The name Khadijah is derived from the Arabic word "khadija" which means "the one who preceded" or "the one who went before." It originated in the Middle East, specifically in the Arabian Peninsula, during the 6th century CE.

Khadijah was the name of the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived from around 555 to 619 CE. She was the first person to convert to Islam and is revered as the "Mother of the Believers" in Islamic tradition. The name Khadijah is mentioned several times in the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Khadijah can be found in the biographical accounts of the Prophet Muhammad's life, known as the Sirah. These sources provide detailed information about Khadijah's life, her marriage to Muhammad, and her unwavering support for his mission.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Khadijah. One of the most famous was Khadijah Al-Kubra, also known as Khadijah the Great, who lived in the 7th century CE and was a prominent Muslim scholar and mystic. Another notable Khadijah was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, who lived from around 555 to 624 CE and was a successful businesswoman in Mecca before marrying the Prophet Muhammad.

In the 10th century CE, Khadijah bint Ahmad al-Hamdani was a renowned scholar and writer from Mosul, Iraq. She wrote several works on Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Khadijah bint Al-Hassan, who lived in the 12th century CE, was a prominent poet and scholar from Aleppo, Syria.

Another notable figure was Khadijah Al-Bagdadiyah, a 13th-century CE scholar and mystic from Baghdad, who wrote extensively on Sufism and Islamic spirituality. She was highly respected for her knowledge and piety.

These are just a few examples of the many influential women throughout history who have borne the name Khadijah. The name continues to be popular among Muslims worldwide, carrying with it a rich cultural and historical significance.