Declining since 2017, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Ibtisam since 1998
Babies named Ibtisam per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 38 |
| 2010s | 119 |
| 2020s | 55 |
Meaning & origin
Ibtisam, meaning 'smile' in Arabic, entered U.S. records in 1998 and has remained uncommon. Its peak year was 2017, and since then its use has been gradually falling. In 2025, approximately 1 in 160,727 newborn girls were named Ibtisam, placing it at rank 9457. The name is most frequently chosen in Minnesota, hinting at regional concentration among communities with Arabic heritage. Ibtisam offers a meaningful, melodious option for families seeking a name with clear positive connotations and cultural resonance.
Ibtisam derives from the Arabic root ب-س-م (b-s-m), which relates to smiling. It is the verbal noun of the verb "ibtasama" (to smile). The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries, and it is often associated with the Prophet's smile in Islamic tradition. In modern times, it has been adopted by Muslim communities globally.
Where Ibtisam is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ibtisam” around the world
Where Ibtisam lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bissi, Sam
Variants: Ibtissam
Sibling names for Ibtisam
Names that share Ibtisam's style, for a brother or sister.
