Ibrahim is the Arabic form of Abraham, traditionally explained as “father of many”, from the Hebrew Avraham, though its earliest meaning is debated. It is the name of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), whom the Qur’an calls the friend of Allah. In 2025 Ibrahim was the 70th most popular boys’ name in England and Wales.
What does Ibrahim mean?
In Genesis, Abram’s name is changed to Abraham with the words “for I have made you a father of many nations” (Genesis 17:5), and “father of many” is the meaning most people give. Linguists point out that the older form, Abram, probably meant “exalted father”, and that the longer form may simply be a dialect version of it. Either way, the name is about fatherhood, and Ibrahim is honoured as the father of the Prophets who came after him.
How do you pronounce Ibrahim?
Say ib-ra-HEEM, with the stress on the long final syllable and a soft, breathy “h”.
How do you spell Ibrahim? Spellings and variants
- Ibrahim: the usual UK spelling.
- Ibraheem, which shows the long “ee”; Ebrahim (South Asian and South African families); Ibrahima (West Africa).
- Abraham (English), Avraham (Hebrew), and İbrahim (Turkish).
How popular is Ibrahim in the UK?
In 2025, 731 boys in England and Wales were named Ibrahim, up from 694, moving it seven places up to 70th.
| Spelling | Rank in 2025 | Babies in 2025 | Change since 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibrahim | 70 | 731 | up 7 places |
| Ibraheem | 432 | 91 | down 34 places |
| Abraham (English form) | 627 | – | down 25 places |
The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)
As a young man, Ibrahim questioned why his people worshipped statues that could not hear or help them. He broke the idols and was thrown into a great fire, but Allah said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Ibrahim” (21:69). Later, with his son Isma’il, he raised the foundations of the Kaaba in Makkah, praying, “Our Lord, accept this from us” (2:127). His willingness to sacrifice his son, and the ram Allah sent in his place (37:102–107), is remembered every year at Eid al-Adha.
The Qur’an says that “Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend” (4:125), so he is called Khalilullah, the friend of Allah. A whole surah, Surah Ibrahim (14), carries his name, and Muslims send blessings on him in every prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) named his own baby son Ibrahim, saying he had named him after his forefather (Sahih Muslim 2315).
Ibrahim’s story is one of the five in the Hudhud book. Read our Prophet Ibrahim story for kids for a retelling to share at bedtime or before Eid al-Adha.
What middle names go with Ibrahim?
- Ibrahim Isma’il, after his son
- Ibrahim Yusuf
- Ibrahim Ali
- Ibrahim Zayn
- Ibrahim Khalil, “friend”
- Muhammad Ibrahim
What are nicknames for Ibrahim?
Ibby, Ibi and Bram are common in the UK; Arabic speakers sometimes use Barhoum, an affectionate form.
What are good sibling names for Ibrahim?
- Brothers: Isma’il, Ishaq, Yusuf, Musa
- Sisters: Sara (his wife), Hajar (the mother of Isma’il), Maryam, Amira
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ibrahim mean?
Ibrahim is the Arabic form of Abraham, traditionally explained as “father of many” or “father of a multitude”. The older form, Abram, probably meant “exalted father”.
Is Ibrahim in the Qur’an?
Yes. Ibrahim is one of the Prophets the Qur’an names most often, and Surah Ibrahim (14) carries his name. The Qur’an says “Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend” (4:125), which is why he is called Khalilullah, the friend of Allah.
Is Ibrahim popular in the UK?
Yes. In 2025, 731 boys were named Ibrahim in England and Wales, up from 694, making it the 70th most popular boys’ name, its highest place yet (ONS). That is about 1 in 411 boys.
Is Ibrahim a lucky name?
Islam has no lucky names, and the Prophet rejected bad omens (Sahih al-Bukhari 5776). But Ibrahim has a blessing of its own: the Prophet Muhammad named his baby son Ibrahim, after his forefather (Sahih Muslim 2315).
Is it Ibrahim or Ibraheem?
Both spell إبراهيم. Ibrahim is far more common in England and Wales, with 731 boys in 2025; Ibraheem, which shows the long “ee”, was given to 91 boys and ranked 432nd (ONS).
What are nicknames for Ibrahim?
Ibby, Ibi and Bram are common in the UK, and Arabic speakers sometimes use Barhoum, an affectionate form.
What are good middle names for Ibrahim?
Ibrahim Isma’il (after his son), Ibrahim Yusuf, Ibrahim Ali, Ibrahim Zayn and Ibrahim Khalil are popular, as is Muhammad Ibrahim.
Is Ibrahim in the Hudhud book?
Yes. The story of Ibrahim and the fire that became cool is one of the five in Hudhud, alongside Nuh, Musa, Isa and Muhammad (peace be upon them).