Rising since 1986, #3,389 for girls today.
Popularity of Afnan since 1985
Babies named Afnan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 12 | 0 |
| 1990s | 79 | 0 |
| 2000s | 141 | 49 |
| 2010s | 223 | 80 |
| 2020s | 215 | 68 |
Meaning & origin
Afnan is a unisex name of Arabic origin, first recorded in the United States in 1985. Its popularity has steadily risen since 1986, reaching its peak rank of #3389 in 2025, the latest year of data. The name is most common in Minnesota and New York, reflecting its appeal in communities with Muslim and Arab heritage. With a growth trajectory that shows no signs of slowing, Afnan remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with spiritual roots and a modern feel.
Afnan is derived from the Arabic word 'afnan', the plural of 'fann' (branch, shoot). In Islamic tradition, the term appears in the Quran (Quran 55:48) describing the branches of Paradise. As a personal name, it has been used in the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities, particularly in the late 20th century onward.
Where Afnan is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Afnan” around the world
Where Afnan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Afni, Nani, Fifi
Variants: Afnaan
Sibling names for Afnan
Names that share Afnan's style, for a brother or sister.
