic origin. The name is famous in Islamic history as that of Bilal ibn Rabah, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first muezzin. Its meaning is often given as 'moist' or 'fresh', though the etymology is debated and may also relate to 'wetting' or 'dew'. The name has been used across the Muslim world for centuries and remains popular among African-American families.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Bilal, Belaal, Bilall

Sibling names for Bilaal

Names that share Bilaal's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Bilaal, our favorite little boy.

B is for Bilaal…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Bilaal's letter becomes Bilaal's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Bilaal's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Bilaal mean?
Bilaal is often said to mean 'moist' or 'fresh' in Arabic, but the exact meaning is uncertain.
Is Bilaal currently popular?
Bilaal has never ranked in the top 1000 U.S. baby names. It has been consistently given to a small number of boys each year since 1990.
Is Bilaal a boy or girl name?
Bilaal is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.