Find out how popular the first name Zarif has been for the last 26 years (from 1996 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zarif by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Zarif is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zarif.

The history of the first name Zarif

The name Zarif is of Persian origin, derived from the Arabic word "zarif" meaning "graceful," "elegant," or "refined." It dates back to ancient times and was commonly used in the Middle East region, particularly in Iran and surrounding areas.

Zarif was a popular name among the Persian nobility and aristocracy, often given to those who embodied the qualities of sophistication and refinement. The name's roots can be traced back to ancient Persian literature and poetry, where it was frequently used to describe individuals of exceptional beauty and grace.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zarif can be found in the epic Persian poem "Shahnameh" (Book of Kings) written by the renowned poet Ferdowsi in the late 10th century. In this literary masterpiece, Zarif is mentioned as the name of a character renowned for his elegance and wisdom.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Zarif. One such individual was Zarif al-Din al-Yazdi (1349-1442), a Persian astronomer and mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy during the Islamic Golden Age.

Another prominent figure was Zarif Khan (1573-1624), a Persian military commander and statesman who served under the Safavid dynasty. He played a crucial role in the expansion and consolidation of the Safavid Empire during the reign of Shah Abbas I.

In the realm of literature, Zarif Beg Sultanli (1784-1838) was a prominent Azerbaijani poet and writer known for his contributions to the development of Azerbaijani literature. His works were celebrated for their elegant style and poetic mastery.

Moving forward in time, Zarif Muzaffar oglu Khalilov (1901-1960) was a renowned Azerbaijani composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the development of Azerbaijani classical music. His compositions were widely acclaimed for their melodic beauty and artistic expression.

Lastly, Javad Zarif (born 1960) is a contemporary Iranian diplomat and politician who has served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran since 2013. He has played a pivotal role in shaping Iran's foreign policy and international relations, particularly in the context of the Iranian nuclear deal.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Zarif throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the regions they hailed from.

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

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

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