The name Djamila is of Arabic origin and has a rich history and meaning behind it. It is composed of two parts: "Djamal," which means "beauty" or "handsome," and the diminutive suffix "-la," indicating smallness or endearment.
The name Djamila is quite popular in North African countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, where it has been used for centuries. It gained international recognition during the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962), when a young woman named Djamila Bouhired became a symbol of resistance against French colonial rule.
Djamila Bouhired was arrested in 1957 and sentenced to death for her involvement in the FLN (Front de Libération Nationale). Her courage and resilience captured the imagination of many, both within Algeria and around the world. Despite facing torture and imprisonment, she refused to renounce her beliefs or reveal information about her comrades.
After much international pressure, Bouhired's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 1958. She was eventually released following a general amnesty in 1962, after Algeria gained its independence from France. Today, Djamila Bouhired is remembered as a heroine of the Algerian struggle for independence and an inspiration for women's rights movements worldwide.
In conclusion, the name Djamila carries a powerful meaning and history that spans across cultures and generations. While it translates to "beautiful little one," its significance extends far beyond aesthetics or endearment, embodying courage, resilience, and resistance against oppression.
The name Djamila saw a significant spike in popularity between 2017 and 2023, with seven births recorded in the latter year compared to just six in 2017. The years 2007, 2020, and 2023 had an equal number of births (five each), while 2017 had the highest total at six. Overall, there were a total of 23 babies named Djamila born over these five years.