Fatima

Captivating, one who abstains — a girl name of Arabic origin

GenderGirl
OriginArabic
MeaningCaptivating, one who abstains
PronunciationFAH-tih-muh

Popularity of Fatima in the United States

#330Rank in 2025
931Births in 2025
#227 in 2001Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Fatima

Fatima is an Arabic name derived from the root "f-t-m," meaning "to abstain" or "to wean." It is one of the most significant names in Islam, borne by Fatima bint Muhammad, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib. She is revered as one of the most perfect women in Islamic tradition and is a central figure in both Sunni and Shia Islam. The name is also associated with the Portuguese city of Fatima, a major Catholic pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1917. Fatima is widely used across the Muslim world and beyond, honored for its deep spiritual heritage.

Fatima Around the World

Fatima is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 11+ international variants.

Languages
ArabicTajikUrdu
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
Fatemeh
FatmaTurkish
Fathima
FátimaSpanish
Fatimah
Fatimih
Fatuma
FàtimaCatalan
Fatina
Fatma / Fāṭima / FatemaArabic
FatimaTajik

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Fatima

FatiTimaFatu

Famous People Named Fatima

  • Fatima bint Muhammad — daughter of the Prophet Muhammad
  • Fatima Whitbread — British Olympic javelin thrower
  • Fatima Bhutto — Pakistani writer and journalist

Similar Names to Fatima

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Sibling Name Ideas for Fatima

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Fatima mean?

Fatima is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning "Captivating, one who abstains." Fatima is an Arabic name derived from the root "f-t-m," meaning "to abstain" or "to wean." It is one of the most significant names in Islam, borne by Fatima bint Muhammad, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib.

How do you pronounce Fatima?

Fatima is pronounced FAH-tih-muh. Common variations include Fatimah, Fatoumata, Fatma.

Is Fatima a girl name?

Yes, Fatima is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Fati, Tima, Fatu.

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