Rehemaرحمة

/re-HEH-mah/

Rehema is a Swahili (Arabic roots) girl's name pronounced /re-HEH-mah/. A beautiful name representing compassion, mercy, and kindness.

Meaning of Rehema

A beautiful name representing compassion, mercy, and kindness.

Rehema is a Swahili name derived from the Arabic word 'Rahma', which stems from the triliteral root R-H-M representing the womb and, by extension, maternal compassion. It serves as a direct linguistic link to the divine attribute of mercy common in Islamic tradition and East African philosophy.

Origin
Swahili (Arabic roots)
Pronunciation
/re-HEH-mah/

Cultural background

The name is widely used across East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, among both Muslim and Christian communities. It is often given to daughters as a blessing for a life filled with grace and empathy.

Variations & nicknames

  • Rahma
  • Rehemah
  • Rachma
  • Rahema
  • Rayma

Famous people named Rehema

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

  • Rehema Nanfuka

    Award-winning Ugandan film and stage actress and director.

    Film · 2000s–present

  • Rehema Watongola

    Ugandan politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Kamuli Municipality.

    Politics · 2016–2020

  • Rehema Simfukwe

    Prominent Tanzanian gospel singer and worship leader.

    Music · 2010s–present

  • Rehema Jaldesa

    Kenyan politician and former Women Representative for Isiolo County.

    Politics · 2017–2022

Frequently asked about Rehema

What does Rehema mean?
Rehema means 'mercy', 'compassion', or 'pity' in Swahili, originating from the Arabic word Rahma.
How do you pronounce Rehema?
It is pronounced reh-HEE-mah, with a short 'e' sound and emphasis on the second syllable.
Is Rehema a boy or girl name?
Rehema is almost exclusively used as a feminine given name in Swahili-speaking cultures.
What is the spiritual significance of the name Rehema?
In both Islamic and Christian contexts in East Africa, the name signifies God's divine grace and the human virtue of kindness.

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