Find out how popular the first name Faisal has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Faisal by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Faisal is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 35 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Faisal.

The history of the first name Faisal

The name Faisal has its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Arabic root word "fa-sa-la," which means "to separate" or "to distinguish." The name is thought to have emerged in the Arabian Peninsula during the early Islamic period, around the 7th century CE.

Faisal is a relatively uncommon name in ancient texts and religious scriptures, but it gained prominence in the historical records of the Arab world. One of the earliest known references to the name can be found in the writings of the 9th-century Arab historian and geographer, al-Baladhuri, who mentioned a person named Faisal ibn Yahya al-Barmaki, a member of the influential Barmakid family during the Abbasid Caliphate.

The name Faisal has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most prominent was Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1906-1975), the third King of Saudi Arabia, who played a crucial role in the country's development and modernization. Another well-known Faisal was Faisal I (1885-1933), the first King of Iraq, who led the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I and later became the founder of the modern Iraqi state.

Faisal II (1935-1958) was the last King of Iraq, who ascended to the throne at the age of four and was tragically killed in a coup d'état at the age of 23. Faisal bin Musaid Al Saud (1944-1975) was a Saudi prince and the first governor of Asir Province, known for his efforts to develop the region.

Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud (1945-2008) was a Saudi prince and businessman who served as the Governor of Riyadh Province from 1992 to 2013. He played a significant role in the development of the Saudi capital and was known for his philanthropic efforts.

While the name Faisal has been most commonly used in the Arab world, it has also been adopted by other cultures and communities around the globe. However, its rich history and cultural significance can be traced back to its Arabic roots and the influential figures who have borne this name throughout the centuries.

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 Faisal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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