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Halimah
Pronounced hah-LEE-mah /hɑˈli.mɑ/Medium
Meaning: From Arabic halimah, 'gentle; patient; mild; forbearing' — the name of Halimah, the wet-nurse of the Prophet Muhammad; we note the honored bearerLow
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Halimah comes from Arabic halimah, 'gentle; patient; mild; forbearing' — borne by Halimah al-Sa'diyah, the wet-nurse who raised the Prophet Muhammad in infancy (we note the honored bearer). A lyrical, gentle name (said 'hah-LEE-mah'; nickname Lima).
In the U.S. it appears in Muslim families. Rare, gentle-and-patient at the root, and gentle.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Halimah mean?
Halimah is Arabic for 'gentle; patient; mild' (the Prophet's wet-nurse). We note the honored bearer.
How do you pronounce Halimah?
It's said hah-LEE-mah /hɑˈli.mɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.
Is Halimah a boy or girl name?
Halimah is a girl's name.
How popular is Halimah?
Halimah is a rare name in the U.S.