2802 The Ruling on Deviating from the Names of the Companions When Naming Children

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, what is your view on the desire to move away from the names of the male and female Companions when naming newborns, and to name them with modern names whose meanings may not be known?

Answer:
There is nothing wrong with naming, as long as it does not involve making a slave of someone other than Allah or using a forbidden name. The default ruling for names is permissibility, but it is recommended to choose good names; that is recommended for him. As for leaving the names of the Companions, there is no harm in that. It is not obligatory that one must use the names of the Companions. The default ruling for naming is permissibility, except for what involves making a slave of someone other than Allah, such as 'Abd al-Rasul (Slave of the Messenger) or 'Abd al-Amir (Slave of the Prince) or the like. This is not permissible. They agreed on its prohibition. Ibn Hazm (may Allah have mercy on him) said: They agreed on the prohibition of every name that makes a slave of someone other than Allah. Yes.