Question Summary:
1)Meaning of the name ‘Shifaan’. 2) Links to articles on parenting according to Islam

Question Detail:

 
(a) Would like to ask the meaning of a name for newborn. Could you explain the meaning of "Shifaan". According to my exploration on internet it's origin is Arabic. Is "Shifaan Rahman" appropriate/good name for newborn.
(b) Please mention some of the names of books/links on parenting according to Islam. 

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
(a)  The word ‘Shifaan’ is not found in the Arabic language. Therefore, it holds no meaning in Arabic. However, some websites suggest it to be a word of Hebrew origin and mention its meaning as ‘kind and patient’. Hence, will be permissible to keep the name “Shifaan”.[1]
However, it is better to name children after the Ambiyā (prophets) and Sahābah (companions).
(b) Hereunder are a few links to articles on the upbringing of children:
http://idealwoman.org/2012/bringing-up-children-part1/
http://idealwoman.org/2012/upbringing-of-children-part-2/
http://idealwoman.org/2012/bringing-up-children-part-3/
http://idealwoman.org/2012/how-to-make-tarbiyah-of-ones-children/
http://idealwoman.org/2012/1285/
http://www.ashrafiya.com/2007/06/12/upbringing-muslim-children-2/
http://www.everymuslim.co.za/index.php/articles-menu/family-issues-menu/553-disciplining-of-children-an-islamic-perspective
 
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Nabeel Valli
Student Darul Iftaa
Lusaka, Zambia
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net