bint

Bint is an Arabic term that means daughter or girl. In Modern Standard Arabic, bint (بنت) is the feminine form used in genealogical and social contexts to indicate lineage, and it appears in compound names to identify someone as the daughter of a particular person. The male equivalent is ibn or bin, meaning son of.

In naming practices, bint functions as a genealogical element rather than a standalone given name. It is commonly found in full names such as Fatima bint Muhammad, meaning Fatima, daughter of Muhammad. This construction is used in biographies, historical records, and formal documents to convey lineage. While it can appear in historical or religious texts, bint is not typically used as a formal personal name by itself in Arabic-speaking communities.

In contemporary English usage, bint is sometimes borrowed to convey an Arabic-speaking or Middle Eastern setting in journalism, literature, or dialogue. Its tone can range from neutral to informal, and in some contexts it may be perceived as slang or pejorative depending on how it is used and by whom. As with many culturally specific terms, sensitivity to context and audience matters.

See also: Ibn/ben, Arabic naming conventions, Middle Eastern linguistics.