MallowbyNames

Sumeya

soo-MAY-uh · Of high status, exalted, or lofty; also associated with the name of a revered early Muslim woman.

2025 rank (girls)
#9,457
Babies named in 2025
10
Peak popularity
2017
2025 frequency
1 in 160,727 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2018

Declining since 2018, #9,457 for girls today.

Popularity of Sumeya since 2000

Babies named Sumeya per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61218200020102020Most births 2017Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s93
2010s141
2020s38

Meaning & origin

Sumeya is an Arabic name with deep religious significance, borne by Sumayya bint Khayyat, an early Muslim martyr. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 2000 and has maintained a modest presence, ranking 9,457th in 2023 with an estimated 1 in 160,727 newborn girls receiving the name. Its usage peaked in 2017 and has since seen a gradual decline. While not concentrated in any particular state, the name remains a meaningful choice for families seeking a connection to Islamic tradition.

Sumeya is a variant of Sumayya, the feminine form of Sumayy, which itself derives from the Arabic root s-m-w, connoting height, elevation, or exaltation. The name is closely associated with Sumayya bint Khayyat, an early convert to Islam and one of the first martyrs of the faith, giving the name a revered place in Muslim tradition. It has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally, often chosen to honor that legacy.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Sumi, Meya

Variants: Sumayya, Sumaiya, Sumaia, Sumeya

Sibling names for Sumeya

Names that share Sumeya's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Sumeya, our favorite little girl.

S is for Sumeya…”

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Sumeya mean?
Sumeya means 'exalted' or 'lofty,' derived from the Arabic root for height. It is also linked to Sumayya bint Khayyat, a revered early Muslim figure.
How popular is the name Sumeya?
As of 2023, Sumeya ranked 9,457th among U.S. girls' names, with about 1 in 160,727 newborn girls given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2017.
Is Sumeya a boy or girl name?
Sumeya is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.