Sabiha

Sabiha is a feminine given name of Arabic origin, derived from the masculine Sabih. It is used in Arabic, Bengali, Turkish, and Urdu cultures.

Etymology

The name Sabiha (صبيحة) means "morning" or "beautiful" in Arabic, stemming from the root ṣabuḥa, which carries the meanings "to be beautiful" and "to be radiant". This root is also connected to the Arabic word for dawn (ṣabāḥ).

Notable Bearers

Sabiha has been borne by several distinguished women, particularly in Turkish and South Asian contexts. Notable figures include:

• Sabiha Gökçen (1913–2001) – A Turkish female combat pilot, adopted daughter of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the world's first female fighter pilot, honored as one of the most iconic women in Turkish history.
• Sabiha Sultan (1894–1971) – An Ottoman princess, daughter of Sultan Mehmed VI, the last Caliph of the Ottoman Empire.
• Sabiha Bengütaş (1904–1992) – A pioneering Turkish sculptor and the first female artist to work in sculpture in Turkey.
• Sabiha Gökçül Erbay (1900–1998) – One of the first women members of the Turkish parliament, advocating for women's rights.
• Sabiha Sertel (1895–1968) – A prominent Turkish journalist and socio-political activist.
• Sabiha Khanum (1935–2020) – A celebrated Pakistani film actress who starred over 250 films.
• Sabiha Sumar (born 1961) – A Pakistani documentary filmmaker and screenwriter.
• Sabiha Al Khemir (born 1959) – A Tunisian writer, illustrator, and expert in Islamic art.

Cultural Significance

The name is particularly popular in Turkey and South Asia (especially among Bengali and Urdu speakers), where it evokes associations with beauty and the first light of morning. The Istanbul airport Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is named after the pioneering aviator, further embedding the name in modern Turkish culture.

Variant Forms

Sabeeha is an Urdu variant transcription of the name.

• Meaning: morning (beautiful)
• Origin: Arabic
• Type: First name
• Usage: Arabic, Bengali, Turkish, Urdu