Bilqis

Bilqis is a feminine given name of uncertain meaning, best known in Islamic tradition as the name of the Queen of Sheba. Although she appears in the Quran (Surah An-Naml, 27:22–44), her personal name is not mentioned there; it was attributed to her in later Islamic lore and Persian/Arabic literature.

Etymology and Origin

The name's etymology is uncertain. It is commonly spelled Balqis in Arabic and is thought by some to derive from a Semitic root related to "queen" or "pure", but no consensus exists. The Ge'ez tradition uses Makeda for the same figure.

Notable Bearers

Besides the legendary queen, several modern women bear the name. Notably:

• Balqees (born 1988), an Emirati singer widely known mononymously.
• Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (born 1990), an American professional basketball player who was the first Muslim woman to wear a hijab in a NCAA game.
• Bilqis Prasista (born 2003), an Indonesian badminton player.
• Balqis Sidawi (born 1935), a Lebanese writer and poet.

Cultural Significance

In Judeo-Christian-Islamic contexts, the Queen of Sheba signifies wisdom and wealth. Her visit to King Solomon appears in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 10:1–13) and the New Testament (Matthew 12:42), but only in Islamic tradition is she named Bilqīs, a name popular in Muslim communities.

Variant Forms

The Arabic form Balqis and the Hausa Bilƙisu are found in West Africa. Internationally, the name remains rare but known due to its biblical connection.

Key Facts

• Meaning: Uncertain; possibly derived from Hebrew or Arabic for "queen"
• Origin: Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition (Arabic)
• Type: Feminine given name
• Usage regions: Muslim world, especially Middle East, Africa, and diaspora
• Famous bearer: Queen of Sheba (Islamic tradition)