Find out how popular the first name Sumaya has been for the last 43 years (from 1981 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sumaya by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Sumaya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 75 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sumaya.

The history of the first name Sumaya

The name Sumaya is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "sama" meaning "elevated" or "high." It first appeared in the Middle Eastern region during the medieval Islamic era, around the 7th century AD.

The name Sumaya holds significant historical importance in Islamic tradition. It was the name of Sumaya bint Khayyat, a revered figure who lived in Mecca during the time of Prophet Muhammad. She was one of the earliest converts to Islam and endured persecution and torture for her faith, ultimately becoming known as the first martyr in Islamic history.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Sumaya dates back to the 7th century AD, associated with Sumaya bint Khayyat herself. Since then, the name has been widely used among Muslim communities, particularly in the Arab world and regions with strong cultural ties to the Middle East.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Sumaya. One example is Sumaya al-Muhaydali (1924-2014), a renowned Palestinian poet and activist who played a significant role in advocating for Palestinian rights and cultural preservation.

Another prominent figure is Sumaya Farhat-Naser (born 1929), a Palestinian diplomat and the first woman to serve as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador from an Arab country. She dedicated her life to promoting peace, human rights, and gender equality.

In the realm of literature, Sumaya Rayes (born 1947) is a celebrated Lebanese author and poet known for her works exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the experiences of women in the Arab world.

Sumaya al-Khashab (1941-2011) was an influential Saudi Arabian academic and writer who pioneered women's education and advocated for women's rights in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Sumaya Samaha (born 1996) is a contemporary Syrian-American actress and activist who has used her platform to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Syria and the plight of refugees.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Sumaya, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and social narratives associated with this name.

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

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

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