Esma is a feminine given name used in Turkish and Bosnian, functioning as a form of the Arabic name Asma, which means "supreme" or "higher," derived from the root samā meaning "to be high." In Arabic, Asma (or Asma') is notable as the name of a daughter of Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam and a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad. This historical and religious significance has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in Muslim-majority cultures. In Turkish and Ottoman contexts, Esma is understood as a direct borrowing from Arabic أَسْمَاء (ʔasmāʔ), which is the plural of اِسْم (ism) meaning "name." The term is specifically associated with the 99 names of God (Esma-ül Hüsna) in Islamic tradition, each of which attributes a unique quality to the divine. This spiritual connotation makes Esma not simply a personal name but a reminder of divine attributes, particularly in Turkish and Bosnian Muslim communities. Etymology The name Esma entered Turkish through Ottoman Turkishinheritance from Arabic. Its pronunciation in Turkish is /esˈmaː/. In Albanian, which also borrowed the name from Ottoman Turkish, Esma is used as a given name for females similarly, tracing the same Arabic origin. The name's root connection to the concept of names (ism) and directly to the 99 names of God gives it a distinct religious weight, rarely found in names of such short form. Notable Bearers While Esma is not heavily documented in encyclopedic biographies due to its commonality, various writers, poets, and public figures bearing the name appear in Turkish and Balkan cultural memory. For instance, Esma Redžepova, known as the "queen of Romani music," was a prominent Macedonian vocalist and humanitarian who honored the name in a modern musical context. Although not universally notable, figures like her demonstrate the name's presence across multiple regions influenced by Ottoman heritage. Cultural Significance In both Turkey and Bosnia, Esma is considered a timeless yet modern feminine name, popular due to its graceful sound and deep Islamic roots. Given its origin in the theological link to God's names, the name Esma conveys a sense of purity and spiritual significance, comparable in prestige to more common Arabic female given names like Maryam or Amina. Esma can sometimes be spelled Ezma or Azma in different languages, but the Turkish and Bosnian norm strongly prefer Esma. Distribution As a given name, Esma enjoys widespread use in Turkey and among Bosnians in both the native Balkan populations and the diaspora. After the migration of families in the late Ottoman Era and subsequent settlement in Europe, the name has also increased in use within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where many Turks and Bosnians reside. According to recent data from Turkey's civil registration, Esma remains a top-1000 girl's name, being neither old-fashioned nor fancrooked suggesting durable fondness. Related Names The direct cognate is often seen as Asma (also used in Urdu) and Asmaa in Arabic-speaking regions, which partially overlap in spelling and meaning. Azerbaijani speakers use Əsma, and in Hausa culture the prolonged form Asma'u is known, notably borne by the scholar Princess Nana Asma'u in 19th-century Nigeria. These related variants all echo the blessing of divine names or signify beauty courtesy of its high rank core definition. Meaning: "Supreme, higher" (linked to the 99 names of God) Origin: Arabic (via Ottoman Turkish) Type: Female Usage Regions: Turkey, Bosnia, Albania, and Muslim communities with Ottoman ties