Hadja
حاجّة
/ had-JAH /
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇬🇳 Guinea
- Religion
- Islam
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Spiritual
Meaning & Etymology
pilgrim
pilgrim
Etymology
Derived from the Arabic word ḥājj (حاج), meaning ‘one who has completed the pilgrimage to Mecca’.
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Mande > Western Mande > Manding
Cultural context
In Malinke culture, the name Hadja is often given to girls born to families with a strong Islamic tradition, reflecting the importance of the pilgrimage to Mecca in their religious practice.
Symbolism
The name symbolises the spiritual journey and commitment to the Islamic faith, as well as the honour associated with completing the pilgrimage.