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Maha

Girl name · 23 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Maha: 23 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 2004.

The name Maha has deep roots in Arabic, where it means "wild cow" or "gazelle," specifically one with striking, wide, dark eyes—a classic symbol of beauty in classical Arabic poetry. Perhaps the most famous bearer is Maha Al-Emam, a pioneering Egyptian actress and singer who captivated audiences in the 1960s and 1970s, while more recently, Maha Naji Bakr, an Iraqi politician, has brought the name into contemporary prominence. There is no direct Scottish place connection, but the name shares its etymological root with the Arabic word for "wild cow" and the Sanskrit "maha" meaning "great"—a coincidence that gives it a subtle cross-cultural depth. A softer variant, Maha is occasionally used across the Muslim world and has seen scattered use in Scotland as families celebrate diverse heritage.