Find out how popular the first name Afnan has been for the last 40 years (from 1985 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Afnan by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Afnan is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 78% of people named Afnan being female.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 45 female babies and 12 male babies born with the name Afnan.

The history of the first name Afnan

The name Afnan has its roots in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Arabic word "afnan," which means "branches" or "twigs." The name is believed to have originated in the Middle East, particularly in the areas where Arabic is spoken, such as the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Levant.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Afnan can be found in classical Arabic literature, where it was used as a metaphor to describe the beauty and elegance of a person's character or appearance. The name was often associated with qualities such as growth, resilience, and the ability to thrive in challenging environments, much like the branches of a tree.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Afnan. One of the earliest recorded examples is Afnan al-Baghdadi, a renowned Islamic scholar and jurist who lived in Baghdad during the 11th century. He was known for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and his contributions to the field of Sharia law.

Another notable figure with the name Afnan was Afnan al-Dimashqi, a Syrian poet and writer who lived in the 17th century. He was celebrated for his mastery of the Arabic language and his poetic compositions, which explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience.

In the 19th century, Afnan al-Kabir was a prominent intellectual and reformer from Lebanon. He was a strong advocate for education and played a crucial role in establishing modern schools and universities in the region. His efforts paved the way for the advancement of knowledge and intellectual discourse in the Arab world.

In more recent times, Afnan Al-Qasem was a Palestinian poet and activist who lived from 1926 to 2005. She was known for her powerful poetry that reflected the struggles and aspirations of the Palestinian people, and her works have been widely celebrated and translated into multiple languages.

Another notable figure with the name Afnan was Afnan Ullah Khan, a Pakistani cricketer who played for the national team in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a talented all-rounder and played a significant role in Pakistan's cricketing achievements during that era.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have borne the name Afnan. The name continues to be used across various cultures and regions, carrying with it a rich heritage and symbolic meaning rooted in the Arabic language and tradition.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Afnan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Afnan, please contact us.

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