najma

Najma is a female given name of Arabic origin, meaning "star." It derives from the Arabic word najm, and its meaning is carried into many languages that borrow from Arabic, including Urdu, Persian, Turkish, and Hindi. The name has wide use in the Middle East, South Asia, and among diaspora communities around the world.

The spelling Najma reflects transliteration from Arabic and can appear in variants such as Najmah or Najoom, depending on language and script. In non-Arabic contexts, the name is often adapted to local phonologies, but its meaning as "star" remains central to its appeal.

Najma is primarily used as a feminine given name, though names with celestial or luminous meanings can appear in various cultures as well. It is commonly chosen for girls to convey qualities associated with stars, such as guidance or brightness, and it is sometimes selected for artistic or poetic resonance in literature and music.

Notable people with the name include Najma Akhtar, a British singer known for blending jazz, folk, and Indian music, and Najma Heptulla, an Indian politician who has held government roles. The name also appears in fiction and film in various languages, reflecting its cross-cultural appeal and the enduring association with the star motif.

See also: Najm, the singular form meaning "star" in Arabic; Najmah, an alternate transliteration.