Ibtihaj is a feminine Arabic name that means "joy" in Arabic. It derives from the triconsonantal root bahija (بهج), which conveys the sense of being happy or rejoicing. The name embodies the emotion of delight and is often chosen to reflect the happiness a child brings to their family.
As a given name, Ibtihaj is used across the Arabic-speaking world, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East. While less common than some other names from the same root, such as Bahija or Ibtihal, Ibtihaj remains a distinctive choice that carries a positive, uplifting meaning.
One of the most notable bearers of this name is Ibtihaj Muhammad, an American saber fencer who became the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing for the United States at the Olympic Games, earning a bronze medal in 2016. Her public prominence has brought the name into broader awareness.
- Meaning: Joy
- Origin: Arabic
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage regions: Arabic-speaking countries