Rahima (Arabic: رحيمة) is a feminine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "merciful, kind, compassionate." It is the feminine form of Rahim, which itself derives from the Arabic root r-ḥ-m (رحم), signifying mercy. In Islamic tradition, الرحيم (al-Raḥīm) is one of the 99 names of Allah, emphasizing divine compassion. The name is also used in Bengali and other Muslim-majority cultures.Etymology and MeaningThe name Rahima shares its root with the masculine Rahim, a direct name of Allah meaning "the Merciful." Cognates include Raheem (another transliteration) and the Turkish variant Rahime. Though not a Quranic name itself, its masculine counterpart features prominently in Islam.Notable BearersRahima Banu (born 1973), the last known recipient of naturally occurring smallpox (Variola major), a young Bangladeshi girl whose story reflects the name's presence in Bangladesh.Rahima Moosa (1922–1993), a key South African anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist, remembered for leading the 1956 Women's March. Rahima Gambo (born 1986), Nigerian photographer and artist who archivally documents cultural narratives.Rahimah Rahim (b. 1955 and b. 1992), two Singaporean pop singers of Malay descent, the elder known for classical ballads and the younger for Mandopop.Rahima Ayla Dirkse (born 1993), Dutch–Indonesian model and Miss World Indonesia 2015 first runner-up.Distribution and UsageRahima is widespread across the Islamic world but is particularly common in Bangladesh (via Bengali) and the Arabic-speaking Middle East. In English contexts it often appears among Arab, Pakistani, and Malay communities.Meaning: Merciful, compassionateOrigin: ArabicType: Given name (feminine)Usage Regions: Arabic-speaking countries, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia