Saafir first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Saafir has been for the last 23 years (from 1999 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Saafir

A masculine Arabic name meaning "traveler" or "voyager".

Popularity of Saafir by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Saafir is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Saafir.

Year Male Count Female Count
2021 8 0
2020 12 0
2019 11 0
2018 5 0
2017 6 0
2016 13 0
2015 11 0
2014 9 0
2013 7 0
2012 6 0
2011 8 0
2010 9 0
2009 6 0
2007 6 0
2003 6 0
2002 5 0
2000 6 0
1999 9 0

The history of the first name Saafir

The name Saafir is believed to have its origins in the Arabic language, with roots tracing back to the ancient Middle Eastern cultures and civilizations. It is derived from the Arabic word "safara," which means "to travel" or "to journey." The name likely emerged during the early Islamic era, when trade and exploration were flourishing across the vast expanse of the Middle East and North Africa.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Saafir can be found in the works of renowned Arab poets and writers from the 7th to 9th centuries AD. These literary works often featured characters bearing this name, reflecting the nomadic and adventurous spirit of the time. The name's association with travel and exploration resonated deeply with the cultural values and traditions of the region.

In the realm of Islamic history, the name Saafir gained further significance as it was borne by several notable figures. One such individual was Saafir al-Baghdadi, a prominent scholar and poet who lived during the 9th century AD in the city of Baghdad, then a center of intellectual and cultural exchange. His contributions to Arabic literature and poetry have left a lasting impact on the region's literary heritage.

Throughout the subsequent centuries, the name Saafir continued to be embraced by various communities across the Middle East and North Africa. Notable bearers of this name include Saafir al-Andalusi, a renowned Andalusian poet and philosopher from the 11th century AD, whose works explored the themes of spirituality and the human condition. Another prominent figure was Saafir al-Qays, a 12th-century Arab traveler and explorer who documented his journeys through the Middle East and parts of Europe, providing valuable insights into the cultures and landscapes he encountered.

In more recent times, the name Saafir has been carried by several influential individuals, such as Saafir al-Masri, an Egyptian writer and journalist from the late 19th century, whose works shed light on the social and political issues of his era. Additionally, Saafir al-Kabir, a 20th-century Moroccan artist and calligrapher, gained recognition for his intricate and beautiful calligraphic works, which celebrated the rich artistic traditions of the region.

While the name Saafir may have evolved and taken on different cultural nuances across various regions and time periods, its essence remains rooted in the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge – a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient cultures that birthed this captivating moniker.

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

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

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"Saafir first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 18, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/saafir-meaning-and-history/.

"Saafir first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/saafir-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 18 May, 2025

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

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