Find out how popular the first name Kalif has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kalif by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Kalif is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kalif.

The history of the first name Kalif

The name Kalif has its origins in the Arabic language and Islamic culture, derived from the word "Khalifa," which means "successor" or "deputy." This name has a rich historical significance, particularly in the context of Islamic leadership and governance.

During the early years of Islam, the title "Khalifa" was bestowed upon the successors of the Prophet Muhammad, who were responsible for leading the Muslim community. The first four caliphs, known as the Rashidun Caliphs, were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, who ruled from 632 to 661 CE.

The name Kalif can be traced back to the Quran, the holy book of Islam, where the concept of a "Khalifa" is mentioned as a representative of God on Earth. This association with religious and political authority contributed to the widespread use of the name among Muslims.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Kalif dates back to the 7th century CE, when Caliph Mu'awiya I (602-680 CE) established the Umayyad Caliphate. This dynasty ruled from 661 to 750 CE and played a significant role in the expansion of the Islamic Empire.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Kalif or variations of it. One such figure was Al-Kalif Al-Nasr (913-976 CE), a Fatimid caliph who ruled from 975 to 976 CE and was known for his patronage of literature and the arts.

Another prominent individual with this name was Kalif Harun al-Rashid (763-809 CE), the fifth Abbasid caliph, who is renowned for his achievements in various fields, including governance, military campaigns, and the promotion of cultural and intellectual pursuits during the Islamic Golden Age.

In the modern era, Kalif Billah Shah (1271-1320 CE) was the last sultan of the Mamluk Sultanate in Delhi, India, and played a significant role in the history of the region.

Additionally, Kalif Ali Khan (1670-1719 CE) was a Mughal emperor who ruled parts of India from 1707 to 1712 CE and is remembered for his efforts to maintain the stability of the Mughal Empire during a turbulent period.

These are just a few examples of the historical figures who have carried the name Kalif, reflecting its deep-rooted connections to Islamic history, leadership, and cultural traditions.

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

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

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