All about the name

Zuleima

Female

« Zuleima is a unique Spanish name derived from the Arabic Zulaykha meaning 'shadow' or 'darkness', popularized by an 18th-century play. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Zuleima is a unique and distinctive given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Arabic name Zulaykha, which means "shadow" or "darkness". The name Zulaykha has significant historical roots as it was the name of a wife of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) in Islamic tradition. In Spanish culture, Zuleima became popularized through the 18th-century play "Zulima y Zoomor," written by Spanish playwright Luis de Ulloa. The play tells the story of Zulima, a princess from an imaginary Moorish kingdom, and Zoomor, her lover who is eventually revealed to be her brother. Despite its unique sound and historical significance, Zuleima remains relatively rare as a given name. However, it continues to be used in Spanish-speaking countries and among those seeking distinctive names with deep cultural roots.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Zuleima since 1880

Total births
700
Total since 1880
Peak year
1994
61 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+21%
vs previous 5 years