Marwa

Marwa is an Arabic female given name, derived from the Arabic word marū or maruw (مرو), meaning "pebbles, flint," or a type of hard stone such as quartz. The name is also associated with a fragrant plant species (Maerua crassifolia).

Etymology and Cultural Significance

The name Marwa is intimately connected to Islamic tradition. Al-Marwa is one of the two sacred hills near Mecca (the other being Safa) that form a key part of the Hajj pilgrimage ritual known as the Sa'iy. According to Islamic belief, Hagar, the wife of Abraham, ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of water for her son Ishmael. This story imbues the name with deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide.

During the Ottoman period, the name appeared as Mervat (Ottoman Turkish: مرفت) or Marwa (مروا), and in modern Turkish it is written as Merve. The Persian form is often Marva.

Notable Bearers

Several notable women bear the name Marwa:

• Marwa Abdi Bashir Hagi, Somali politician
• Marwa Abidi (born 1990), Tunisian footballer
• Marwa Amri (born 1989), Tunisian freestyle wrestler
• Marwa Arsanios (born 1978), Lebanese artist
• Marwa Weatherhead (born 1992 or 1996), American beauty pageant titleholder

Related Names and Variants

The masculine form of the name is Marwan. In the Kuria culture of East Africa, Marwa is used as a masculine name, typically given to firstborn males, while girls may be called Bhoke, Robi, or Gati. Marwa also functions as a surname. Turkish equivalent is Merve.

Key Facts

• Meaning: Pebbles, flint; also a fragrant plant
• Origin: Arabic
• Type: Feminine given name
• Usage regions: Arabic-speaking countries, Turkey (as Merve), East Africa (as masculine name), Persian-speaking regions (as Marva)