Khadija

Origin

Arabic: From خديجة (Khadīja), the diminutive of خديجة (Khadīja), meaning 'early baby' or 'premature child'. Khadija was the name of the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad and a revered figure in Islam. The name has been adopted by Muslim communities worldwide, including Australia, with deep cultural and religious significance.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'Predecessor' or 'Early baby'. In Australian English contexts, the name embodies qualities of strength, reverence, and religious devotion, often associated with Islamic heritage.

Pronunciation

[χaˈdiːdʒa] — The emphasis is on the second syllable, with the 'Kh' representing a voiceless velar fricative similar to the Scottish 'loch' or German 'Bach' sound.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 13 May (Islamic observance of Khadija's birth anniversary)
• Dhu al-Hijjah (Islamic lunar month during which the Hajj pilgrimage occurs), varies annually
• 28 February (commemoration of early Muslim community leaders in Australia)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with khadija:

• Amira and Khadija
• Layla and Khadija
• Zahra and Khadija

Fun Facts

• Khadija was the first person to accept Islam, making her an iconic figure in Islamic history.
• The name is quite popular among Australian Muslim communities, especially among families with Middle Eastern and North African heritage.
• Small Australian towns with significant Muslim populations often feature community centres named after Khadija.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name khadija:

• Resilient
• Religious
• Respectful
• Nurturing

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and balanced, the name has a soft yet strong visual and phonetic appeal, fitting well within Australian multicultural aesthetics, often used in both formal and informal contexts.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in urban areas with significant Muslim populations, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Less common in rural or predominantly non-Muslim regions.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3 (using Pythagorean numerology), associated with creativity, expression, and social interaction, qualities often attributed to personalities bearing this name.

Astrological Connections

No specific astrological associations, but those interested in numerology may consider the number 3 as auspicious for expressive and harmonious qualities.

Historical Context

Khadija is a prominent figure in Islamic tradition, often revered for her strength and faith. The name became popular among Australian Muslims in the late 20th century, partly due to increased migration from Middle Eastern and North African countries. Several notable Australian women named Khadija have contributed to academic, social, and community development sectors.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well in non-Arabic speaking countries, often retained in its original form or adapted phonetically to fit local pronunciations. It is written in Latin script universally.

Famous People Named khadija

• Khadija Gbla (Australian human rights advocate)
• Khadija Shah (Malaysian-born Australian businesswoman)
• Khadija Saye (Australian-born British photographer, posthumously recognized)

Popularity in Australia