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

Popularity of Rafi by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rafi is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Rafi being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 23 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rafi.

The history of the first name Rafi

The name Rafi is believed to have its origins in the Arabic language, derived from the root word "rafa'a," which means "to raise" or "to elevate." It is a variant of the more common Arabic name Rafiq, which translates to "companion" or "friend."

The earliest known usage of the name Rafi can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the rise of Islam in the Middle East. It was a popular name among Arab communities and was often given to boys as a symbol of aspiration and elevation.

In Islamic literature, the name Rafi is mentioned in several historical texts and religious scriptures. One notable reference is found in the Hadith, a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, where the name is used as an example of a virtuous and upright individual.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Rafi. One of the earliest recorded examples is Rafi ibn Harthama (c. 640-710 CE), an Arab military commander and governor who served under the Umayyad Caliphate.

Another prominent figure was Rafi al-Din al-Kawkabi (c. 1173-1239), a renowned Persian philosopher and astronomer who made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and optics.

In the realm of literature, Rafi Peer Theatre Zakani (c. 1300-1370) was a celebrated Persian poet and satirist known for his witty and humorous works.

Moving forward in time, Rafi Anjum (1911-1983) was a renowned Urdu poet and writer from India, whose works celebrated the beauty of the Urdu language and explored themes of love and spirituality.

More recently, Rafi Eitan (1926-2019) was an Israeli intelligence officer and politician who played a crucial role in the capture of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1960.

These are just a few examples of individuals who bore the name Rafi throughout history, highlighting its enduring presence across various cultures and time periods.

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

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

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