Name them with what is better...

بسم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Shaikh al-Albaanee said in “Al-Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth al-Saheehah” 1/376:

216 – “Rather, you are Hassaanah al-Muzniyyah.”

Reported by Ibn al-A`raabee in his “Mu`jam`” (2/75) and from him al-Qaadhee reported it in “Musnad al-Shihaab” (1/82) and al-Haakim in “al-Mustadrak” (1/15-16) from the way of Saleh bin Rustum on the authority of Ibn Abee Mulaikah from `Aaishah رضي الله عنها that she said:

“An old lady came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم while he was with me. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said to her: “Who are you?” She said: “I am Jaththaamah* al-Muzniyyah.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Rather, you are Hassaanah al-Muzniyyah, and how are you? How are you doing? And how were you doing after us?” She said: “We are doing good, let my father and mother be sacrificed for you.” When she left, I said: “O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! You have accepted this offering from this old woman?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “She used to come to us during the time of Khadeejah and keeping one’s covenant is a part of faith.””

[*Note: Jaththaamaa means nightmares, so the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم changed her name to Hassaanah which means good/beautiful.]

And al-Haakim said: “This Hadeeth is “Saheeh” as per the conditions of the two Shaikhs (al-Bukhaaree and Muslim), and they both reported from him (i.e. Saleh bin Rustum) many Ahaadeeth, and there is no defect in him (i.e. he is reliable).” And Imaam al-Dhahabee agreed with him (al-Haakim).

(I al-Albaanee say): This Hadeeth is Saheeh because it has been reported by different routes also. [Refer to “al-Saheehah” for further details.]

The reason which specially motivated me into investigating and compiling more about this Hadeeth is that Allaah تبارك وتعالى blessed me, after Dhuhr of Tuesday, 20 Rabi` al-Aakhir in the year 1385 Hijri, with a beautiful baby girl. So, when I decided to choose a name for her, from the names of the female companions, I saw this name “Hassaanah”. My heart inclined towards it, and felt (the need to) investigate (its authenticity) so that I could follow the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in his naming Jaththaamah with it. But I did not take the initiative to do it till I studied the Isnaad (chain of narration) of the Hadeeth, as what has already been mentioned. I verified its authenticity, and all praise be to Allaah for granting me this success. I pray to Allaah تعالى that He makes her one of the pious believers, from the knowledgeable and (sincere) worshipers, and blissful in this world and in the Hereafter.

Understanding from the Hadeeth:

Imaam al-Tabaaree said: “Names which are bad/ugly should not be used nor the names which imply purity for the person nor the names with are offensive. Even though names are only used as identifiers for the people, and the real meaning behind it is not attributed to the person, but still it is disliked, because the one who hears the name (without knowing the person) will think that that person does really have that attribute. That is why the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would change the name, so that the one being called would be appeased.” He also said: “And the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had changed many names.” And it has been mentioned in “al-Fath al-Baaree” (10/476).

I (al-Albaanee) say: Accordingly, it is not allowed to use the names `Iz-uddeen, and Mohi-uddeen, and Naser-uddeen and something similar. And from the ugliest of names which have spread out in our time, and which needs to be changed because of their offensive meaning, which (many) fathers name their daughters with, like the example: “Wisaal”, “Sihaam”, “Nihaad”, “Ghaadah”, “Fitnah” and similar to it. And Allaah’s help is sought.

--End of Quote of Shaikh al-Albaanee رحمه الله

Some more Ahaadeeth pertaining to the subject from the book “Adab al-Mufrad” of Imaam al-Bukhaaree رحمه الله with the checking of Shaikh al-Albaanee:

353. The kunya Abul-Hakam

On the authority of Shurayh bin Haanee that Haanee ibn Yazeed related that when he came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم with his people, the Prophet heard them using the kunya Abul-Hakam. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم called him and said, "Allaah is the Judge (al-Hakam) and He has judgment. Why have you been given the kunya Abu'l-Hakam?" He said, "When my people disagree about something, they bring it to me and I judge between them so that both parties are content." "How excellent this!" the Prophet exclaimed. Then he asked, "Do you have any children?" Hani' replied, "I have Shurayh, 'Abdullah and Muslim, the Banu Hani'.' He asked, "Which of them is the oldest?" "Shurayh," he replied. He said, "You are Abu Shurayh," and he made supplication for him and his children. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then heard them call a man among them `Abdul-Hajar (slave of the stone). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asked, "What is your name?" "'Abdu'l-Hajar," he replied. "No," he said, “your name is 'Abdullaah.” Shurayh said, "When Haanee was ready to return to his land, he came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Tell me something that will make the Garden certain for me." He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "You must speak good and give food." [Adab al-Mufrad (811), Sunan al-Nasai (5402). Authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee. Shaikh Muqbil graded it “Hasan” in “Saheeh al-Musnad” (1197)]

354. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم liked good names

`Abdullaah Hadrad related that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Who will drive these camels of ours?" or "Who will deliver these camels of ours?" A man said, "I will." He asked, "What is your name?" "So-and-so," he said. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Sit down." Then another stood up and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asked, "What is your name?" The man said, "So-and-so." He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Sit down." Then another man stood up and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "What is your name?" "Najiyya (Rescuer)," he said. "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "You will do it. Drive them." [Adab al-Mufrad (812), and it is “Dha`eef”, see “al-Dha`eefah” (4804)]

356. The names which Allaah Almighty loves the most

Abu Wahb, a Companion, reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Name yourselves with the names of the Prophets. The names which Allaah Almighty loves most are 'Abdullah and 'Abdu'r-Rahman. The most truthful names are Harith and Humam. The ugliest names are Harb and Murra." [Adab al-Mufrad (814), Sunan Abu Dawood (4949, 4950), Tirmidhee (2833, 2834). Shaikh al-Albaanee said it is authentic without the mentioning of the Prophets.]

Jaabir said, "A man had a child and named him al-Qasim. We said, 'We will not give you the kunya Abu'l-Qasim nor will we so honour you. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was told and said, 'Call your son 'Abdu'r-Rahman.'" [Adab al-Mufrad (815), it is also in Saheeh al-Bukharee (6186). And authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

  

357. Changing one name to another

Sahl said, "Al-Mundhir ibn Abi Usayd was brought to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم when he was born and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم placed him on his thigh while Abu Usayd was seated near him. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was busy with something in front of him, so Abu Usayd told someone to take his son from the Prophet's leg. When the Prophet, may Allaah bless him and grant him peace, became aware of it, he asked, 'Where is the child?' Abu Usayd replied, 'We sent him home.' The Prophet asked, 'What is his name?' He replied, 'Such-and such.' The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'No, rather his name is al-Mundhir.' So we called him al-Mundhir from that day." [Adab al-Mufrad (816), it is also in Saheeh al-Bukharee (6191), and Muslim (2152) and it is Saheeh]

358. The name which Allaah Almighty hates the most

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The name which Allaah hates the most is that a man be called the King of Kings." [Adab al-Mufrad (817), it is also in Saheeh al-Bukharee (6205), and Muslim (2144, 2145)]

359. Someone who calls another person using the diminutive of his name

Talq ibn Habib said, "I was the most vehement person in denying intercession. I questioned Jaabir and he said, 'Tulayq, I heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم "They will come out of the Fire after entering it." And we recite (the same Book) you recite.'" [Adab al-Mufrad (818). Graded as “Saheeh li-ghairihee” by Shaikh al-Albaanee. And Shaikh Muqbil graded it as “Hasan li-ghairihee” in “al-Shifaa`ah” (164)]

360. Calling someone by the name he loves the most

Hanzala ibn Hidhaym said, "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to like to call a man by the name that he liked best and by his favorite kunya." [Adab al-Mufrad (819). Graded as “Dha`eef” by Shaikh al-Albaanee. See “al-Dha`eefah” (4280)]

361. Changing the name 'Aasiyah (meaning "rebellious")

Ibn 'Umar said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم changed a woman's name from 'Aasiyah (rebellious), saying, "You are Jamila (beautiful)." [Adab al-Mufrad (820), Saheeh Muslim (2141) and it is Saheeh]

Muhammad ibn 'Ata' related that he visited Zaynab bint Salama and she asked him about the name of one of his sisters. He reports: "I said, 'Her name is Barrah’. She said, 'Change her name. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم married Zaynab bint Jahsh. Her name was Barrah and he changed it to Zaynab. I visited Umm Salamah when she married him and my name was Barrah. He heard her call me Barrah and said, 'Do not adorn yourselves. Allaah is the One who knows those who are pious (barrah) among you and those who are deviant. Call her Zaynab.' Umm Salamah said, 'She is Zaynab.' I said to Zaynab, 'Give her a name.' Zaynab said, 'Change it to what the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم changed it.'" So he called her Zaynab. [Adab al-Mufrad (821), and it is Saheeh. A shorter Hadeeth is also mentioned in Saheeh Muslim (2143)]

362. Surm (meaning "separation")

Ibn `Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Sa`eed al-Makhzoomee, whose name was as-Surm, reported that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم named him Sa`eed (happy). He related that he had seen `Uthmaan reclining in the mosque. [Adab al-Mufrad (822) and it is “Dha`eef”]

`Alee said, "When al-Husayn was born, I named him Harb (war). The Prophet came and said, 'Show me your son. What have you named him?' 'Harb,' we replied. He said, “He is Hasan.” When al-Husayn was born, I named him Harb. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم came and said, 'Show me your son. What have you named him?' 'Harb,' we replied. He said, “He is Husayn.” When we had a third son, I named him Harb. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم came and said, 'Show me your son. What have you named him?' 'Harb,' we replied. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "He is Muhassin." Then he said, 'I have named them according to the names of the sons of Harun: Shabr, Shubayr, and Mushabbir.'" [Adab al-Mufrad (823), and it is “Dha`eef”]

363. Ghurab (meaning "crow")

It is reported that al-Haarith ibn Abza said, "I was present at Hunayn with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and he asked me, 'What is your name?' 'Ghurab,' I replied. He said, 'No, your name is Muslim.'" [Adab al-Mufrad (824) and it is “Dha`eef”]

364. Shihab (meaning "flame")

`Aaishah said, "A man called Shihab (flame) was mentioned in the presence of the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم. The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'Rather you are Hisham.'" [Adab al-Mufrad (825), graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

365. Al-'As (meaning "rebel")

Mutee` said, "I heard the Prophet  صلى الله عليه وسلمsay on the day of the Conquest of Makkah, 'No Qurayshi will be killed in custody from today until the Day of Rising.'" None of the rebels of Quraysh except Mutee` became Muslim. His name had been al-'As and the Prophet  صلى الله عليه وسلمrenamed him Mutee` (obedient). [Adab al-Mufrad (826), Saheeh Muslim (1782)]

366. Someone who calls his companion and shortens or leaves out part of his name

`Aaishah said that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "`Aa'ish! Jibril sends you greetings." She said, "And peace be upon him and the mercy of Allaah." She remarked, "He sees what I do not see." [Adab al-Mufrad (827), Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3217, 6249), Muslim (2449)]

Umm Kulthum, the daughter of Thumaama, related that she went out to answer a call of nature. Her brother, al-Makhariq ibn Thumaama, said, "Go to `Aaishah and ask her about `Uthmaan ibn `Affaan. People have said a lot about him. She said, "I went to her and said, 'One of your brothers sends you greetings and asks you about `Uthmaan ibn `Affaan.' `Aaishah said, 'Peace be upon and the mercy of Allaah.' `Aaishah then went on, 'I testify that I saw `Uthmaan in this house one hot night when the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had received revelation through Jibreel. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم struck the palm or held the hand of Ibn `Affaan, saying, 'Write, 'Uthm! Allaah has placed in this house with His Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم only a man who is honored with Him.” If anyone curses Ibn `Affaan, the curse of Allaah is on him.'" [Adab al-Mufrad (828) and it is “Dha`eef”]

367. Zahm (meaning "crowd")

Laylaa, the wife of Basheer said that Basheer bin al-Khasaasiayh said that his previous name was “Zahm” So the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم changed it to Basheer (bringer of good news). [Adab al-Mufrad (830) and it is Saheeh]

368. Barrah (meaning "pious")

Ibn 'Abbas said that Juwayriyya's name had been Barrah and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had renamed her Juwayriyyah. [Adab al-Mufrad (831), Saheeh Muslim (2142) and it is Saheeh]

Abu Hurayra said, "Maymuna's name was Barrah and then the Prophet, may Allaah bless him and grant him peace, renamed her Maymuna." [Adab al-Mufrad (832) and it is “Dha`eef”]

369. Aflah (meaning "most successful")

Jabir reported: "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'If I will, I will prohibit my community, if Allaah so wills, from any of them taking the name Barakah (blessing), Nafi' (Helper) or Aflah (Most Successful),' and I do not know if he said, Rafi' (one who elevates) or not. “Someone asks, 'Is Barakah (blessing) here?' and it is replied back to him, 'she (or it) is not here.” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم died but he did not forbid that (using those names)." [Adab al-Mufrad (833) and it is Saheeh]

Jabir ibn 'Abdullah said, "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم wanted to forbid people calling themselves Yu`laa (to rise), Barakah (blessing), Nafi' (Helper), Yasar (good fortune), Aflah (most successful) and names like that. Then he was silent about that matter and did not say anything." [Adab al-Mufrad (834), Saheeh Muslim (2138)]

370. Rabah (meaning "profit")

`Umar ibn al-Khattab said, "When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم withdrew from his wives, I was with Rabaah, the slave of the Messenger of Allaah, may Allaah bless him and grant him peace, and I called, 'Rabaah, ask permission for me to come in to the Messenger of Allaah, may Allaah bless him and grant him peace.'" [Adab al-Mufrad (835), graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

371. The Names of the Prophets

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Name yourselves with my name, but do not use my kunya. I am Abu'l-Qasim."  [Adab al-Mufrad (836), Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (110, 3538, 3539, 6187, 6196), Saheeh Muslim (2134)]

Anas ibn Malik said, "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was in the market when a man said, 'Abu'l-Qasim!' The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم turned towards him. He said, 'Messenger of Allaah, I was calling this man.' The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'Call yourselves with my name but do no use my kunya.'" [Adab al-Mufrad (837), Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (2120, 2121), Saheeh Muslim (2131)]

Yusuf ibn `Abdullaah ibn Sallam said, "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم named me Yusuf and let me sit in his room and stroked my head." [Adab al-Mufrad (838) and it is Saheeh]

Jaabir ibn 'Abdullaah said, "One of our men among the Ansaar had a son and wanted to call him Muhammad. The Ansaari said, 'I put him on my shoulder and took him to the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم. [Another variant has: "He had a son and they wanted to name him Muhammad."] The Prophet said, 'Name yourselves with my name but do not use my kunya. I have been made the distributor (Qasim) to divide things between you.'" Husayn said that he added, "I was sent as a distributor to divide between you." [Adab al-Mufrad (839), Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3114) and Muslim (2133)]

Abu Musa said, "I had a son and I brought him to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and he named him Ibrahim. He chewed up a date and gave it to him and made supplication for him to be blessed and then gave him back to me." He was Abu Musa's oldest son. [Adab al-Mufrad (840), Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5467, 6198) and Muslim (2145)]

372. Hazn (meaning "rough")

Sa`eed ibn al-Musayyab reported that his grandfather went to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He asked, "What is your name?" "Hazn (rough)," he replied. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "You are Sahl (easy)." He said, "I will not change a name which my father gave me." Ibn al-Musayyab said, " We have had roughness (in character) ever since." [Adab al-Mufrad (841), Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (6190, 6193)]