Rising since 1987, #1,902 for girls today.
Popularity of Halima since 1970
Babies named Halima per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 186 |
| 1980s | 142 |
| 1990s | 211 |
| 2000s | 479 |
| 2010s | 677 |
| 2020s | 615 |
Meaning & origin
Halima is a feminine Arabic name that has maintained a consistent presence in the United States since it first appeared in Social Security records in 1970. In 2025, it ranked 1902, with a one-in-15,758 rate of use among newborn girls. The name has been on an upward trajectory since 1987, and it reached its peak popularity in 2024. Geographically, Halima is most common in Maryland, Virginia, and Minnesota, reflecting communities with significant Muslim populations. Its gentle meaning and religious associations make it a lasting choice across many cultures.
Halima is a feminine Arabic name derived from the root Ḥ-L-M (حلم), meaning 'to be gentle, patient, or mild-mannered.' It is famously borne by Halima bint Abi Dhu'ayb, the wet nurse of the Prophet Muhammad, which has contributed to its enduring use in Muslim communities worldwide. The name has also seen adoption in African countries such as Somalia and Nigeria, as well as among diaspora communities in the West.
Where Halima is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Halima” around the world
Where Halima lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
155
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hali, Lima, Hala
Sibling names for Halima
Names that share Halima's style, for a brother or sister.
