"to abstain, to wean from milk"
Origin: Arabic root f-t-m
Language: Arabic
Fatema
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Sacred Arabic name of the Prophet's beloved daughter
Arabic
Persian
Urdu
Turkish
Swahili
Bengali
Spiritual
Traditional
Elegant
Strong
Classic
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Meaning & Origin
"the shining, radiant one (honorific title)"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Islamic tradition
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The Story of Fatema
Fatema (also spelled Fatima, Fatemeh) is one of the most sacred names in Islam, derived from the Arabic root 'fatama' meaning to wean or to abstain. It is most famously borne by Fatimah bint Muhammad, the youngest daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Her status as 'al-Zahra' (the Radiant) and mother of the Imam lineage makes this name among the most revered in the entire Muslim world.
Fatema and its variants consistently rank among the top female names across the Muslim world — from Morocco to Indonesia. It regularly appears in the top 10 in countries like Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The name's religious significance ensures enduring popularity across generations.
In Shia Islam, Fatimah al-Zahra holds a position comparable to the Virgin Mary in Christianity — a model of purity, wisdom, and spiritual strength. She is venerated on specific religious days, and her name is among the holiest a Muslim family can bestow on a daughter.
Historical Record
Fatema first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 885 babies have been named Fatema in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Fatema is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #6,395 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Fatima is also a town in Portugal where a famous Marian apparition occurred in 1917, giving the name cross-religious significance
- The name appears in over 50 languages with at least 20 different spellings
- In some surveys, Fatima/Fatema ranks as one of the most common female names in the entire world
Fatema in Other Languages
Urdu
فاطمہ
Arabic
فاطمة
Bengali
ফাতেমা
Persian
فاطمه
Spanish
Fátima
Turkish
Fatma
Popularity Over Time
#6,395
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Fatema
F
Fatima Robinson
Other
1971
American choreographer and music video director who choreographed for Michael Jackson, Pharrell, and Black Eyed Peas
F
Fatema Mernissi
Writer
1940
Moroccan feminist scholar and sociologist who challenged traditional interpretations of Islam through works like The Vei...
Moroccan feminist scholar and sociologist who challenged traditional interpretations of Islam through works like The Veil and the Male Elite
F
Fatimah bint Muhammad
Religious
605
Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, wife of Ali, and one of the most revered figures in Islam, known as Fatimah al-Zahra (...
Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, wife of Ali, and one of the most revered figures in Islam, known as Fatimah al-Zahra (the Radiant)
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Compare Fatema with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,395
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Persian Urdu Turkish Swahili Bengali
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Fati
Tima
Fatou
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, traditional style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Arabic heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Fatema
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Arabic)
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specific botanical meaning origin
"agarwood, aloeswood scent"
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Amiriana
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"princess, female commander"
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"the Pleiades star cluster"
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"plant of paradise"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fatema
What does the name Fatema mean?
"to abstain, to wean from milk" (from Arabic root f-t-m). "the shining, radiant one (honorific title)" (from Arabic). Fatema (also spelled Fatima, Fatemeh) is one of the most sacred names in Islam, derived from the Arabic root 'fatama' meaning to wean or to abstain. It is most famously borne by Fatimah bint Muhammad, the youngest daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib. Her status as 'al-Zahra' (the Radiant) and mother of the Imam lineage makes this name among the most revered in the entire Muslim world.
What is the origin of the name Fatema?
Fatema has Arabic root f-t-m, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Turkish, Swahili, and Bengali origins. In Arabic root f-t-m, it means "to abstain, to wean from milk". In Arabic, it means "the shining, radiant one (honorific title)".
Is Fatema a boy or girl name?
Fatema is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Fatema?
Fatema is currently ranked #6395 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Fatema?
Common nicknames for Fatema include Fati, Tima, and Fatou.
What are good middle names for Fatema?
Popular middle name pairings include Fatema Zahra, Fatema Noor, Fatema Rose, Fatema Amina, Fatema Grace, and Fatema Layla.
What are good sibling names for Fatema?
Names that pair well with Fatema as siblings include Aisha, Khadija, Maryam, Zainab, Hassan, Hussein, and Ali.
How many syllables does Fatema have?
Fatema has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Fatema a common or rare name?
Fatema is an uncommon name, ranked #6395 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Fatema
Fatema is a girl name with Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Turkish, Swahili, and Bengali origins . The name means "to abstain, to wean from milk" in Arabic root f-t-m .
Fatema is currently ranked #6,395 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Fatema has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Fatema include Fati, Tima, and Fatou. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis