rabia

Rabia is a female given name of Arabic origin. It derives from the Arabic word Rabiʿ, meaning spring, and is often associated with renewal and beauty. The name is widely used in Arabic-speaking regions and across Muslim communities in South Asia, Turkey, and beyond. It appears in various transliterations, including Rabiyah, Rabiyya, Rabiaa, and Rabiya.

One of the most notable bearers is Rabia al-Adawiyya (c. 713–801), a Sufi mystic from Basra (in present-day Iraq). She is revered for her devotion to God and is credited with early developments in Sufi thought, particularly the idea of divine love. Her life and poetry have influenced Islamic mysticism and she remains a central figure in historical accounts of Sufism.

Beyond individuals, Rabia is used in geographic names and as toponyms in several countries, where it designates towns or districts. It is also encountered as a surname in some communities. In contemporary times, Rabia continues to be a popular given name for girls in many cultures, valued for its lyrical quality and poetic associations with spring.

Variants and related forms include Rabiyya, Rabiyah, Rabiyya, and other transliterations that reflect differences in pronunciation and script across languages. The name’s broad usage across regions reflects a shared cultural resonance with nature, renewal, and beauty.