Origin
Arabic origin, from the name فَاطِمَة (Fāṭimah), meaning 'one who abstains' or 'captive'. Historically, Fāṭimah was the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, making the name highly significant in Islamic culture. The name entered Australian usage through Islamic communities and reflects the multicultural fabric of Australian society. It is also present within Mākāori communities, borrowed through Māori interaction with Islamic culture and multicultural influence.
Meaning
Literal translation from Arabic suggests 'one who abstains' or 'captive'. In Australian English contexts, it often carries connotations of religious faith and cultural identity, and is seen as a name of cultural pride among Muslim Australians.
Pronunciation
/fɑːˈtɪmə/ (Australian English pronunciation, stress on the second syllable) , includes the IPA transcription for clarity and pronunciation guidance. ,
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Fadima (alternative spelling)
- Fatima (more common internationally and in Australian contexts)
- Fāṭimah (Arabic original script)
Nicknames
- Fati
- Faty
- Maha
Name Days
- 20 July (Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, Fāṭimah)
- Dates vary for Islamic lunar calendar observances such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are celebrated by Muslim communities in Australia.
- Māori: Rā Whānau (family day) in some iwi contexts, though not directly linked to the name itself.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with fathimah:
- Amina and Sofia
- Layla and Zainab
- Noor and Mariam
Fun Facts
- The name Fathimah is popular among Australian Muslim communities, especially among those of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent.
- Famous Australian Islamic community leader, Fathimah, has also contributed to cultural dialogues in Sydney.
- The name appears in Australian Muslim youth literature as a symbol of female strength and virtue.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name fathimah:
- Virtuous
- Culturally proud
- Religious
- Resilient
- Compassionate
Aesthetic Qualities
The name carries a classic and elegant visual appeal, with flowing script and a balanced structure suitable for both formal and informal contexts in Australia.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent within Muslim communities in metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where multicultural and religious diversity is prominent.
Numerological Significance
The name 'Fathimah' corresponds to the numerology number 9, symbolising humanitarianism, idealism, and a compassionate nature, aligning with traits commonly attributed to bearers of the name.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological or zodiac associations are traditionally linked to the name, but individuals named Fathimah may be associated with the characteristics of their birth zodiac sign.
Historical Context
The name Fathimah is notably borne by Fatimah al-Zahra, a revered figure in Islamic history, often referenced in Australian Muslim cultural narratives. There are also notable Australian figures with this name contributing to community leadership, education, and religious advocacy.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, often anglicised as 'Fatima' in Western contexts, while retaining its original form in Arabic and other Islamic countries.
Famous People Named fathimah
- Fathimah S. (Religious leader and community organiser)
- Fatimah Abdo (Author and educator)
- Fatima Omar (Muslim community advocate)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |