Find out how popular the first name Sufi has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sufi by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Sufi is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Sufi.

The history of the first name Sufi

The name Sufi has its origins in the Arabic language and is derived from the word "suf," which means "wool." This connection to wool likely stems from the simple woolen garments worn by early Islamic mystics known as Sufis.

The name's roots can be traced back to the 8th century CE, when Sufism, a mystical Islamic belief and practice, began to emerge. The Sufis were known for their ascetic lifestyle, spiritual practices, and devotion to achieving a closer connection with the divine.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Sufi can be found in the works of the renowned Persian poet and scholar, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, who lived from 1207 to 1273 CE. Rumi's poetry and teachings were deeply influenced by Sufi principles and have had a lasting impact on Islamic mysticism.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Sufi. One such figure was Sufi Ibn Ali Al-Rundi, a 9th-century CE Arabic mathematician and astronomer from Cordoba, Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain). His contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the study of spherical geometry, were significant.

Another prominent figure was Sufi Mahmud Ghaznavi, an 11th-century CE ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, which spanned parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, and India. He was known for his military conquests and patronage of art, literature, and science.

In the 13th century CE, Sufi Allauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir Kalyari was a renowned Sufi saint and scholar from the Indian subcontinent. He played a crucial role in spreading Islamic teachings and Sufi philosophy in the region.

Sufi Inayat Khan, born in 1882 and lived until 1927, was a renowned Indian mystic and musician who introduced Sufism to the Western world. He established the Sufi Order in the West, which aimed to promote spiritual harmony and understanding among different religious traditions.

Sufi Barkat Ali, born in 1926 and passed away in 2005, was a revered Pakistani Sufi scholar and spiritual leader. He was widely respected for his teachings on Sufism and his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.

It is important to note that while the name Sufi has its roots in Islamic mysticism, it has transcended religious boundaries and has been adopted by people from various cultural backgrounds, reflecting the universal appeal of the Sufi principles of love, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment.

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

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

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