Rafiq or Zakir for a boy

[Bullfinch]

Which, if any, do you like? Do the names work well as both Islamic AND nice to the western ear? TIA.

Prefer Rafiq but like Tariq better!

They sound nice to my Western ear, presuming I'm pronouncing them correctly.

Rafiq might just have the edge on Zakir, but both really lovely names.

Love Rafiq, would definitely be on my shortlist if I had another boy. On the other hand Zakir would be easier on the western ear as would no doubt end up being shortened to Zak.

My friend went for a Kasim but also liked Kamal. I like Zakir - but am western.

Raf!

i know a rafiq and he is so so so lovely, ex h wanted to call ds ziad!!! yuk

Like both names. Which one are you leaning towards?

Both are nice, as Islamic names go, while still working well in the West.

Not a fan of Tariq, over-used and over-mispronounced (hate it when I hear people saying Tareeeeek)

I am swayed by having taught a couple of lovely Tariqs. Am liking Rafiq more and more through reading it here though.

Am I glad to see your post mehdi, especially the exH bit! yay

well not legally but soon to be!!

Zakir

r on fb?

Rafik

Lutyens
I like them both but think that with Zakir it is good to have the Zak option (with Zach/Zac/Zak being popular at the mo). OH prefers Rafiq.

Well Rafiq can always be shortened to Rafi. I know a little boy called Rafi (short for Rafferty I think) and noone's ever commented.

Personally, I like Zakir that little bit more than Rafiq. But hey, it's not my baby

Both are nice, but I prefer Zakir.
(also member of my fave group.)

I prefer Rafiq, but both are really nice. I think they both have nn potential that makes them very agreeable to the western ear.