Besma

“good omen; glad tidings” — Associated with joy and

Tunisia origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1621US 2023

579Births / yr

→Stable

10All-time births

📅 Since 199000

How to pronounce Besma

BEE·ZMAH

/ˈbiː.ˈzmɑ/ · stress on BEE · 2 syllables

“good omen; glad tidings”

Associated with joy and · Tunisia origin

What does Besma mean and where does it come from?

The name Besma (بَسْمَة) is of Arabic origin and means 'smile' or 'good omen'. It is commonly used in North African countries, especially Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. The name reflects positivity and happiness. It is relatively popular among females in these regions and is associated with joy and

Cultural significance

Besma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Tunisia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of good omen; glad tidings.

Peak popularity

Reached #14780 in 1990 — currently #1621 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Besma?

Besma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Besma Grace

How popular is Besma right now?

Holding steady — currently #1621 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#1621 · Top 1.2%

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1621	579	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1626	559	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021	#1631	529	▲ up 13149 · +10480% births
1990	#14780	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Besma

Best Year2023Rank #1621

Peak Count579

Average Rank#4915

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1990 - 20234 years

The story of Besma

Besma is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 10 total births recorded, Besma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14780 in 1990 to #1621 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Besma in 1990:

Jessica Ashley Brittany Amanda Samantha

💎Besma has only 10 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Besma?

Common

BesBe

What names sound and feel like Besma?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Besma also consider these

Berma

India · sweetness, love

Desma

English · the chosen one

Nesma

Egypt · Arabic

Besima

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Besa

Albania · the promise

Belma

Turkey · Beautiful and prosperous;

Esma

Turkey · Beloved

Besar

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Besma

What does the name Besma mean?

Besma means "good omen; glad tidings" — a name rooted in Tunisia 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 Besma?

Besma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Besma?

Besma originates from Tunisia tradition. Tunisia 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 Besma?

Besma is a two-syllable name pronounced B IY1 Z M AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Besma a common or rare name?

Besma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.