Question About the Name “Fayha”, فَيْحَاء‎

Question

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am considering the name Fayha (فَيْحَاء) for my newborn daughter. From what I found, the name has good meanings in Arabic — such as spacious, fragrant, or pleasant open place.

But I noticed that the word “Fayh” (فَيْح), which is from the same root, appears in some Hadith related to Jahannam (Hellfire). That made me a bit unsure.

Here are two examples:

1. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 54, Hadith 487:
إِنَّ نَارَكُمْ هَذِهِ الَّتِي يُوقِدُ بَنُو آدَمَ جُزْءٌ وَاحِدٌ مِنْ سَبْعِينَ جُزْءًا مِنْ نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ، قَالُوا: وَاللَّهِ، إِنْ كَانَتْ لَكَافِيَةً، قَالَ: فَإِنَّهَا فُضِّلَتْ عَلَيْهَا بِتِسْعَةٍ وَسِتِّينَ جُزْءًا، كُلُّهُنَّ مِثْلُ حَرِّهَا
2. Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76 (Kitab al-Riqaq), Hadith 456:
تِسْعَةٌ وَسِتُّونَ جُزْءًا، كُلُّ جُزْءٍ مِنْهَا مِثْلُ فَيْحِ النَّارِ الَّتِي تَعْرِفُونَ

From what I understand, “Fayh” means something like outflow, spread, or emanation, and can be used in both good and neutral contexts (like scent, air, or light). But since it appears in these Hadith in a serious context, I would like to ask your expert opinion.
My questions:

Is Fayha (فَيْحَاء) an acceptable and good name for a Muslim girl?
 	Does the usage of “Fayh” in these Hadith affect the name’s suitability?
 	Has this name ever been used positively by scholars or righteous Muslims?

I want to choose a name with a good and respectful meaning, without any negative association in Islam.

Jazakum Allahu Khayran for your guidance.
Asalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah

Shariah Board of America · Accepted Answer

The word "Fayh" (فیحاء) means "vast or expansive land." In Hadith, it is used to describe the land of Paradise in the event of Al-Mi'raj (the Night Journey). (Reference: Majmua Zawaid 238, Majmu al-Kabir 9976)

Additionally, it also carries meanings related to fragrance and pleasant scent, so there is no harm in giving this name.

Regarding your concern, the name will not have any negative effect because "Fayh"(فیحاء) or "Fawwuh" (فوح) means:

To spread fragrance

To expand/widen

To disperse beautifully

To surge (like heat or scent)
(Reference: Al-Qamoos al-Wahid 1264)

In the same context, it has been used to describe the blazing heat of Hell, but in its essence, there is no negative meaning. Therefore, this name can be given.

As for whether scholars or righteous Muslims have used this name, the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself used it for the blessed land of Paradise. (References: Majmua Zawaid, Majmu al-Kabir, Mustadrak al-Hakim)

Some books indicate that women have been given this name, but we do not have specific knowledge of whether other scholars or pious Muslims have used it.