Find out how popular the first name Suleika has been for the last 35 years (from 1988 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Suleika by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Suleika is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 10 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Suleika.

The history of the first name Suleika

The name Suleika has its origins in Arabic and Persian languages. It is a feminine name derived from the Arabic word "sulaykaah" which means "a gentle breeze" or "a fragrant flower". The name was popular in the Middle East and Central Asia during the medieval period.

Suleika is often associated with the famous 12th century Persian poet, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, who is considered one of the greatest mystic poets of all time. In his poetry collection, Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi, Rumi frequently refers to his spiritual mentor and companion, Shams-e Tabrizi, as Suleika.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Suleika can be found in the 16th century literary work, "The Ring-Dove's Melody" by the Ottoman poet, Nabi. In this work, Suleika is portrayed as a beautiful and virtuous woman.

In the 18th century, the name Suleika gained popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, largely due to the influence of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's famous work "West-Eastern Divan". Goethe's fictional character, Suleika, represented the ideal of Eastern beauty and wisdom.

Notable historical figures with the name Suleika include:

1. Suleika Jaouad (born 1988), an American writer and cancer activist.
2. Suleika Vracko (born 1996), a Slovenian tennis player.
3. Suleika Gauatravaux (born 1975), a French film director and screenwriter.
4. Suleika Jabarah (born 1976), a Palestinian-American actress and producer.
5. Suleika Booker (1933-1995), a Trinidadian writer and journalist.

The name Suleika has maintained its enchanting and exotic appeal over the centuries, serving as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, and inspiring artists, poets, and writers throughout history.

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

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

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