Khadija: a female name of Arabic origin meaning "This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”".It derives from the Arabic word "KHADīJA / Khadījeh".
In Arabic tradition, Khadija holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Arabic culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Khadija
Quick facts about Khadija
Origin
Arabic
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”. Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (Khadija the great) (555–619 CE) was the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatimah bint Za’idah and belonged to the clan of Banu Quraish. Khadijah of the Maldives (Rehendhi Khadeejah) was the Sultana of the Maldives from 1347 to 1380. She is one of the earliest female rulers in a Muslim nation. Khadijah was the eldest daughter of Sultan Omar I of the Maldives. She was also the half-sister of Raadhafathi, who succeeded her after her (Khadijah’s) final reign. Her first accession to the throne was in 1347 after deposing her own brother, Sultan Ahmed Shihabuddine, which lasted until 1363.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
KHADīJA / Khadījeh
Other Scripts
Arabic (خديجة)
How to Pronounce Khadija
Khadija is pronounced /xɑːˈdiː.dʒə/(Arabic)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Khad-ij-a
Say it like: "KHAD-IJ-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across arabic, african (eastern), and azerbaijani speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
arabicafrican (eastern)azerbaijani
Frequently Asked Questions About Khadija
What does the name Khadija mean?
Khadija means "This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”. Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (Khadija the great) (555–619 CE) was the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatimah bint Za’idah and belonged to the clan of Banu Quraish. Khadijah of the Maldives (Rehendhi Khadeejah) was the Sultana of the Maldives from 1347 to 1380. She is one of the earliest female rulers in a Muslim nation. Khadijah was the eldest daughter of Sultan Omar I of the Maldives. She was also the half-sister of Raadhafathi, who succeeded her after her (Khadijah’s) final reign. Her first accession to the throne was in 1347 after deposing her own brother, Sultan Ahmed Shihabuddine, which lasted until 1363.". The name comes from KHADīJA / Khadījeh. In its original form, the name derives from Khadīja (خديجة) Khadījeh (خديجه). This arabic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Khadija for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”. Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (Khadija the great) (555–619 CE) was the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatimah bint Za’idah and belonged to the clan of Banu Quraish. Khadijah of the Maldives (Rehendhi Khadeejah) was the Sultana of the Maldives from 1347 to 1380. She is one of the earliest female rulers in a Muslim nation. Khadijah was the eldest daughter of Sultan Omar I of the Maldives. She was also the half-sister of Raadhafathi, who succeeded her after her (Khadijah’s) final reign. Her first accession to the throne was in 1347 after deposing her own brother, Sultan Ahmed Shihabuddine, which lasted until 1363." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Khadija's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Khadija?
Khadija is a arabic name. The name traces back to KHADīJA / Khadījeh. The original form Khadīja (خديجة) Khadījeh (خديجه) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Khadija is written as Arabic (خديجة). From its arabic roots, Khadija spread to become common in arabic, african (eastern), azerbaijani. The arabic meaning "This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”. Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (Khadija the great) (555–619 CE) was the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatimah bint Za’idah and belonged to the clan of Banu Quraish. Khadijah of the Maldives (Rehendhi Khadeejah) was the Sultana of the Maldives from 1347 to 1380. She is one of the earliest female rulers in a Muslim nation. Khadijah was the eldest daughter of Sultan Omar I of the Maldives. She was also the half-sister of Raadhafathi, who succeeded her after her (Khadijah’s) final reign. Her first accession to the throne was in 1347 after deposing her own brother, Sultan Ahmed Shihabuddine, which lasted until 1363." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Khadija a boy or girl name?
Khadija is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In arabic tradition, Khadija has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”. Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (Khadija the great) (555–619 CE) was the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatimah bint Za’idah and belonged to the clan of Banu Quraish. Khadijah of the Maldives (Rehendhi Khadeejah) was the Sultana of the Maldives from 1347 to 1380. She is one of the earliest female rulers in a Muslim nation. Khadijah was the eldest daughter of Sultan Omar I of the Maldives. She was also the half-sister of Raadhafathi, who succeeded her after her (Khadijah’s) final reign. Her first accession to the throne was in 1347 after deposing her own brother, Sultan Ahmed Shihabuddine, which lasted until 1363." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Khadija?
Khadija is pronounced "/xɑːˈdiː.dʒə/". This pronunciation follows ar language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Arabic (خديجة), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Khadija is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in arabic, african (eastern), azerbaijani, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with arabic names, listening to a native speaker say Khadija can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root KHADīJA / Khadījeh influences how Khadija sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Khadija?
Khadija is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Khadija offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Khadija's popularity may vary between arabic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”. Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (Khadija the great) (555–619 CE) was the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatimah bint Za’idah and belonged to the clan of Banu Quraish. Khadijah of the Maldives (Rehendhi Khadeejah) was the Sultana of the Maldives from 1347 to 1380. She is one of the earliest female rulers in a Muslim nation. Khadijah was the eldest daughter of Sultan Omar I of the Maldives. She was also the half-sister of Raadhafathi, who succeeded her after her (Khadijah’s) final reign. Her first accession to the throne was in 1347 after deposing her own brother, Sultan Ahmed Shihabuddine, which lasted until 1363." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Khadija holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Khadija commonly used?
Khadija is common in arabic and african (eastern) and azerbaijani naming traditions. The name originated in arabic culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Khadija, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Arabic “khadīja”, meaning “premature child”. Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (Khadija the great) (555–619 CE) was the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatimah bint Za’idah and belonged to the clan of Banu Quraish. Khadijah of the Maldives (Rehendhi Khadeejah) was the Sultana of the Maldives from 1347 to 1380. She is one of the earliest female rulers in a Muslim nation. Khadijah was the eldest daughter of Sultan Omar I of the Maldives. She was also the half-sister of Raadhafathi, who succeeded her after her (Khadijah’s) final reign. Her first accession to the throne was in 1347 after deposing her own brother, Sultan Ahmed Shihabuddine, which lasted until 1363." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Khadija into their naming traditions. A child named Khadija will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Khadija is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.