Hamza is an Arabic name usually explained as “strong”, “steadfast” or “firm”, from the root ḥ-m-z, and it is often linked to “lion”. It is the name of Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet’s uncle, called “the Lion of Allah”. In 2025 Hamza rose 34 places to joint 129th in England and Wales.
What does Hamza mean?
Dictionaries connect Hamza with the root ḥ-m-z, which carries the sense of being strong, sturdy and sharp. Because of the Companion who bore it, “Hamza” is also widely understood to mean “lion”, and some name dictionaries give that as its meaning. Both ideas point the same way: strength and steadfastness. Note that the exact sense is explained a little differently in different sources.
Part of Hamza’s appeal for British families is that it is short, strong and easy to say in English, Arabic and Urdu alike. It works well on its own, after Muhammad, or as a middle name.
In Arabic writing, hamza (ء) is also the name of the small sign for the glottal stop, the catch in the voice in “uh-oh”. It has the same spelling but is a separate word.
How do you pronounce Hamza?
Say HAM-za, with a breathy Arabic ḥ at the start. Some families add a soft “h” at the end: Hamzah.
How do you spell Hamza? Spellings and variants
- Hamza: the usual UK spelling.
- Hamzah, which reflects the Arabic final letter; Hamzeh (Levant, Iran); Hamzat (Chechnya, Nigeria).
How popular is Hamza in the UK?
Hamza jumped 34 places in 2025, from 306 boys to 385, to share 129th place in England and Wales, one of the biggest rises among Muslim names.
| Spelling | Rank in 2025 | Babies in 2025 | Change since 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamza | 129 | 385 | up 34 places |
Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib
Hamza was the Prophet’s uncle, only a few years older than him, and also his foster brother (Sahih al-Bukhari 2645); the early biographies say both were nursed as babies by Thuwaybah. He was famous in Makkah as a hunter and a fighter.
When Abu Jahl insulted the Prophet, Hamza confronted him and declared that he too followed the Prophet’s religion. His acceptance of Islam, in the early years in Makkah, gave the small community of Muslims new protection and confidence. He was given the title Asad Allah, “the Lion of Allah”, fought at Badr, and was martyred at the Battle of Uhud in 625 (Sahih al-Bukhari 4072). He is remembered as Sayyid al-Shuhada, “the master of the martyrs”, and is buried at Uhud, near Madinah, where pilgrims still visit.
For children, Hamza’s story is about using strength to protect others. Our guide to teaching kids Islamic values has ideas for talking about courage.
Hamza and the Hudhud book
The Hudhud book follows five Prophets, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa and Muhammad (peace be upon them). A boy called Hamza is the brave little traveller himself, with his own name on the cover in place of the sample name, Yusuf.
What middle names go with Hamza?
What are nicknames for Hamza?
Hamz and Hamzi are the usual nicknames.
What are good sibling names for Hamza?
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
What does Hamza mean in Islam?
Hamza is usually explained as “strong”, “steadfast” or “firm”, and is often linked to “lion” because Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib was called the Lion of Allah.
Is Hamza in the Qur’an?
No. Hamza is not a name used in the Qur’an. Muslims choose it for its strong meaning and for the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, a hero of the early Muslim community.
Who was Hamza in Islam?
The Prophet’s uncle and foster brother, Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib. He accepted Islam in Makkah, was called “the Lion of Allah” and was martyred at Uhud in 625.
Is Hamza a popular name in the UK?
Yes, and rising: 385 boys were named Hamza in England and Wales in 2025, up from 306, lifting it 34 places to joint 129th (ONS). Hamzah is counted separately.
Is Hamza a lucky name?
Islam does not treat names as lucky or unlucky; the Prophet rejected omens and liked a good word (Sahih al-Bukhari 5776). Hamza is chosen for strength used well: its bearer protected the Prophet and the first Muslims.
Is it Hamza or Hamzah?
Both are correct transliterations of حمزة. Hamza is more common in the UK; Hamzah reflects the final Arabic letter.
What are nicknames for Hamza?
Hamz and Hamzi are the usual nicknames.
What are good middle names for Hamza?
Hamza Ali, Hamza Yusuf, Hamza Ibrahim and Hamza Zayn are popular, as is Muhammad Hamza, with Hamza as the everyday name.