Rising since 1990, #5,410 for girls today.
Popularity of Afra since 1979
Babies named Afra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 32 |
| 2000s | 68 |
| 2010s | 46 |
| 2020s | 75 |
Meaning & origin
Afra is an uncommon name with possible roots in both Arabic and Latin. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 1979 and has been gradually rising in use since around 1990. The name reached its peak rank of 5,410 in 2025, with about 1 in 69,881 newborns receiving it. Despite its increase, Afra remains a distinctive choice, not appearing among the top states for popularity. Its dual heritage lends it a cross-cultural appeal, though its exact meaning is debated, adding to its quiet allure.
Afra has two possible derivations. It may come from the Arabic 'afra', meaning 'whitish' or 'dust-colored', often associated with a gazelle. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Latin 'afra', the feminine form of 'Afer', meaning 'African' or 'from Africa'. The name has been used historically in both Arabic and European cultures, though it remains rare in English-speaking countries.
“Afra” around the world
Where Afra lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Afra
Names that share Afra's style, for a brother or sister.
