Khadijah is an Arabic name whose precise meaning is debated — most scholars interpret it as "premature child" or "one born prematurely," though other interpretations suggest "trustworthy" or "one who is respected." With about 7,443 SSA records and a 1994 peak, Khadijah is most famous as the name of the Prophet Muhammad's first wife — one of the most revered figures in Islamic history.
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was a successful merchant, the first Muslim, and the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad. She is one of the most important figures in Islamic tradition — described in hadith as one of the four greatest women in history. Naming a daughter Khadijah within Muslim communities carries this explicit honorific intention: the name connects a girl to a figure of strength, independence, faith, and intelligence. Arabic names with prophetic-era associations carry a reverence that is different from Biblical name use in Western culture — more active, more consciously devotional.
The 1990s Peak
Khadijah's American naming peak in 1994 coincides roughly with the television series Living Single, which featured a character named Khadijah James played by Queen Latifah. The show was popular in African American communities, and the character's strong, professional portrayal may have reinforced the name's appeal among parents who were already familiar with it through Islamic heritage. 1990s television had a measurable effect on several names prominent in Black American naming culture during that decade.
The Counter-Reading: Spelling Complexity
Khadijah's transliteration from Arabic produces a spelling that English readers consistently find challenging, the Kh- opening, the -dij- middle, the -ah ending. A daughter named Khadijah will spend a lifetime spelling her name carefully. That is a familiar experience for bearers of Arabic names in English-language environments, and many find it a point of pride rather than a burden. Compare Khadijah with Fatima, another name of a revered figure in Islamic tradition with broader American recognition.