Heba is a female given name of Egyptian origin, derived from the ancient Egyptian word "ḥb" which means "to praise". The name was often used by ancient Egyptians to pay homage to the goddess Hathor, who was associated with love, beauty, and music.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Hathor was depicted as a cow or a woman wearing a headdress of cow's horns with a solar disc. She was believed to be the patroness of miners and workers in the turquoise quarries at Serabit el-Khadim in the Sinai desert.
The name Heba gained popularity during the Islamic period, particularly among Muslims who adopted it as an Islamic name due to its association with Hathor, who was often identified with the Islamic concept of paradise. Today, Heba is a popular name throughout the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in other parts of the world where Islamic culture has had an influence.
In addition to its Egyptian roots, the name Heba also has connections to other cultures and languages. For instance, in Arabic, Heba means "gift from God" or "tribute". In Hebrew, it means "love" or "friendship". Meanwhile, in some African cultures, Heba is a name given to girls born on a Saturday.
Overall, the name Heba carries a rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting its ancient Egyptian origins while also incorporating elements from other traditions and languages. It is a name that continues to be cherished by many families around the world who appreciate its meaning and heritage.
The name Heba has been given to a total of 1,358 babies in the United States between 1978 and 2023, according to the statistics provided.
Looking at the annual figures, we can observe that the popularity of the name Heba has varied over time. The lowest number of births recorded was in 1978 with only 13 babies named Heba. However, the popularity of the name increased significantly between 1987 and 1990, with a peak of 29 births in 1990.
The years from 1992 to 2006 saw consistent growth in the number of babies named Heba, with the highest figure recorded during this period being 51 births in 2007. However, after reaching its peak popularity around the year 2000, the number of babies named Heba began to decline gradually.
Despite the decrease in popularity, the name Heba continues to be given to a significant number of babies each year. For instance, there were 34 births recorded in 2016 and 33 births in 2018. The most recent data shows that there were 27 births recorded for the name Heba in 2023.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Heba has fluctuated over time, it remains a popular choice among parents in the United States, with a total of 1,358 babies receiving this name between 1978 and 2023.