Safiya
/səˈfiː.jə/noun
A feminine Arabic given name meaning pure, sincere, or chosen friend.
Did you know?Ṣafiyya bint Huyayy, a seventh-century woman who became one of Muhammad’s wives, is one of the best-known historical bearers of the name.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
ṣ-p-w
“A root associated with purity, clearness, and being untainted.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣafā
“Purity, clarity, serenity, or being free from admixture.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣafīy
“A chosen intimate friend, close companion, or person specially selected.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣafiyya
“The feminine form: a pure woman or specially chosen female companion.”
Medieval and Modern English
English
Safiya / Safiyyah
“A transliterated Arabic feminine personal name, used across Muslim communities worldwide.”