Maha

♀ Girl

Maha Pronunciation

Maha is pronounced MAH-hah /ˈmɑ.hɑ/High

Meaning: From Arabic maha (مها) meaning 'oryx' or 'large beautiful eyes,' the oryx being admired for its magnificent dark eyes in Arabic poetryHigh

In 30 seconds: A poetic Arabic name meaning 'large beautiful eyes,' inspired by the oryx — a desert antelope celebrated in Arabic verse for its stunning gaze. Elegant, brief, and deeply evocative.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic maha (مها) meaning 'oryx' or 'large beautiful eyes,' the oryx being admired for its magnificent dark eyes in Arabic poetry

U.S. rank (2024)#3195 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births50 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2002

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,955

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Maha is an Arabic feminine given name derived from the word for the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), a white antelope with long straight horns native to the Arabian Peninsula. In classical Arabic poetry, a woman's beautiful dark eyes were compared to those of the oryx, making maha a byword for beauty and grace. The name has been used in Arabic-speaking cultures for centuries.

Maha remains a popular and elegant given name across the Arab world, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. In the United States it is used in Arab-American communities and is recognized as a dignified, culturally rich feminine name. Its brevity and clear pronunciation make it accessible across cultures.

Did you know? In classical Arabic poetry, a woman's eyes were famously compared to those of the maha (oryx) — dark, luminous, and wide — making this name the highest compliment a poet could bestow: eyes as beautiful as the desert's most graceful creature.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Maha — Arabic etymology and oryx associationEncyclopedia of Arabic Classical Poetry — Use of maha as a poetic image for beautiful eyes

Variations

MahahMaha'a

Nicknames

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If you like Maha…

Haya

Noor— equally brief and poetic Arabic feminine name meaning light

Dina

Lina— short Arabic-origin name with the same gentle, feminine elegance

→ See all names like Maha

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Maha?

Maha is pronounced MAH-hah (/ˈmɑ.hɑ/). Press play above to hear Maha said aloud.

How do you say Maha?

Maha is said MAH-hah (/ˈmɑ.hɑ/). Press play above to hear Maha said aloud.

What does the name Maha mean?

Maha comes from Arabic and means 'oryx' or 'large beautiful eyes.' In classical Arabic poetry, a woman's eyes were compared to those of the oryx for their beauty.

Is Maha a boy or girl name?

Maha is used exclusively as a girl's name in Arabic-speaking cultures.

How popular is Maha?

Maha is a well-established and popular name across the Arab world and is used in Arab-American communities in the United States.