Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Shayma since 1996
Babies named Shayma per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 22 |
| 2000s | 89 |
| 2010s | 54 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Shayma is a name of Arabic origin with a debated but meaningful etymology, often linked to the word for a beauty spot or distinctive mark. First recorded in the United States in 1996, the name reached its peak popularity in 2006, though it remains very rare with a rank of 14,942 in 2025. Its rarity means that approximately 1 in every 321,453 babies is named Shayma. The name has not seen significant growth or decline, maintaining a stable trajectory over the past two decades. It carries cultural and historical significance due to its association with the foster sister of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with Arabic heritage and a gentle, melodic sound.
The name Shayma is of Arabic origin, though its precise etymology is debated. It is often associated with the Arabic word 'shayma' (شيماء), which refers to a distinctive mark or beauty spot, and is also the name of the foster sister of the Prophet Muhammad. The name has been used in various Arabic-speaking communities and has seen some modern usage in Western countries, likely due to its pleasant sound and cultural resonance.
“Shayma” around the world
Where Shayma 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: Shay, Shayma
Variants: Sheyma, Shaymaa
Sibling names for Shayma
Names that share Shayma's style, for a brother or sister.
