fatimah

Fatimah is a female given name of Arabic origin that is widely used in Muslim communities. The name is commonly linked to the Arabic root f-t-m, relating to abstaining or weaning, though exact meanings are debated. Variants and transliterations include Fatima, Fatemeh, Fatma, Fatmah, and other spellings used across different languages and cultures. The name has strong cultural and religious associations in addition to its use as a personal name.

The most well-known bearer is Fatimah bint Muhammad, also called Fatimah al-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and Khadijah. She was the wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib and the mother of Hasan and Husayn. In both Sunni and Shia traditions she is honored as a pious and virtuous figure; in Shia Islam she is especially revered as Fatimah al-Zahra.

Beyond this historical figure, Fatimah remains a common given name across the Muslim world. It is widely used in the Arab world, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, appearing in literature, media, and public life. The name’s religious associations and historical prominence contribute to its continued popularity in many communities, with multiple spellings reflecting linguistic and cultural diversity.