Declining since 2015, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of Najma since 1983
Babies named Najma per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 101 |
| 2000s | 307 |
| 2010s | 304 |
| 2020s | 157 |
Meaning & origin
Najma entered U.S. records in 1983, a relatively recent addition compared to many Arabic names that arrived with earlier immigration waves. Its peak popularity came in 2016, but since 2015 the name has been in a steady decline, reflecting a broader trend away from some traditional Arabic names in favor of newer or more globally familiar choices. Despite the drop, Najma remains a distinctive option, most commonly chosen by families in Minnesota, where the local Somali community has helped sustain its presence. The name's direct celestial meaning gives it a poetic appeal that transcends cultural boundaries.
Najma comes directly from the Arabic noun نجمة (najma), meaning 'star.' It is the feminine singular form of the word, while the masculine form is najm. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities globally, reflecting the cultural significance of celestial imagery.
Where Najma is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Najma” around the world
Where Najma 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: Naj, Jama
Variants: Najmah, Nagma
Sibling names for Najma
Names that share Najma's style, for a brother or sister.
