Farida
Farida is a Muslim girl name meaning “Unique, a precious gem”.
| Meaning | Unique, a precious gem |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Arabic |
| Arabic spelling | فريدة |
| Pronunciation | fah-REE-dah |
| Arabic root | ف ر د (f-r-d) — to be single, unique |
| Muslim name? | Islamic / Arabic name |
Meaning and origin of Farida
Farida is the feminine form of Farīd, from the Arabic root f-r-d, which means being single, alone or unmatched. A fard is one individual, and farīd describes something that stands alone because nothing compares with it. In classical Arabic farīda was used for a single precious gem, especially a large pearl or jewel set apart from the others in a necklace. So the name holds both meanings, unique and incomparable, and precious as a jewel.
The name has been used across the Muslim world for centuries, but it gained special prestige in Egypt in the twentieth century. When Safinaz Zulficar married King Farouk in 1938, she was given the name Farida, and as Queen Farida her popularity made the name fashionable among Egyptian families. Today it is found from North Africa and the Middle East to South Asia, Malaysia and Indonesia. Spellings vary: Fareeda and Faridah are common in English and Malay usage, Ferida in Turkish and the Balkans, and Faridat among Yoruba Muslims in Nigeria. It is written فريدة in Arabic and pronounced fah-REE-dah.
Famous people named Farida
- Queen Farida of Egypt — first wife of King Farouk, born Safinaz Zulficar
- Farida Khanum — Pakistani ghazal singer
- Farida Jalal — Indian film and television actress
Is Farida a Muslim name?
Yes. Farida is a Muslim name of Arabic origin meaning unique or a precious gem.
Where is the name Farida used?
Used throughout the Muslim world, notably in Egypt, North Africa, Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Gifts with the name Farida
- Farida name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Farida baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.
Spellings and variants of Farida
Read more
- Yoruba Muslim names explained
- Nigerian Muslim names: Hausa & Yoruba forms
- Malay & Indonesian Muslim names guide
More girl names like Farida
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Farida mean?
Farida means 'Unique, a precious gem'. It comes from Arabic.
Is Farida a Muslim name?
Yes. Farida is a Muslim name of Arabic origin meaning unique or a precious gem.
How do you write Farida in Arabic?
Farida is written فريدة in Arabic script.
How do you pronounce Farida?
Farida is pronounced fah-REE-dah.
What does Farida mean in Islam?
Farida means unique or incomparable, and in classical Arabic it also referred to a precious gem; it is the feminine of Farid.
What is the male version of Farida?
The masculine form is Farid (Fareed), from the same root meaning unique.