Find out how popular the first name Safari has been for the last 32 years (from 1992 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Safari by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Safari is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 75% of people named Safari being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 24 male babies and 19 female babies born with the name Safari.

It's also interesting to see that despite Safari being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Safari.

The history of the first name Safari

The name Safari originates from the Swahili language, which is spoken in East Africa. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century during the era of European exploration and colonization of the African continent.

Safari is derived from the Arabic word "safar," which means "journey" or "travel." In Swahili, the word "safari" was initially used to refer to long, arduous journeys or expeditions, particularly those undertaken by European explorers and hunters in the vast African wilderness.

The name Safari gained prominence and recognition during the heyday of big game hunting in Africa. It was often associated with the adventurous and sometimes dangerous excursions undertaken by wealthy Europeans and Americans who sought to hunt exotic animals like lions, elephants, and leopards in their natural habitats.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Safari can be found in the writings of the famous British explorer and missionary, David Livingstone. He used the term extensively in his journals and books, such as "Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa" (1857), to describe his expeditions across the African continent.

Over time, the name Safari became synonymous with the romanticized notion of adventure, exploration, and the thrill of encountering the untamed wilderness of Africa. It evoked images of rugged terrain, vast savannas, and exotic wildlife.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Safari, though it is more commonly used as a surname or middle name. One example is Safari Ralph Bunche (1904-1971), an American political scientist, academic, and diplomat who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for his mediation efforts in Palestine.

Another prominent individual with the name Safari was Safari Sanka (1920-1988), a Tanzanian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Tanzania from 1972 to 1975. He played a significant role in the country's post-independence development and socialist policies.

In the realm of literature, Safari Hamadou (1946-2008) was a renowned Nigerien writer and playwright who explored themes of African identity, colonialism, and social issues through his works, including the acclaimed play "La Révolte des Moineaux" (The Revolt of the Sparrows).

While less common as a first name, Safari has also been used by a few individuals, such as Safari Vohitra (born 1988), a Malagasy professional basketball player who has represented Madagascar in international competitions.

Additionally, Safari Rashidi (born 1981) is a Tanzanian long-distance runner who has participated in multiple Olympic Games and won several international marathons.

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

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

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