Fatima
A female given name from the root f-ṭ-m ('to wean'), meaning 'one who weans' — traditionally understood as one kept from harm.
- Root
- f-ṭ-m (ف-ط-م)
- Gender
- Female
- Meaning
- One who weans
- Origin
- Arabic
Meaning and root
Fatima comes from the root f-ṭ-m (ف-ط-م), 'to wean'. Fāṭima is the active participle: 'she who weans'. Classical usage also connects it to being protected or kept apart from harm.
Usage
A widely honored female name across the Muslim world, borne by Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.
Sources
- ابن منظور، لسان العرب، 711هـ — مادة: فطم
Last reviewed: 2026-07-09