Fatwa #270952 October 2013Pakistan
Is it permissible to keep the name "Aneesha"?
Question
my question is related to my daughter's name. At her birth we selected her name "Aneesha' means eternity. later on, i found out that this name is of hindi origin and name is common in hindu girls not in muslim girls. now she is 2 years old. please guide me whether this name is alright or should i chnage her name.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
If the name "Aneesha" is commonly used amongst Hindus, then it is advisable to change the name. The name أنيسة (pronounced: Aneesah) is close to Aneesha. Aneesah means 'friendly' and 'familiar'.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Hisham Dawood
Student Darul Iftaa
Chicago, U.S.A.
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.