Khadija
A female given name; classical philologists derive it from khadīj, 'a child born before its time'.
- Root
- kh-d-j (خ-د-ج)
- Gender
- Female
- Meaning
- From khadīj (born before term)
- Origin
- Arabic
Meaning and root
Khadija derives from the root kh-d-j (خ-د-ج). In the classical lexica, khadīj denotes a child delivered before full term; the name form is a feminine of this pattern.
Usage
Borne by Khadīja bint Khuwaylid, first wife of the Prophet, which made it one of the most honoured female names in the Muslim world regardless of its literal root sense.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Khadija mean?
Classical lexica derive it from khadīj, 'a child born before its time'; the name's prestige comes from Khadīja bint Khuwaylid.
Sources
- ابن منظور، لسان العرب، 711هـ — مادة: خدج
Last reviewed: 2026-07-09