Do I have to change my name to an Islamic name?

Question

Since I converted to Islam, by birth my name is Angel. Does that means I have to change my name to an Islamic name?

Answer 1

No of course not. I know plenty of converts who have kept their names, such as Brenda, Ronda, Angie, Sherry, etc... You can change your name if you want to, but then it's your choice, and not at all obligatory.  

Answer 2

You don't have to

Answer 3

it depends on you!!

i thought you were an old Iranian lady!! :D

Answer 4

its not required

Answer 5

if a name has bad meaning in Islaam then one should change, if not, then one can keep the previous name.

Angel as far as i know should be changed as we can't call ourselves angels(free from sins) and other names meaning goddess etc.

and again..

i don't mean to offend you, but I honestly want to know the truth about you... your profile says:

About me: As Christians we've gotta take on the armor of Christ and go to battle against Satan....

and you claimed other things... and if you are shia, it is different ruling than sunnis... most of us here are sunni.

looking fwd to the replies.

thanx.

Answer 6

I kept my name but have an Islamic name that I don't use but plan on publishing under.

Answer 7

Islam emphasizes that Muslims should have good names and give good names to their children. It is reported in a hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names." (Reported by Abu Dawud)

Imam al-Bukhari mentioned that Sa`id ibn al-Musayyib said that when his grandfather came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the Prophet asked him about his name. He said, "Hazn" (meaning Hard). The Prophet said, "You are Sahl. (meaning soft, easy)." The man said, "I do not want to change the name that my father gave me." His grandson Sa`id used to regret and say afterwards that they kept on experiencing the hardness in their family. (Reported by al-Bukhari)

One can only change one's own name, but one cannot change the family name or name of one's parents, unless they are alive and accept the change.

Answer 8

no its upto you :) And Angel doesnt have any bad meaning.. so you can keep it ..

check out my source :)

Good Day!

Answer 9

Not required by any Islamic law, it's more of a personal choice. I know Afro-Americans and even an Irish person who converted and kept their birth names because Mohamed Washington or Murphy raised too many ignorant questions.

Answer 10

no,u don't have to.u have a nice name :)

i don't really understand what is ''islamic'' name,i think ppl call the names of the prophets,and the prophet's wives and families,''islamic''..

my name are neutral..just an arabic name :)

Answer 11

If the name reflects the non-Muslim attribute, do change it. If not, one can keep it or change it. Like my name, I am a former Christian. I reverted to Islam three years ago. But as far as my name does not reflect Christianity, I did not change it.

Answer 12

I think the name of the language you are looking for is Arabic. If you want to be a Muslim, knowing it and speaking it is a very good thing. You don't need to change your name, but if you would feel more comfortable in the Islamic community, go ahead. I would advice learning the language and immersing yourself in the culture, maybe even making your pilgrimage to Mecca, before choosing a name, but it is really up to you.

You don't have to change your name if you don't want to. Angel is an awesome name.