Naif first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Naif has been for the last 42 years (from 1981 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Naif

Pure, untainted, innocent, or ingenuous.

Popularity of Naif by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Naif is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Naif.

Year Male Count Female Count
2022 6 0
2021 10 0
2020 7 0
2019 12 0
2018 13 0
2017 8 0
2016 13 0
2015 15 0
2014 9 0
2013 19 0
2012 8 0
2011 7 0
2010 7 0
2008 5 0
2001 7 0
1991 5 0
1981 5 0

The history of the first name Naif

The name Naif originates from the Arabic language and has its roots in the word "na'if," which means "fine" or "delicate." It is a masculine name that has been in use since ancient times in the Middle East and North Africa.

In the pre-Islamic era, the name Naif was associated with qualities such as gentleness, sensitivity, and elegance. It was often given to boys born into noble families or those who displayed a gentle demeanor.

During the Islamic Golden Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 13th century, the name Naif gained further significance. It is mentioned in several Arabic literary works, including poetry and prose, where it was used to describe individuals with refined tastes and a deep appreciation for the arts and culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Naif can be found in the works of the renowned Arabic poet and scholar Al-Mutanabbi (915-965 CE). He used the name in his poetry to symbolize the delicate nature of love and the beauty of the human spirit.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Naif. One of the most famous was Naif ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud (1923-2012), a prominent member of the Saudi royal family and the former Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Another notable figure was Naif Al-Hazimi (1941-2020), a Saudi Arabian diplomat and politician who served as the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council from 2002 to 2011.

In the realm of literature, Naif Mudhaffar (1939-2019) was a celebrated Iraqi poet and writer known for his evocative and lyrical works that explored themes of love, identity, and the human condition.

Naif Al-Mutawa (born 1973) is a Kuwaiti author and entrepreneur who created the popular comic book series "The 99," which features superheroes based on Islamic principles and values.

Naif Al-Rasheed (born 1949) is a Saudi Arabian artist and sculptor whose works have been exhibited internationally and are renowned for their exploration of cultural identity and the human form.

While the name Naif has its roots in the Arabic language, it has gained popularity in various cultures and regions over time, with individuals from diverse backgrounds embracing its unique meaning and historical significance.

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

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

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"Naif first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 31, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/naif-meaning-and-history/.

"Naif first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/naif-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 31 May, 2025

Naif first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/naif-meaning-and-history/.

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