Khaleda

Khaleda is an alternate transcription of the Arabic خالدة (see Khalida), as well as the usual Bengali form. It is the feminine version of Khalid, an Arabic name deriving from the root khalada, meaning "to last forever" or "eternal".

Historical and Cultural Context

The masculine name Khalid is particularly associated with Khalid ibn al-Walid, a prominent 7th-century Islamic military commander known for his strategic prowess and unwavering faith. The feminine forms, including Khaleda, carry the same connotations of eternity and immortality. In Bengali usage, the name is widely used among Muslim families and is often given to express aspirations for a long and enduring life.

Notable Bearer

The most famous bearer of the name is Khaleda Zia (1946–2025), a Bangladeshi politician who served as the first female prime minister of Bangladesh and the second female prime minister in the Muslim world, after Benazir Bhutto. Born into a Bengali Muslim family, she was married to Ziaur Rahman, the former president of Bangladesh. She led the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for decades and played a central role in the country's political landscape. Her influence made the name Khaleda particularly recognizable in South Asia and beyond.

Linguistic Variants

The name has several linguistic adaptations: in Az̧ərbaycan it appears as Xalidə, in Turkish as Halide, and in Urdu as Khalida. It is also cognate with the masculine forms Khaled and Khalid, both common in Bengali-speaking regions.

• Meaning: Eternal, immortal
• Origin: Arabic
• Type: Feminine given name
• Usage: Arabic, Bangladeshi