A Name Story by Houdhoud
حَلِيمَة
Halima
ha-LEE-ma
“Gentle, patient.”
About Halima
Halima is a Muslim baby girl's name meaning "gentle, patient" — an Arabic-Swahili name carried for centuries across the Muslim world.
From the Arabic root ح-ل-م meaning 'forbearance, gentleness'. Borne by Halima al-Sa'diyya, the wet nurse of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Very common across Arab, Somali, and Swahili-coast families.
Origin & roots
Origin
Arabic · Swahili
Gender
Girl
Root letters
In Arabic, root letters are the seed that gives a word its meaning. Every word built from them inherits that family of meaning — and Halima is one such word.
Across history
Who has carried Halima before.
- Halima al-Sa'diyya, wet nurse of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- Halimah Yacob (b. 1954), former President of Singapore
How to say it
Stressed syllable in capitals
Discover names like Halima
Other names with the same heart — close in origin, sound, and spirit.
AH-sha · Swahili · Arabic
“Living, vital (Swahili form of Aisha).”
a-MAA-nee · Arabic · Swahili
“Wishes, aspirations, peace.”
sa-EE-da · Arabic · Swahili
“Happy, fortunate.”
zoo-HOO-ra · Swahili · Arabic
“Venus; brilliance.”
mwa-na-EE-sha · Swahili · Arabic
“Daughter of Aisha; one of life.”
ee-MAH-nee · Swahili · Arabic
“My faith.”
Looking for a name made for your family?
I’ll ask six warm questions about your family — heritage, the sound you love, who you’d like to honor — and find names made for yours. About ninety seconds.
Free · No sign-up