Question
Name of my new born daughter is “Elma Elissa”. I want to know the meaning of the words and I also want your advice & opinion about this name.
Answer
Muhtaram / Muhtaramah
In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāh wa-barakātuh.
At the outset, it is advisable to keep names which are positively meaningful and Islamically acceptable.
The name you have provided is a combination of two names. Elma according to one view is from German origin (from the name “Winhelma”. This is a feminine name for Winhelm. We could not find any suitable meaning in it except that many German philosophers kept this as their middle name. Another origin is that it is a short form of the name that ends with Elma. This name however does not seem appropriate for a muslim girl. A name should be such that it is identified as Islamic and is of good meaning.
The name Elissa is also a short form of Elizabeth which is either of Jewish origin from Elisheva. It could also be from greek christian origin from Elisabet. In both cases it is commonly understood as a Christian name and thus not advisable. We would suggest looking at the names of some Sahabiyaat radiallahunna and keeping that as your guidance in names.
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In’aamiyyah
- The Sharée ruling herein given is specifically based on the question posed and should be read in conjunction with the question.
- The Darul Ifta bears no responsibility to any party who may or may not act on this answer. The Darul Ifta being hereby exempted from loss or damage howsoever caused.
- This answer may not be used as evidence in any Court of Law without prior written consent of the Darul Ifta.
