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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