Besma
A girl's name of Arabic origin with 10 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Besma peaked during the Millennial wave, when 5 babies received this name in a single year (1990). That era was defined by pop-culture-influenced, individuality-forward naming, and Besma has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Besma is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Besma is a girl's baby name of Arabic origin meaning 'smile.' One of the most charming names in the Arabic-speaking world — simple, radiant, and impossible not to love.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Besma belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, warm ending — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Arabic naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Arabic names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Besma’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Besma has 2+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1990.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 5 | #17303 | — |
| 1990s | 5 | #13204 | — |
The Story of Besma
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1990, Besma is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Besma are most likely born between 1990 and 2000.
How rare is Besma?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Besma is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1990, peaked in the 1990s with 5 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(2 years, 1990–2012)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 5 | #17303 |
| 1990 | 5 | #13204 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Besma a boy's or girl's name?
When was Besma most popular?
How popular is the name Besma?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1990–2012