Fatma is a traditionally used female given name that has its roots in Arabic and Islamic culture. The name is derived from the Arabic word 'fatima', which translates to 'devoid of sin'. In Islamic tradition, Fatma is revered as the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and his favorite wife, Khadija. She was known for her intelligence, wisdom, and compassion, attributes that have contributed to the widespread popularity of this name among Muslims worldwide.
The name Fatma has been used extensively throughout history, particularly in regions where Islam has a significant influence, such as the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. It is also found in other parts of the world with substantial Muslim populations, including Europe and the United States.
In terms of phonetics, Fatma is pronounced /fätmæ/ or /fat'mä/, depending on the language and regional variations. Its spelling may vary slightly across different cultures and languages, but it generally remains consistent: Fatma in Arabic, Fatemah in Persian, and Fatima in Spanish and Portuguese.
As a name that holds significant cultural and religious meaning, Fatma continues to be chosen by parents for their daughters today. It serves as a reminder of the virtues embodied by its namesake, Fatima bint Muhammad, and is often given with the hope that the child will grow up to emulate her wisdom, kindness, and strength.
"Fatma's popularity as a baby girl name has seen significant fluctuations over the past four decades. While it started off relatively steady with an average of six births per year from 1978 to 1984, there was a notable spike in popularity between 1996 and 2001, peaking at 34 births in 2001. However, since then, the name's popularity has steadily declined, with only 10 births recorded in 2023."