Find out how popular the first name Nafisa has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Nafisa by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Nafisa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 18 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nafisa.

The history of the first name Nafisa

The name Nafisa is of Arabic origin, derived from the root word "nafs," which means "soul" or "spirit." This name gained popularity during the early Islamic era, around the 7th century CE, and is often associated with the Arabic-speaking regions of the Middle East and North Africa.

One of the earliest known references to the name Nafisa can be found in Islamic literature, specifically in the hadiths (sayings and traditions attributed to the Prophet Muhammad). Nafisa bint Al-Hasan, born in the late 7th century CE, was a revered scholar and narrator of hadiths, renowned for her knowledge and piety.

Throughout history, the name Nafisa has been borne by several notable figures, including Nafisa al-Sadrawi (1154-1242 CE), a prominent Sufi mystic and poet from Cairo, Egypt. Her spiritual teachings and poetic works have left a lasting impact on the Sufi tradition.

Another prominent figure was Nafisa Begum (1623-1675), the daughter of Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor who commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal. Nafisa Begum was known for her philanthropic efforts and her patronage of arts and architecture during the Mughal era in India.

In the modern era, Nafisa Joseph (1904-1994) was a pioneering educator and social activist from India. She dedicated her life to promoting women's education and empowerment, establishing several schools and institutions in her country.

Nafisa Shah (born 1972) is a contemporary Pakistani politician and human rights activist. She has served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and has been a vocal advocate for democratic reforms and women's rights in her country.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Nafisa throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields such as religion, literature, politics, and social activism.

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

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

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