Find out how popular the first name Safiyyah has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Safiyyah by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Safiyyah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Safiyyah.

The history of the first name Safiyyah

The name Safiyyah has its origins in the Arabic language and Islamic culture. It is derived from the Arabic root word "safa," which means "purity" or "clarity." The name carries a connotation of being pure, virtuous, and unblemished.

Safiyyah is a name with strong historical and religious significance in Islam. It is mentioned in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and is associated with one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, Safiyyah bint Huyayy. She was a Jewish woman from the tribe of Banu Nadir who converted to Islam and married the Prophet in the 7th century CE.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Safiyyah can be found in the historical accounts of the life of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. Safiyyah bint Huyayy is remembered as a pious and influential figure in early Islamic history.

Throughout the centuries, several notable women have borne the name Safiyyah. One of the most famous was Safiyyah al-Zahra (born around 1188 CE), a renowned female scholar and poet from Baghdad, Iraq. She was highly respected for her knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and literature.

Another prominent figure was Safiyyah Shihab al-Din (1176-1261 CE), a Sufi mystic and writer from Damascus, Syria. She was known for her spiritual teachings and her work on interpreting mystical poetry.

In the modern era, Safiyyah Sultan (1915-1997) was an influential Egyptian writer and feminist activist. She was a pioneer in advocating for women's rights and education in the Arab world.

Safiyyah al-Bahlani (1908-1996) was a renowned Yemeni poet and educator. Her poetry focused on themes of love, nationalism, and social issues, and she played a significant role in promoting women's education in Yemen.

The name Safiyyah continues to be popular among Muslim communities around the world, carrying with it a rich legacy of purity, virtue, and historical significance within the Islamic tradition.

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

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

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