Safwa
/ˈsɑːf.wə/noun
A feminine given name derived from Arabic ṣafwah, meaning the finest or chosen part of something.
Did you know?The Arabic root ṣ-f-w is associated with purity and clarity, giving Safwa an almost alchemical sense of refinement: what remains after the impurities are removed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
ṣ-p/y-w
“A reconstructed root associated with purity, clarity, or being selected; the exact proto-form is uncertain.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣafā (صفا)
“To be clear, pure, or untroubled; to become free of impurity.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
ṣafwah (صفوة)
“The purest or choicest part; an elite or selected group.”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
ṣafiyy (صفيّ)
“Pure, sincere, intimate, or specially chosen.”
Modern English
English
Safwa
“A modern transliteration used chiefly as a feminine personal name, derived from Arabic ṣafwah.”