Halimah

“gentle, mild, tolerant”

Arab Countries origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#6501US 2023

18Births / yr

↑Rising

473All-time births

📅 Since 197500

How to pronounce Halimah

HAL·IM·AH

/ˈhæl.ˈɪm.ˈɑ/ · stress on HAL · 3 syllables

“gentle, mild, tolerant”

Arab Countries origin · Girl name

What does Halimah mean and where does it come from?

Halimah is an Arabic name, commonly used within Muslim communities, and means gentleness and mildness. It is notable for being the name of Halimah al-Sa'diyah, the nursing mother of the Prophet Muhammad, which lends the name significant cultural and historical weight. The name has been prevalent in

Cultural significance

Halimah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arab Countries-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gentle, mild, tolerant.

Peak popularity

Reached #4994 in 1989 — currently #6501 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Halimah?

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

Halimah Grace

How popular is Halimah right now?

Rising fast — up 587 spots — currently #6501 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#6501 · Top 4.8%

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6501	18	▲ up 587 · +13% births
2022	#7088	16	▼ down 37
2021	#7051	16	▼ down 384 · -6% births
2020	#6667	17	▲ up 6660 · +143% births
2015	#13327	7	▼ down 4449 · -46% births
2010	#8878	13	▼ down 353
2005	#8525	13	▼ down 751
2000	#7774	13	▲ up 1133 · +44% births
1990	#8907	9	▲ up 43 · +29% births
1985	#8950	7	▼ down 97
1980	#8853	7	▲ up 1486 · +40% births
1975	#10339	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Halimah

Best Year2023Rank #6501

Peak Count18

Average Rank#8572

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202312 years

The story of Halimah

Halimah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 473 total births recorded, Halimah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10339 in 1975 to #6501 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Halimah in 1989:

Jessica Ashley Brittany Amanda Sarah

Halimah by decade

Halimah peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	28
1980s	71
1990s	95
2000s ★	139
2010s	123
2020s	17

💎Halimah has only 473 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Halimah?

Common

HalHalieHalyImah

What names sound and feel like Halimah?

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

Hakimah

Arabic · Wisdom

Halimat

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Salimah

Arabic · peaceful, safe, unharmed

Kalimah

Arabic · Word, speech, or

Khalimah

Arabic · Arabic

Halima

Arabic · gentle, mild, patient,

Haleemah

Arabic · gentle, mild, patient

Alimah

Arabic · Knowledgeable, learned.

Common questions about the name Halimah

What does the name Halimah mean?

Halimah means "gentle, mild, tolerant" — a name rooted in Arab Countries 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 Halimah?

Halimah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Halimah have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Halimah?

Halimah originates from Arab Countries tradition. Arab Countries 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 Halimah?

Halimah is a three-syllable name pronounced HH AE1 L IH1 M AA1. 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 Halimah?

Halimah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arab Countries heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.