Declining since 2021, #2,064 for girls today.
Popularity of Fatimah since 1959
Babies named Fatimah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 55 |
| 1970s | 247 |
| 1980s | 539 |
| 1990s | 552 |
| 2000s | 662 |
| 2010s | 1,019 |
| 2020s | 620 |
Meaning & origin
Fatimah is an Arabic name deeply rooted in Islamic history and culture. After first appearing on U.S. naming records in 1959, the name saw steady growth, reaching its peak rank in 2020. As of 2025, it ranks 2064th, with a trajectory of falling popularity since 2021. The name is most common in Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, reflecting communities with significant Muslim populations. Fatimah's 1-in-17662 rate places it as a distinctive but not outlier choice. The variant Fatima is more widely used in the U.S., but Fatimah retains a closer phonetic connection to the Arabic original. For families seeking a name with profound spiritual significance and cross-cultural reach, Fatimah offers both tradition and elegance.
Fatimah derives from the Arabic root f-ṭ-m, meaning 'to wean' or 'to abstain.' It is the name of the Prophet Muhammad's youngest daughter, Fatimah al-Zahra (the Radiant), who is venerated across the Islamic world. The name has been borne by many royal and religious figures in Muslim history, especially in North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Its use in English-speaking countries has grown among Muslim communities and others drawn to its melodic sound.
Where Fatimah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Fatimah” around the world
Where Fatimah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fati, Fatima, Tima
Sibling names for Fatimah
Names that share Fatimah's style, for a brother or sister.
