Find out how popular the first name Shafi has been for the last 44 years (from 1974 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shafi by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Shafi is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shafi.

The history of the first name Shafi

The name Shafi has its origins in the Arabic language and is derived from the root word "shafa," which means "to heal" or "to cure." It is a name that is closely associated with the Islamic faith and culture.

Shafi is a shortened form of the Arabic name Shafi'i, which refers to the founder of the Shafi'i school of Islamic jurisprudence, Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i (767-820 CE). He was a renowned Islamic scholar and jurist who played a pivotal role in establishing the principles of Islamic law (Sharia) and legal methodology (usul al-fiqh).

The earliest recorded use of the name Shafi can be traced back to the 9th century CE, during the time of Imam al-Shafi'i and his followers. It became a popular name among Muslims, particularly those who adhered to the Shafi'i school of thought or lived in regions where this school had a strong presence.

One of the most famous historical figures with the name Shafi is Shafi ibn Ali (767-820 CE), who was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and a prominent scholar in his own right. He is known for his contributions to the field of hadith (prophetic traditions) and Islamic jurisprudence.

Another notable individual was Shafi al-Din al-Tilimsani (1186-1266 CE), a Sufi scholar and mystic from the Maghreb region (North Africa). He was renowned for his teachings on Sufism and his influential work, "Sharh al-Hikam al-Ata'iyyah."

In the Indian subcontinent, Shafi Khan (1616-1659 CE) was a prominent military leader and governor during the Mughal Empire. He served under the Mughal emperors Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb and played a crucial role in various military campaigns.

In the field of poetry, Shafi Athar (1864-1903 CE) was a renowned Urdu poet from the Indian subcontinent. He is celebrated for his ghazals (lyric poems) and his contributions to the development of Urdu literature.

Lastly, Shafi Bhuiyan (1920-1987 CE) was a renowned Bangladeshi writer and journalist. He played a significant role in the Language Movement of Bangladesh and is remembered for his literary works and contributions to the country's cultural heritage.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Shafi throughout history, reflecting its deep-rooted connection with Islamic culture, literature, and various fields of scholarship.

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

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

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