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Khadija

♀ Girl

Pronounced kah-DEE-jah /xæˈdiː.dʒə/High

Meaning: From Arabic Khadijah, of uncertain pre-Islamic origin, possibly meaning premature child or one born early; Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad and is revered as the Mother of the Faithful in IslamMedium

In 30 seconds: Khadija is one of the most sacred names in Islam, borne by the beloved first wife of the Prophet Muhammad. She was a successful merchant, the first to accept Islam, and a model of faith, strength, and devotion.
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Origin MediumArabic
MeaningFrom Arabic Khadijah, of uncertain pre-Islamic origin, possibly meaning premature child or one born early; Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad and is revered as the Mother of the Faithful in Islam
U.S. rank (2025)#982 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births258 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,271

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519652025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Khadijah is one of the four perfect women in Islamic tradition, alongside Fatimah, Maryam (Mary), and Asiya. Her name, of uncertain pre-Islamic Arabic origin, was so revered that it became one of the most honored names in the Muslim world.

Khadija has been continuously used in Muslim communities across the Arab world, South Asia, West Africa, and the global Muslim diaspora for over 1,400 years. It carries connotations of strength, faith, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Did you know? Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (c. 555–619 CE) was a wealthy and respected businesswoman who employed the young Muhammad before marrying him. She was fifteen years his senior and supported him emotionally and financially when he received the first revelation.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name — Khadija — Arabic etymology and Islamic historyEncyclopedia of Islam — biography of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

Variations

KhadijahKadeejaKhadeeja

Nicknames

KhaddieDija

Famous Bearers

  • ★Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (555–619)
    First wife of the Prophet Muhammad, a prosperous merchant, and the first person to accept Islam. She is revered as the Mother of the Faithful in Islamic tradition.

If you like Khadija…

Fatima— shares the sacred Islamic naming tradition as one of the four perfect women
Aisha— same venerated wife-of-the-Prophet connection in Islamic tradition
Maryam— shares the status of honored holy woman in Islamic and broader faith traditions
Zainab— same classical Islamic female name tradition with deep historical prestige

Frequently Asked

What does the name Khadija mean?

Khadija has uncertain pre-Islamic Arabic origin, possibly meaning premature child or early one. It is most known as the name of the Prophet Muhammad's beloved first wife.

How do you pronounce Khadija?

It is said kah-DEE-jah, with three syllables and stress on the second. In Arabic the kh is a guttural sound.

Is Khadija a popular Muslim name?

Yes, Khadija is one of the most popular and honored names in Islam, used widely across the Arab world, South Asia, and African Muslim communities.

Who was Khadija in Islam?

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, the first to accept Islam, a successful businesswoman, and one of the four most honored women in Islamic tradition.