EtymologyKhadija is an Arabic feminine given name derived from the Arabic root kh-d-j, meaning "premature child." The name is primarily associated with Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad and a pivotal figure in Islamic history. As one of the most revered women in Islam, she is often referred to as Khadīja al-Kubrā (Khadijah the Great). The name gained widespread popularity across the Muslim world and appears in various forms, such as Khadiga in Egyptian Arabic and Khadidja in Maghrebi Arabic. Other language variants include Hatixhe (Albanian), Xədicə (Azerbaijani), Hatidža (Bosnian), and Hadiza in Hausa.Cultural and Religious SignificanceKhadija bint Khuwaylid (circa 555–619 CE) was a wealthy merchant and widow when she married Muhammad in 595 CE. She was the first person to convert to Islam after Muhammad received his first revelation around 610 CE. She bore him all his surviving children, including Fatima, with the exception of his son Ibrahim. Her unwavering support during the early years of Islam is widely celebrated. According to Islamic tradition, she visited a Christian scholar who predicted Muhammad's prophethood, confirming his monotheism. The name Khadija symbolizes strength, faith, and piety, and it remains one of the most common Arabic female names along with Fatima and Aisha.Notable BearersKhadija Abadiya bint Ali (1907–1958), Iraqi princess, daughter of King Ali bin Hussein of Hejaz.Khadija bint Harun al-Rashid, 9th-century Arab princess, daughter of caliph Harun al-Rashid.Khadija Arslan Khatun, wife of the 11th-century caliph al-Qa'im, mother of prince Muhammad bin Qa'im.Khadijah of the Maldives (r. 1347–1380), Sultana of the Maldives.Khadija Riyad (1914–1981), Egyptian painter, sculptor, and jewelry designer.