Declining since 2018, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Affan since 1998
Babies named Affan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 8 |
| 2000s | 85 |
| 2010s | 308 |
| 2020s | 174 |
Meaning & origin
Affan is a name with Arabic origins and a meaning tied to virtue, though its exact etymology is debated. It first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1998, making it a relatively recent addition to the American naming landscape. The name reached its peak popularity in 2019, and since 2018 its usage has been on a gradual decline. In 2025, Affan ranked 4,396th, with an incidence of roughly 1 in every 74,264 male newborns. The name is most commonly given in New York, reflecting its use among families with Middle Eastern heritage. As of the 2010s, the name has not experienced a revival but maintains a steady presence. For parents seeking a name with religious or cultural resonance, Affan offers a concise and distinctive choice.
Affan is an Arabic name of uncertain etymology. Some sources connect it to the Arabic root 'aff,' meaning 'chaste' or 'virtuous,' while others link it to the name of ʿAffān ibn Abi al-ʿAs, the father of the third caliph Uthman. The name has been borne across the Arabic-speaking world, particularly in West Asia.
Where Affan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Affan” around the world
Where Affan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Affan
Names that share Affan's style, for a brother or sister.
