سمية

Sumaya

girlArabicMuslim

Sumaya is a Muslim girl name of Arabic origin, meaning “Name of Sumayya, first martyr of Islam”.

MeaningName of Sumayya, first martyr of Islam
GenderGirl
OriginArabic
Written asسمية
Pronunciationsoo-MAI-yah
TraditionMuslim
Used inWorldwide

Meaning and origin of Sumaya

Sumaya simplifies the spelling of Sumayya. Muslims cherish the name because of Sumayya bint Khayyāṭ. Along with her husband Yāsir and her son ʿAmmār, she was persecuted in Makkah for her belief, and she became the very first person to die as a martyr for Islam. The name is often said to mean high or elevated, although scholars continue to argue about its true origin.

Is Sumaya a Muslim name?

Sumaya keeps alive the memory of Sumayya bint Khayyat, honoured by Muslims as Islam's first martyr.

How popular is Sumaya?

It is used all over the Muslim world, from Somalia and Sudan to Pakistan and the West.

Gifts with the name Sumaya

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Spellings and variants of Sumaya

SumayyaSumayyahSomayaSumaia

Names similar to Sumaya

More Muslim girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Sumaya mean?

Sumaya means 'Name of Sumayya, first martyr of Islam'. It is of Arabic origin.

Is Sumaya a Muslim name?

Sumaya keeps alive the memory of Sumayya bint Khayyat, honoured by Muslims as Islam's first martyr.

How do you pronounce Sumaya?

Sumaya is pronounced soo-MAI-yah.

Is Sumaya a boy or girl name?

Sumaya is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.