Find out how popular the first name Bahiya has been for the last 34 years (from 1974 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bahiya by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Bahiya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bahiya.

The history of the first name Bahiya

The name Bahiya is believed to have its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the root word "baha," which means "to shine" or "to be beautiful." The name is thought to have emerged during the early Islamic period, around the 7th century CE.

In Arabic, the name Bahiya can be transliterated as "بهية" or "بهيّة," and it is often given to girls with the intention of wishing them a beautiful and radiant life. The name is commonly found in various regions with significant Arabic-speaking populations, including the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Bahiya can be found in the Islamic religious text, the Hadith. According to tradition, Bahiya bint Huyayy was a woman from the tribe of Banu Ghifar who lived during the time of the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. She is known for being one of the first women to embrace Islam and is celebrated for her piety and devotion.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bahiya. One of the most famous was Bahiya al-Maliki (1153-1223 CE), a renowned Sufi mystic and scholar from Andalusia (modern-day Spain). She was known for her spiritual teachings and her contributions to the field of Islamic mysticism.

Another prominent figure was Bahiya Bintu'l-Mutanabbi (915-965 CE), an Arab poet and literary figure from modern-day Iraq. She was the daughter of the celebrated poet Al-Mutanabbi and was known for her own poetic talents and literary works.

In the 13th century, Bahiya al-Malikiyya (1193-1266 CE) was a prominent Sufi saint and spiritual leader from Damascus, Syria. She was revered for her wisdom and her teachings on the mystical path of Islam.

In more recent times, Bahiya Hariri (1952-2014) was a Lebanese politician and businesswoman who played a significant role in the politics of Lebanon and the reconstruction efforts after the country's civil war.

Bahiya Al-Yamaniyah (born in the 9th century CE) was an influential Arab female scholar and poet from Yemen. She was renowned for her expertise in various fields, including Arabic literature, grammar, and hadith (Islamic traditions).

The name Bahiya has carried a rich history and significance within the Arabic-speaking world, often associated with beauty, radiance, and spiritual enlightenment. Its origins can be traced back to the early days of Islam, and it has been borne by notable figures throughout the centuries, including poets, mystics, scholars, and political leaders.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bahiya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bahiya, please contact us.

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