"Abstainer from evil"
Fatima
Pronunciation: [ f-ATH-ihm-uh ]
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A name revered across faith traditions and centuries.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Meaning & Origin
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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.
Historical Record
Fatima first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 37,791 babies have been named Fatima in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Fatima is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #316 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →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
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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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
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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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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Fatima
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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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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Same Origin Names (Arabic)
See all Arabic names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Fatima
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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.
Keep Exploring
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