Hidayah is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "hidaaya," which means guidance or guidance. It is often used as both a boy's and girl's name in various Muslim communities around the world.
The name Hidayah has significant meaning for Muslims, as it reflects the belief that Allah guides His creation towards the right path. Therefore, naming someone Hidayah signifies a hope that the child will grow up to be guided and lead others toward righteousness.
Historically, Hidayah was popularized by Islamic scholars who used the name in their works to emphasize the importance of guidance. For instance, the famous 14th-century scholar Ibn Khaldun titled his autobiography "Kitab al-Ibar fi Tarikh al-Bashar" (Book of Lessons Concerning the History of Mankind), which is also known as "al-Hidayah" in reference to this name.
In contemporary times, Hidayah remains a popular choice for parents seeking meaningful names for their children. It transcends gender and cultural boundaries while carrying a profound spiritual message. Whether it's used for a boy or girl, the name Hidayah serves as a reminder of divine guidance and the pursuit of wisdom.
The name Hidayah has been consistently present in the United States over the past decade, with a total of 106 babies being given this name since 2012. The popularity of the name has shown some variation from year to year. In 2012 and 2015, there were 6 births each, indicating that Hidayah was relatively uncommon during these years. However, between 2016 and 2020, the number of babies named Hidayah increased steadily, reaching a peak of 14 births in 2020. This suggests that the name gained popularity during this period.
Since 2020, the number of births with the name Hidayah has decreased slightly, with 11 births in 2021 and 10 births in 2022. However, it is still more popular than it was in the early years of the decade. In 2023, there were 8 births recorded for the name Hidayah.
Overall, while Hidayah has not been among the most commonly used names in the United States over the past decade, its popularity has shown some growth and consistency since 2016. This suggests that the name continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.