Asma
An old Arab female name glossed two ways — from wasāma, comeliness, and as the plural of ism, 'name'.
- Root
- w-s-m / s-m-w
- Gender
- Female
- Meaning
- Comeliness; also read as the plural of ism
- Origin
- Arabic
Two readings
The lexicographers give Asmāʾ two derivations and do not settle between them:
- from wasāma, comeliness or a fine appearance;
- as the plural of *ism*, 'name'.
This reference reports both rather than choosing, because the sources do not choose.
Attestation
Asmāʾ is heavily attested from the earliest Islamic period and has been in continuous use since — one of the small group of female names, with Hind and Salmā, that reach back before Islam without interruption.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Asma mean?
The lexicographers give two derivations without settling between them: from wasāma, 'comeliness', or as the plural of ism, 'name'.
Sources
- ابن منظور، لسان العرب، 711هـ — مادة: وسم
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27