Find out how popular the first name Safa has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Safa by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Safa is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Safa being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 155 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Safa.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby boys were named Safa in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Safa

The name Safa has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Arabic word "safa," which means "purity" or "clarity." This name is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and is often associated with spiritual and moral purity.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Safa can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the rise of Islamic civilization. It is believed that the name gained popularity as a result of its association with the sacred sites of Mecca and Medina, particularly the hills of Safa and Marwah, which are integral to the Islamic pilgrimage rituals of Hajj and Umrah.

In Islamic literature, the name Safa is mentioned in the Qur'an, the holy book of Muslims. It is referenced in the context of the story of Hagar (Hajar in Arabic) and her son Ishmael, who are said to have wandered in the desert of Arabia until they found the well of Zamzam near the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Safa, including:

1. Safa Giray (1611-1642), a Crimean Tatar Khan who ruled the Crimean Khanate from 1637 to 1642.
2. Safa Khulusi (1834-1907), an Ottoman-Turkish poet and calligrapher known for his contributions to the Divan literature.
3. Safa Abdel Salam (1875-1919), an Egyptian feminist and writer who advocated for women's rights and education.
4. Safa Khulusi (1904-1985), an Iraqi poet and writer who played a significant role in the Arabic literary renaissance of the 20th century.
5. Safa Rashtchi (born 1950), an Iranian-American writer, activist, and advocate for women's rights and human rights.

The name Safa has transcended its Arabic roots and has been adopted by various cultures and communities around the world. It has become a popular name choice for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, often symbolizing the virtues of purity, clarity, and righteousness.

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

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

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