Heba is a female given name of Egyptian origin, derived from the ancient Egyptian word "ḥb" which means "to praise". The name was often used by ancient Egyptians to pay homage to the goddess Hathor, who was associated with love, beauty, and music.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Hathor was depicted as a cow or a woman wearing a headdress of cow's horns with a solar disc. She was believed to be the patroness of miners and workers in the turquoise quarries at Serabit el-Khadim in the Sinai desert.
The name Heba gained popularity during the Islamic period, particularly among Muslims who adopted it as an Islamic name due to its association with Hathor, who was often identified with the Islamic concept of paradise. Today, Heba is a popular name throughout the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in other parts of the world where Islamic culture has had an influence.
In addition to its Egyptian roots, the name Heba also has connections to other cultures and languages. For instance, in Arabic, Heba means "gift from God" or "tribute". In Hebrew, it means "love" or "friendship". Meanwhile, in some African cultures, Heba is a name given to girls born on a Saturday.
Overall, the name Heba carries a rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting its ancient Egyptian origins while also incorporating elements from other traditions and languages. It is a name that continues to be cherished by many families around the world who appreciate its meaning and heritage.
Here are the statistics for the name Heba from 1978 to 2023:
- The highest number of births was in 2006 with 47 babies named Heba.
- There were significant drops in popularity after 2011, with only 26 births recorded in 2020 and 23 in 2022.
- Overall, there have been a total of 1358 babies named Heba from 1978 to 2023.