Find out how popular the first name Saffa has been for the last 24 years (from 2000 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Saffa by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Saffa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Saffa.

The history of the first name Saffa

The name Saffa likely has its origins in the Arabic language, where it is derived from the word "safa," meaning "purity" or "clarity." This name is believed to have emerged during the early Islamic period, around the 7th century AD, when Arabic culture and language were spreading across the Middle East and parts of North Africa.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Saffa can be found in Islamic literature, specifically in the works of renowned scholars and writers from the medieval era. For instance, the 9th-century scholar Al-Jahiz references a person named Saffa in his writings, suggesting that the name was in use during that time.

Throughout history, the name Saffa has been borne by several notable individuals. One of the earliest known figures with this name was Saffa ibn Saeed al-Kinani, a 7th-century companion of the Prophet Muhammad and a prominent military commander during the early Islamic conquests.

Another prominent individual with the name Saffa was Saffa al-Dimashqi, a 10th-century Arabic poet and scholar from Damascus. His works, which included poetry and treatises on various subjects, were widely celebrated during his lifetime and have been preserved in various manuscripts.

In the 12th century, Saffa ibn al-Muhassin al-Baghdadi was a renowned Islamic scholar and jurist from Baghdad. He made significant contributions to the field of Islamic jurisprudence and authored several works on the subject.

Fast-forwarding to the 20th century, Saffa Rafi was an Egyptian writer and journalist who played a significant role in the Arab literary renaissance. Born in 1894, she was a pioneering figure in advocating for women's rights and education in Egypt.

Another notable figure with the name Saffa was Saffa Khulusi, an Iraqi poet and author born in 1937. Known for his romantic and patriotic poetry, Khulusi's works have been widely published and celebrated in the Arab world.

While the name Saffa has its roots in Arabic culture and language, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and regions over the centuries. However, its precise origins and earliest recorded usages can be traced back to the Middle East and the early Islamic period.

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

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

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