What does Alima mean and where does it come from?
The name Alima is derived from Arabic, meaning 'one who is learned' or 'intelligent'. It is also used in Swahili-speaking regions, where it signifies excellence and nobility. Alima can also be a variant of the name Halima, which is popular in the Muslim world. Historically, it has been used by notab
Cultural significance
Alima has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of intelligent, skilled.
Peak popularity
Reached #5175 in 2018 — currently #6337 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Alima?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Alima?
Alima works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alima Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Alima Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Alima Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Alima Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Alima Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Alima Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Alima right now?
Falling — down 880 spots — currently #6337 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6337 | 18 | ▼ down 880 · -22% births |
| 2024 | #5457 | 23 | ▲ up 1224 · +35% births |
| 2023 | #6681 | 17 | ▲ up 317 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #6998 | 16 | ▼ down 1037 · -20% births |
| 2021 | #5961 | 20 | ▼ down 267 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #5694 | 21 | ▲ up 615 · +5% births |
| 2015 | #6309 | 20 | ▲ up 1005 · +18% births |
| 2010 | #7314 | 17 | ▼ down 350 |
| 2005 | #6964 | 17 | ▲ up 3228 · +89% births |
| 2000 | #10192 | 9 | ▲ up 2233 · +50% births |
| 1995 | #12425 | 6 | — |
The story of Alima
Alima is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 401 total births recorded, Alima remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #12425 in 1995 to #6681 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Alima in 2018:
Alima by decade
Alima peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 24 | |
| 1990s | 58 | |
| 2000s | 118 | |
| 2010s ★ | 164 | |
| 2020s | 62 | |
💎Alima has only 401 total recorded births since 1976 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Alima?
Famous people named Alima
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Alima (Arab poet)
Alima carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
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Alima (historical Arab ruler)
Alima held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
A(
Alima (Sufi mystic)
Alima used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
A(
Alima (Islamic scholar)
Alima bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Alima?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alima also consider these
Common questions about the name Alima
What does the name Alima mean?
Alima means "intelligent, skilled" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Alima?
Alima is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Alima?
Alima originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Alima?
Alima is a three-syllable name pronounced ah-LEE-muh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Alima?
Alima pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.