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Name meaning & originFatima فاطمة

/FAH-tee-mah/

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Fatima is an Arabic girl's name pronounced /FAH-tee-mah/. The name literally translates to 'one who abstains' or 'one who has been weaned'.

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Meaning of Fatima

The name literally translates to 'one who abstains' or 'one who has been weaned'.

The name is derived from the Arabic root f-t-m, which refers to the weaning of a child. In Islamic tradition, it carries deep spiritual significance as it was the name of the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. She is often referred to as 'Fatima al-Zahra' (the Radiant), symbolizing purity and devotion.

Origin
Arabic
Pronunciation
/FAH-tee-mah/

Cultural background

It is one of the most popular female names across the Muslim world and is also widely used in Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries due to the Marian apparition in Fátima, Portugal.

Variations & nicknames

  • Fatma
  • Fatimah
  • Fathima
  • Fati
  • Fatoumata
  • Fadoua

Famous people named Fatima

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Fatima bint Muhammad

    Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and a central figure in Islam

    Religion · 7th Century

  • Fatima al-Fihri

    Founder of the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the world's oldest degree-granting university

    Education · 9th Century

  • Fatima Whitbread

    British former javelin thrower and world champion

    Sport · 20th Century

  • Fatima Bhutto

    Pakistani author and journalist

    Literature · Modern

  • Fatima Mernissi

    Moroccan sociologist and pioneer of Islamic feminism

    Social Science · 20th-21st Century

Frequently asked about Fatima

Why is Fatima popular in Catholic countries?
The popularity in Portugal and Spain stems from the Our Lady of Fátima apparitions reported in 1917 in the town of Fátima, Portugal, which was named after a Moorish princess.
What is the significance of the title 'Al-Zahra'?
It means 'The Radiant' or 'The Luminous One,' a title given to Fatima bint Muhammad to describe her spiritual beauty.
Is Fatima used as a surname?
While primarily a first name, it does appear as a surname in various cultures, though it is significantly more common as a given name.

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