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What is the meaning of the name "Fatima," and does the name "Zaynab" have a specific meaning among Arabs?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The word "Fatimah" is derived from "fatama," meaning to cut off, and Fatimah is a female name. Perhaps the naming is an act of optimism for her, that she will grow up and be weaned. Its plural is "Fawāṭim." The Prophet (peace be upon him) gifted a garment to Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to distribute among the Fawāṭim, who were three (the Prophet's daughter, Ali's mother, and Hamzah's daughter). Some say four, by adding Fatimah bint Shaybah. As for "Zaynab," it is perhaps derived from "al-aznab," which refers to someone plump and short, or from the name of a tree that is beautiful in appearance and pleasant in fragrance.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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