Sawda

♀ Girl

Pronounced SOW-duh /ˈsaʊ.də/Medium

Meaning: From Arabic sawda, the feminine of aswad, 'black; dark'. Sawda bint Zam'a was a wife of the Prophet Muhammad, remembered for her generosity and warmth; the name is honored for her sake, which we note respectfully.Medium

In 30 seconds: Sawda is Arabic for 'dark; deep black' (said 'SOW-duh') — borne by a wife of the Prophet Muhammad, which we note respectfully.

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic sawda, the feminine of aswad, 'black; dark'. Sawda bint Zam'a was a wife of the Prophet Muhammad, remembered for her generosity and warmth; the name is honored for her sake, which we note respectfully.

U.S. rank (2024)#14937 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 47

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

Sawda is Arabic for 'dark; deep black' — the feminine of aswad. Its standing as a name comes chiefly from Sawda bint Zam'a, a wife of the Prophet Muhammad, remembered for her generosity and warmth. Families across the Muslim world choose it in her honor, and we note that respectfully. The 'aw' is said like the vowel in 'now' (said 'SOW-duh').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely for girls. Rare, honored, and short.

Did you know? Sawda bint Zam'a was one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, remembered in tradition for her kindness and good humour. The name itself means 'dark; black' in Arabic, and it is honored for her sake, which we note respectfully.

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Sawda — Arabic sawda, feminine of aswad 'black'; Sawda bint Zam'a, wife of the Prophet Muhammad

Variations

SaudaSawdahSouda

Nicknames

SawdiDida

Famous Bearers

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sawda mean?

Sawda is Arabic for 'dark; deep black' — and the name of Sawda bint Zam'a, a wife of the Prophet Muhammad, which we note respectfully.

How do you pronounce Sawda?

It's said SOW-duh /ˈsaʊ.də/ — two beats, stress on the first, the first vowel as in 'now'.

Is Sawda a boy or girl name?

Sawda is a girl's name.

How popular is Sawda?

Sawda is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.