"Abstainer from evil"
Fatima
Pronunciation: [ f-ATH-ihm-uh ]
A name revered across faith traditions and centuries.
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Fatima
Fatima derives from the Arabic root f-t-m meaning to wean or abstain. The name carries the sense of one who abstains from wrongdoing or one who is captivating. It is among the most revered names in Islamic tradition.
Fatima has been one of the most popular names in Muslim-majority countries for centuries. In Western countries it has grown steadily with Muslim diaspora communities. It remains a top-10 name in Morocco, Turkey, and Pakistan.
Fatima al-Zahra, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, is the most venerated woman in Islam. Our Lady of Fatima, the Marian apparition in Portugal in 1917, gave the name additional Christian resonance. The name bridges Islamic and Catholic traditions.
Fun Facts
- Fatima is one of only two women mentioned by name in the Quran (as Maryam/Mary)
- The Shrine of Fatima in Portugal draws millions of Catholic pilgrims annually
- Fatima az-Zahra is called the Lady of Light in Islamic tradition
- The name has been in continuous use for over 1,400 years
Fatima in Other Languages
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #316
- Total SSA Count
- 972
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Islamic Persian South Asian North African
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Fatima is also used as a boy name, ranked #37614.
View Fatima as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Fatima
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About the Name Fatima
Fatima is a girl name with Arabic, Islamic, Persian, South Asian, and North African origins . The name means "Abstainer from evil" .
Is Fatima a boy or girl name? Fatima is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #316 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #37,614. Fatima is more commonly used as a girl name.
Fatima is currently ranked #316 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Fatima has 3 syllables and is pronounced f-ATH-ihm-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Fatima include Fati, Tima, and Fay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Fatima include Fatimah, Fatiha . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.