Q: Do the names Aasiyah and Maryam have an Islamic meaning? How are they spelt in English and are they good names to give a baby girl?
A. Both Aasiyah and Maryam are good names. Aasiyah was the wife of Fir'aun but she was a Muslim. The Hadeeth has praised her. You have correctly mentioned that Maryam is the name of the mother of Nabi Eesaa (Alayhis Salaam). By virtue of these two names belonging to two special ladies in Islam, they are meritorious and good names to keep. The name Maryam is mentioned in the Qur'aan. In fact, it is the only female name mentioned in the Qur'aan. Immaterial of whether these two names have meanings or not, by keeping these names it is hoped that our children will develop the qualities of these two pious and fortunate ladies, Inshaa Allah Ta'aala.
Actually these names are not Arabic names, but since they are names of pious people, we are advised to use them for our children. The spelling is as written above.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai