Saffana
Saffana is a Muslim girl name meaning “Pearl (as traditionally explained)”.
| Meaning | Pearl (as traditionally explained) |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Arabic |
| Arabic spelling | سفانة |
| Pronunciation | saf-FAH-nah |
| Muslim name? | Islamic / Arabic name |
Meaning and origin of Saffana
Saffana is an old Arabic women's name, and the meaning handed down for it is 'pearl'. Its formation is not clearly explained in the dictionaries, so that meaning is best treated as traditional rather than certain. What gives the name its weight is less its dictionary sense than the woman who bore it in the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whose story of dignity, eloquence and loyalty to her family has been retold in Arabic literature for centuries.
Saffāna bint Ḥātim was the daughter of Ḥātim al-Ṭāʾī, the pre-Islamic chief of the tribe of Ṭayyiʾ, whose hospitality became proverbial in Arabic and Persian literature. The biographical sources relate that she was among captives brought to Madinah, that she pleaded her case by describing her father's generosity, and that the Prophet ﷺ released her out of respect for those qualities. She is said to have then encouraged her brother ʿAdī ibn Ḥātim to come to the Prophet ﷺ, and both accepted Islam. Her story has kept the name alive in the Gulf, the Levant and Egypt. It is pronounced saf-FAH-nah with a doubled f, and is also written Saffanah or Safana.
Famous people named Saffana
- Saffāna bint Ḥātim — daughter of Ḥātim al-Ṭāʾī, freed by the Prophet ﷺ, who later accepted Islam
Is Saffana a Muslim name?
Yes. Saffana is an Arabic name borne by Saffāna bint Ḥātim, a woman who accepted Islam in the Prophet's ﷺ lifetime. It is a meaningful classical choice for a girl.
Where is the name Saffana used?
Known across the Arab world, especially in the Gulf and Levant, as a classical name linked to Ḥātim al-Ṭāʾī's family.
Gifts with the name Saffana
- Saffana name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Saffana baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Saffana
More girl names like Saffana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Saffana mean?
Saffana means 'Pearl (as traditionally explained)'. It comes from Arabic.
Is Saffana a Muslim name?
Yes. Saffana is an Arabic name borne by Saffāna bint Ḥātim, a woman who accepted Islam in the Prophet's ﷺ lifetime. It is a meaningful classical choice for a girl.
How do you write Saffana in Arabic?
Saffana is written سفانة in Arabic script.
How do you pronounce Saffana?
Saffana is pronounced saf-FAH-nah.
Who was Saffana's father?
Saffana bint Hatim was the daughter of Hatim al-Tai, the Arabian chief famous for his generosity.
Is Saffana mentioned in the Quran?
No. Saffana is not in the Quran; it is known from the biographies of the Prophet ﷺ through Saffana bint Hatim.