What does Fatima mean and where does it come from?
Fatima (فاطمة) is an Arabic name that holds significant cultural and religious importance, particularly in Islamic communities. It was the name of Fatima bint Muhammad, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, making it widely revered among Muslims. The name means 'captivating' in Arabic and is associa
Cultural significance
Fatima has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of captivating..
Peak popularity
Reached #227 in 2001 — currently #330 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Fatima?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Fatima?
Fatima works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Fatima Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Fatima Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Fatima Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Fatima Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Fatima Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Fatima Brynn
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Fatima right now?
Declining — down 14 spots — currently #330 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #330 | 931 | ▼ down 14 · -4% births |
| 2024 | #316 | 974 | ▲ up 28 · +9% births |
| 2023 | #344 | 895 | ▲ up 8 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #352 | 905 | ▲ up 26 · +10% births |
| 2021 | #378 | 824 | ▼ down 36 · -9% births |
| 2020 | #342 | 902 | ▼ down 30 · -13% births |
| 2015 | #312 | 1,042 | ▼ down 41 · -14% births |
| 2010 | #271 | 1,213 | ▼ down 35 · -15% births |
| 2005 | #236 | 1,422 | ▲ up 7 · +8% births |
| 2000 | #243 | 1,315 | ▲ up 348 · +242% births |
| 1995 | #591 | 385 | ▲ up 29 · +6% births |
| 1990 | #620 | 362 | ▲ up 142 · +62% births |
| 1985 | #762 | 224 | ▲ up 20 · +6% births |
| 1980 | #782 | 211 | ▼ down 36 · +9% births |
| 1975 | #746 | 193 | — |
The story of Fatima
Fatima entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. A total of 34,431 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3980 in 1930 to #344 in 2023. Fatima is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Fatima in 2001:
Fatima by decade
Fatima peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1920s | 22 | |
| 1930s | 62 | |
| 1940s | 125 | |
| 1950s | 281 | |
| 1960s | 563 | |
| 1970s | 1,483 | |
| 1980s | 2,443 | |
| 1990s | 4,442 | |
| 2000s ★ | 13,619 | |
| 2010s | 10,483 | |
| 2020s | 2,807 | |
What are good nicknames for Fatima?
Famous people named Fatima
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Fatima (Sufi mystic)
Fatima used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
F(
Fatima (Islamic scholar)
Fatima bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
F(
Fatima (Quranic figure)
Fatima appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
F(
Fatima (Arab poet)
Fatima carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Fatima?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Fatima also consider these
How is Fatima written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Fatima
What does the name Fatima mean?
Fatima means "Captivating." — 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 Fatima?
Fatima is currently ranked #344 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Fatima?
Fatima 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 Fatima?
Fatima is a three-syllable name pronounced FAT-im-uh. 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 Fatima?
Fatima 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.