Back to Baby Names

Hidayah

Girl Name #5,078 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

A beautiful prayer for divine guidance

Arabic Muslim Indonesian Malay South Asian
Spiritual Traditional Elegant Gentle

Meaning & Origin

"gift, present (secondary meaning)"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic

Browse names with similar meanings:

The Story of Hidayah

Hidayah comes from the Arabic root 'h-d-y' (هدى), meaning to guide or to show the right path. It is one of the most sacred concepts in Islam — the Quran begins with the prayer 'ihdina as-sirat al-mustaqim' (guide us to the straight path) in Surah Al-Fatihah. Hidayah specifically refers to divine guidance from Allah, the gift of being shown the correct path in life and faith.

Hidayah is a beloved name throughout the Muslim world, particularly in Southeast Asia — Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei — where it ranks among the most popular girls' names. It has also been commonly used in Arab countries, South Asia, and among Muslim communities worldwide. Its beautiful meaning makes it a name given with deep spiritual intention.

In Islamic theology, hidayah (divine guidance) is considered one of Allah's greatest gifts to humanity. The concept divides into different types: general guidance given to all creatures, and special guidance given to believers. Naming a daughter Hidayah is a prayer that she will live a guided, righteous life.

Fun Facts

  • The opening chapter of the Quran (Al-Fatihah) centers on the prayer for hidayah — this name is literally a prayer parents offer for their daughter
  • In Indonesia, Hidayah is consistently among the top 20 most popular girls' names
  • The Arabic root h-d-y appears over 300 times in the Quran in various forms

Hidayah in Other Languages

Urdu ہدایہ
Malay Hidayah
Arabic هداية
Turkish Hidayet
Indonesian Hidayah

Popularity Over Time

#5,078
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
New Entry Based on SSA data 1880–present

Famous People Named Hidayah

H

Hidayah Lim

Athlete

Malaysian archer who competed at international level, representing the name in Southeast Asian sports

H

Hidayah binti Ahmad

Other

A common name shared by many prominent figures in Malaysian public life, education, and civil service

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
4
Popularity Rank
#5,078
Total SSA Count
26
Cultural Origins
Arabic Muslim Indonesian Malay South Asian
Pronunciation
Moderate
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Low

Common Nicknames

Hida Daya

Middle Name Ideas

Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style

Sibling Names

Sibling Match Premium

Check how Hidayah fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.

Up to 3 sibling names, comma-separated.

Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.

Similar Names

Compare Hidayah with...

Same Origin Names (Arabic)

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Hidayah and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Hidayah sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Hidayah

What does the name Hidayah mean?
"gift, present (secondary meaning)" (from Arabic). Hidayah comes from the Arabic root 'h-d-y' (هدى), meaning to guide or to show the right path. It is one of the most sacred concepts in Islam — the Quran begins with the prayer 'ihdina as-sirat al-mustaqim' (guide us to the straight path) in Surah Al-Fatihah. Hidayah specifically refers to divine guidance from Allah, the gift of being shown the correct path in life and faith.
What is the origin of the name Hidayah?
Hidayah has Arabic, Muslim, Indonesian, Malay, and South Asian origins. In Arabic, it means "gift, present (secondary meaning)".
Is Hidayah a boy or girl name?
Hidayah is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Hidayah?
Hidayah is currently ranked #5078 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Hidayah?
Common nicknames for Hidayah include Hida and Daya.
What are good middle names for Hidayah?
Popular middle name pairings include Hidayah Nur, Hidayah Siti, Hidayah Aisyah, Hidayah Fatimah, Hidayah Zahra, and Hidayah Maryam.
What are good sibling names for Hidayah?
Names that pair well with Hidayah as siblings include Iman, Syifa, Raihan, Nadia, Amira, and Zain.
How many syllables does Hidayah have?
Hidayah has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Hidayah a common or rare name?
Hidayah is an uncommon name, ranked #5078 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Hidayah

Hidayah is a girl name with Arabic, Muslim, Indonesian, Malay, and South Asian origins . The name means "gift, present (secondary meaning)" in Arabic .

Hidayah is currently ranked #5,078 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Hidayah has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Hidayah include Hida and Daya. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Explore Name Lists