Alima Girl

Popularity: #930 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-LEE-mah /əˈliː.mə/

Origin: Arabic; Swahili

Meaning: Arabic: 'noble'; Swahili: 'one who is exalted'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alima has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "عَلِيمَة" (ʿalīmah), which means "learned" or "knowledgeable." This term is closely related to the Arabic root "عَلِمَ" (ʿalima), signifying knowledge or learning. The name has been adopted in various cultures influenced by Arabic language and Islamic traditions, making its way into other languages through historical interactions and translations, particularly during the spread of Islam from the 7th century onward.

As Arabic-speaking communities expanded, the name Alima became associated with qualities of wisdom and education, reflecting the high value placed on knowledge in Islamic culture. Throughout history, the name has been borne by notable figures in Islamic scholarship and literature, contributing to its significance.

For instance, the name has been used in various historical texts and has appeared in the works of scholars and poets, particularly during the Golden Age of Islam (8th to 14th centuries), when advancements in science, philosophy, and literature flourished. The name's presence in Islamic texts and its association with learned women in history have helped to solidify its cultural resonance.

In addition to its linguistic and historical roots, Alima carries symbolic weight in many cultures, often associated with the ideals of education, enlightenment, and moral integrity. The name may also have variations or diminutive forms in different cultures, reflecting local linguistic adaptations while maintaining its core meaning.

Overall, Alima embodies a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance, representing the enduring value of knowledge across generations.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Alima, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Alima. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alima was first seen in the United States in 1976.

Alima has ranked as high as #8832 nationally, which occurred in 2018, and has been most popular in New York, and Pennsylvania.

In the past 5 years the name Alima has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Alima is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Alima was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Alima.

Year Total Births Girl
2025 18 18
2024 23 23
2023 17 17
2022 16 16
2021 20 20
2020 21 21
2019 20 20
2018 25 25
2017 16 16
2016 15 15
2015 20 20
2014 14 14
2013 11 11
2012 16 16
2011 10 10
2010 17 17
2009 11 11
2008 18 18
2007 15 15
2006 16 16
2005 17 17
2004 8 8
2003 11 11
2002 7 7
2001 6 6
2000 9 9
1999 12 12
1998 10 10
1997 7 7
1996 10 10
1995 6 6
1992 13 13
1989 5 5
1987 5 5
1984 6 6
1981 8 8
1978 5 5
1977 6 6
1976 5 5

Top States for Alima (2021)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
NY 6
100%