Find out how popular the first name Halimah has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Halimah by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Halimah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 16 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Halimah.

The history of the first name Halimah

The name Halimah has its origins in the Arabic language and Islamic culture. It is derived from the root word "halim," which means "gentle," "mild," or "forbearing." The name gained popularity in the 7th century during the rise of Islam.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Halimah is found in the Islamic scriptures, the Qur'an, and the Hadith. Halimah bint Abi Dhuayb was a woman from the Banu Sa'd tribe who nursed the Prophet Muhammad in his infancy. She is revered in Islamic tradition for her role in the early life of the Prophet.

In the 9th century, Halimah bint al-Mu'tazz was a renowned Arabic poet and musician. She was the daughter of the Abbasid caliph al-Mu'tazz and is known for her contributions to the literary and cultural scene of the Abbasid era.

Another notable figure named Halimah was Halimah al-Saadiyah, a 15th-century Sufi mystic and scholar from Damascus. She was renowned for her knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and her teachings on Sufism.

In the 19th century, Halimah Yahya Binti Muhamad Amin was a prominent Malay writer and poet from Singapore. She is considered one of the pioneers of modern Malay literature and her works explored themes of love, nature, and spirituality.

Halimah Yacob, born in 1954, was the first female president of Singapore, serving from 2017 to 2022. She had a distinguished career in the public sector before becoming the country's eighth president, and her presidency was seen as a significant milestone for women's representation in leadership roles.

The name Halimah has maintained its popularity in the Arab and Muslim world, as well as among Muslim communities worldwide. It is a name that carries connotations of gentleness, patience, and virtue, reflecting the qualities associated with its historical and cultural significance.

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 Halimah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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