Basmah is a unique and beautiful name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the word 'basam', which means 'smile'. Thus, the name Basmah signifies 'she who smiles' or 'one who brings happiness'. This charming name has been popular among Arabic-speaking communities for centuries, with notable figures throughout history bearing this name.
The earliest known reference to the name Basmah can be traced back to the pre-Islamic era. In Arabic literature, there are several poems and stories that feature characters named Basmah. One such character is a beloved daughter of the legendary poet Imru' al-Qais in his famous 'Mu'allaqat' collection.
In Islamic history, there was a notable woman named Basmah bint Shu'aib who was known for her wisdom and piety during the early days of Islam. She was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is often cited as an example of righteousness and virtue in Islamic teachings.
The name Basmah has also been used by royalty throughout history. For instance, Queen Basmah bint Abdulaziz Al Saud is a member of the Saudi royal family and is currently serving as the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Education.
Today, Basmah continues to be a beloved name among Arabic-speaking communities around the world. Its meaning 'she who smiles' or 'one who brings happiness' makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Basmah has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there were only 5 babies named Basmah in 1988. However, this number began to rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with 7 births recorded in 1994, and 5 births each year from 2001 to 2011.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Basmah has continued to grow. There were 6 babies named Basmah in both 2015 and 2018, and this number remained steady at 6 births in 2021. Overall, since 1988, a total of 45 babies have been named Basmah in the United States.
These statistics show that while the name Basmah may not be one of the most popular choices for baby girls in the US, it has nonetheless gained traction and maintained a consistent level of popularity over time.