Guide to Sarawakian & Sabahan Baby Names

Choosing a baby name is a significant milestone for new parents, especially when it comes to preserving cultural heritage and family traditions. Sarawakian and Sabahan baby names carry rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting the diverse ethnic backgrounds and vibrant traditions of these Malaysian states.

Sarawak and Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, are known for their cultural diversity, with numerous ethnic groups, each with its own unique naming traditions. From traditional names that have been passed down through generations to modern names influenced by globalization, the variety is vast and meaningful.

This guide will help you navigate through popular, modern, and unique baby names from Sarawak and Sabah, ensuring you find the perfect name for your little one.

Traditional Sarawakian Baby Girl Names

Traditional Sarawakian names often carry deep meanings and are rooted in the cultural heritage of ethnic groups like the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu. Here are some traditional names:

Ayu (ah-YOO) – Beautiful
Bulan (boo-LAHN) – Moon
Cempaka (chem-PAH-kah) – Fragrant flower
Dayang (DAH-yahng) – Noble lady
Engku (ENG-koo) – Princess
Farisha (FAH-ree-shah) – Bright
Gading (GAH-ding) – Ivory
Hanim (HAH-neem) – Gentle
Indah (IN-dah) – Beautiful
Jamilah (jah-MEE-lah) – Graceful
Kasih (KAH-seeh) – Love
Laksmi (LAHK-smee) – Goddess of wealth
Mawar (MAH-wahr) – Rose
Nabila (NAH-bee-lah) – Noble
Puteri (POO-teh-ree) – Princess
Rafidah (RAH-fee-dah) – Helper
Sari (SAH-ree) – Essence
Tijah (TEE-jah) – Prosperous
Umi (OO-mee) – Mother
Vega (VEH-gah) – Brightest star
Wati (WAH-tee) – Beautiful
Yanti (YAHN-tee) – Delicate
Zaleha (ZAH-leh-hah) – Honest
Alang (AH-lang) – Firstborn
Bujang (BOO-jahng) – Beautiful (also means single or young)

These names reflect a blend of Malay, Iban, Bidayuh, and other ethnic influences prevalent in Sarawak, each carrying its own cultural significance and beauty.

Traditional Sarawakian Baby Boy Names

These names reflect the rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity of Sarawak, emphasizing values like bravery, peace, and strength.

Jemat (jeh-MAHT) – Bravery.
Ruma (ROO-mah) – House or home.
Bujang (BOO-jang) – Bachelor; unmarried man.
Enting (EN-ting) – Star.
Nawang (NAH-wang) – Peace.
Dayak (DAH-yak) – Indigenous person.
Adup (AH-doop) – Prosperous.
Nangku (NANG-koo) – Guardian.
Laja (LAH-jah) – Light or bright.
Apai (AH-pai) – Father.
Encharang (EN-cha-rang) – Strong and firm.
Langit (LAH-ngit) – Sky.
Sawa (SAH-wah) – Blessing.
Dai (DAI) – Greatness.
Bala (BAH-lah) – Warrior.
Tage (TAH-geh) – Eagle.
Ulit (OO-lit) – Resilient.
Mata (MAH-tah) – Eyes.
Kapit (KA-pit) – Support.
Jalai (JAH-lai) – Path or way.
Bajau (BAH-jau) – Sailor or fisherman.
Minggat (MING-gaht) – Freedom.
Bungan (BOONG-an) – Flower.
Tuan (TOO-an) – Leader or master.
Agas (AH-gas) – Tiny but strong.

Modern Sarawakian Baby Girl Names

Modern Sarawakian names are often a blend of traditional roots and contemporary influences. Here are some popular modern names:

Aina (AH-ee-nah) – Eye; sight
Bunga (BOONG-ah) – Flower
Cahaya (CHAH-hai-yah) – Light; radiance
Dalia (DAH-lee-yah) – Gentle; tender
Emelia (eh-MEE-lee-ah) – Rival; striving
Farah (FAH-rah) – Joy; happiness
Gina (JEE-nah) – Silvery
Helena (heh-LEH-nah) – Light; torch
Intan (IN-tahn) – Diamond
Jasmine (JAZ-meen) – Jasmine flower
Kirana (kee-RAH-nah) – Ray of light
Laila (LAY-lah) – Night; dark beauty
Melur (MEH-loor) – Jasmine flower
Nadia (NAH-dee-ah) – Hope
Orked (OR-kehd) – Orchid
Puteri (POO-teh-ree) – Princess
Qistina (KEES-tee-nah) – Fair; just
Rania (RAH-nee-ah) – Queen; joyful
Suri (SOO-ree) – Sun; noble
Tania (TAH-nee-ah) – Fairy queen
Umaira (OO-mai-rah) – Red; lively
Vina (VEE-nah) – Loved one
Warna (WAR-nah) – Color
Xara (ZAH-rah) – Princess; flower
Yasmin (YAS-meen) – Jasmine flower

These names incorporate elements from local cultures, Malay, and modern influences, reflecting the diverse heritage of Sarawak.

Modern Sarawakian Baby Boy Names

These names are chosen for their popularity and significance in the diverse cultural context of Sarawak, which includes Malay, Iban, and other ethnic influences.

Aiman (AY-man) – Lucky, blessed.
Aqil (AH-keel) – Intelligent, wise.
Hafiz (HA-feez) – Guardian, protector.
Imran (IM-ran) – Prosperity, a prophet’s name.
Iqbal (IK-bal) – Fortunate, prosperity.
Kamal (KA-mal) – Perfection, excellence.
Luqman (LOOK-man) – Wise, a prophet’s name.
Nizam (NI-zam) – Order, system.
Rafiq (RA-feek) – Friend, companion.
Rayyan (RAI-yan) – Luxuriant, one of the gates of Heaven.
Saif (SAYF) – Sword.
Shafiq (SHA-feek) – Compassionate, kind.
Tariq (TAH-reeq) – Morning star, he who knocks at the door.
Zafir (ZA-feer) – Victorious.
Zayd (ZAID) – Growth, abundance.
Arif (AH-rif) – Knowledgeable, wise.
Badr (BAD-er) – Full moon.
Farid (FA-reed) – Unique, precious.
Harith (HA-reeth) – Plowman, cultivator.
Jamal (JA-mal) – Beauty, handsome.
Khalid (KHA-lid) – Eternal, immortal.
Mahdi (MAH-dee) – Rightly guided.
Nasir (NA-seer) – Helper, supporter.
Rashid (RA-sheed) – Rightly guided, wise.
Yusuf (YOO-soof) – God increases, a prophet’s name.

Traditional Sabahan Girl Names

Sabahan names reflect the rich tapestry of ethnic groups such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut. Here are some traditional names:

Aminah (ah-mee-nah) – Trustworthy, faithful
Dayang (dah-yahng) – Princess
Siti (see-tee) – Lady
Marcella (mar-sel-lah) – Warlike
Noraini (noh-rah-ee-nee) – Light of my eyes
Amira (ah-mee-rah) – Princess, leader
Farah (fah-rah) – Joy
Fadilah (fah-dee-lah) – Virtuous, excellent
Zarina (zah-ree-nah) – Golden
Nurul (noo-rool) – Light
Intan (een-tahn) – Diamond
Aisyah (ah-ee-syah) – Alive, well-living
Jasmin (jaz-min) – Flower
Suraya (soo-rah-yah) – Star
Zulaikha (zoo-lai-kah) – Brilliant, shining
Fauziah (fow-zee-ah) – Successful, victorious
Nazeera (nah-zee-rah) – Rare, precious
Raudhah (row-dhah) – Garden in paradise
Salmah (sahl-mah) – Peaceful
Liana (lee-ah-nah) – To bind, to connect
Delisha (deh-lee-shah) – Happy and prosperous
Adrina (ah-dree-nah) – Happiness, delight
Ameera (ah-mee-rah) – Leader, princess
Elvina (el-vee-nah) – Elf friend
Qistina (kee-stee-nah) – Fair and just

These names carry rich meanings and reflect Sabahan culture and heritage.

Traditional Sabahan Boy Names

Amirul (ah-mee-ROOL) – Meaning “leader” or “prince.”
Harith (HAH-reeth) – Meaning “lion” or “brave.”
Farhan (FAHR-hahn) – Meaning “happy” or “joyful.”
Zainal (ZAHY-nahl) – Meaning “graceful” or “distinguished.”
Firdaus (FEER-dows) – Meaning “paradise” or “garden.”
Irfan (eer-FAHN) – Meaning “knowledgeable” or “wise.”
Azizul (ah-ZEE-zool) – Meaning “beloved” or “dear.”
Hadi (HAH-dee) – Meaning “leader” or “guide.”
Rafiq (RAH-feek) – Meaning “companion” or “friend.”
Aiman (AHY-mahn) – Meaning “blessed” or “fortunate.”
Khalid (KHAH-leed) – Meaning “eternal” or “immortal.”
Haziq (HAH-zeek) – Meaning “clever” or “intelligent.”
Qayyum (kah-YOOM) – Meaning “self-sustaining” or “eternal.”
Zikri (ZEE-kree) – Meaning “remembrance” or “memory.”
Izzat (ee-ZAHT) – Meaning “honor” or “dignity.”
Nasir (NAH-seer) – Meaning “helper” or “supporter.”
Naim (nah-EEM) – Meaning “comfort” or “tranquility.”
Luqman (LOOK-mahn) – Meaning “wise” or “intelligent.”
Afiq (AH-feek) – Meaning “pure” or “virtuous.”
Hakim (HAH-keem) – Meaning “wise” or “judicious.”
Fitri (FEET-ree) – Meaning “pure” or “natural.”
Tahir (tah-HEER) – Meaning “pure” or “clean.”
Ridzuan (reed-ZOO-ahn) – Meaning “content” or “satisfied.”
Dhani (DAH-nee) – Meaning “rich” or “wealthy.”
Arif (ah-REEF) – Meaning “knowledgeable” or “learned.”

These names reflect the cultural richness and significance of Sabahan traditions.

Modern Sabahan Baby Girl Names

Modern Sabahan names often incorporate elements from various languages and cultures. Here are some examples:

Amberly (AM-ber-lee) – Meaning “precious jewel” or “amber.”
Aryssa (uh-RISS-uh) – Derived from the name Marissa, meaning “of the sea.”
Elysia (eh-LEE-shuh) – Meaning “blissful” or “paradise.”
Zara (ZAH-rah) – Meaning “princess” or “flower.”
Nadira (nuh-DEER-uh) – Meaning “rare” or “precious.”
Suriya (soo-REE-yuh) – Meaning “sun” or “sunlight.”
Amina (uh-MEE-nuh) – Meaning “trustworthy” or “faithful.”
Liara (lee-AH-ruh) – Meaning “light” or “bright.”
Kiana (kee-AH-nuh) – Meaning “divine” or “celestial.”
Zuri (ZOO-ree) – Meaning “beautiful” or “lovely.”
Asha (AH-shah) – Meaning “hope” or “life.”
Kailani (kye-LAH-nee) – Meaning “sea and sky” or “heavenly sea.”
Emiko (eh-MEE-koh) – Meaning “blessed child” or “smiling child.”
Nalani (nah-LAH-nee) – Meaning “calm skies” or “serenity of the heavens.”
Mireya (mee-RAY-uh) – Meaning “admired” or “wonderful.”
Amara (ah-MAH-ruh) – Meaning “grace” or “eternal.”
Soraya (soh-RAY-uh) – Meaning “gem” or “riches.”
Kalila (kuh-LEE-luh) – Meaning “beloved” or “dear one.”
Nyla (NY-lah) – Meaning “winner” or “champion.”
Sakura (sah-KOO-ruh) – Meaning “cherry blossom” or “cherry tree.”
Aria (AR-ee-uh) – Meaning “air” or “song.”
Kamila (kah-MEE-lah) – Meaning “perfect” or “complete.”
Zaina (ZAY-nuh) – Meaning “beautiful” or “beauty.”
Elara (ee-LAH-ruh) – Meaning “bright” or “shining.”
Anaya (uh-NAY-uh) – Meaning “caring” or “compassionate.”

These names blend modernity with the rich cultural heritage of Sabah, offering unique and meaningful choices for baby girls.

Modern Sabahan Baby boy Names

Amirul (Ah-mee-rool) – Meaning “leader” or “prince.”
Harith (Ha-reet) – Meaning “lion.”
Zayyan (Zay-yan) – Meaning “beautiful” or “graceful.”
Irfan (Ir-fan) – Meaning “knowledgeable” or “aware.”
Danish (Dah-nish) – Meaning “knowledge” or “wisdom.”
Aiman (Ay-man) – Meaning “blessed” or “fortunate.”
Rayyan (Ray-yan) – Meaning “gates of heaven” or “luxuriant.”
Hafiz (Hah-feez) – Meaning “guardian” or “protector.”
Ilham (Ill-ham) – Meaning “inspiration” or “divine guidance.”
Farhan (Far-han) – Meaning “joyful” or “happy.”
Khalid (Kha-leed) – Meaning “eternal” or “immortal.”
Zahir (Za-heer) – Meaning “clear” or “evident.”
Aqil (Ah-keel) – Meaning “wise” or “intelligent.”
Rafiq (Ra-feek) – Meaning “companion” or “friend.”
Yusuf (Yoo-soof) – Meaning “God will increase” or “God will add.”
Arman (Ar-mahn) – Meaning “desire” or “wish.”
Firas (Fee-rahs) – Meaning “perspicacious” or “sharp-minded.”
Syafiq (Sha-feek) – Meaning “compassionate” or “kind-hearted.”
Azlan (Az-lahn) – Meaning “lion.”
Firman (Feer-mahn) – Meaning “decree” or “command.”
Luqman (Luke-man) – Meaning “wise” or “sagacious.”
Zafar (Za-far) – Meaning “victorious” or “triumphant.”
Aidil (Ay-deel) – Meaning “festive” or “celebratory.”
Wafi (Wah-fee) – Meaning “loyal” or “faithful.”
Zulfiqar (Zool-fee-car) – Meaning “bifurcated” or “double-edged sword,” associated with Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Final Words

Choosing a Sarawakian or Sabahan baby name is a beautiful way to honor your heritage and impart cultural values to your child. Whether you opt for a traditional name rich in history, a modern name reflecting contemporary influences, or a unique name that stands out, the names from these regions are deeply meaningful and significant. Embrace the cultural richness and let it inspire you in selecting the perfect name for your little one.