Holding steady, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Araf since 2006
Babies named Araf per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 32 |
| 2010s | 89 |
| 2020s | 70 |
Meaning & origin
Araf is a rare name in the United States, first recorded in 2006 with a rank of 8,243 in 2025, meaning approximately 1 in 189,786 newborns receive the name. Its peak year was 2023, and the trajectory remains stable. The name likely carries Arabic roots, possibly related to the word 'arafa' (to know) or the Islamic site of Arafah. While not yet recorded in a top state, its modest but consistent usage reflects a growing presence within Muslim communities in the U.S. As a short, distinctive name, Araf offers a simple yet meaningful choice for families seeking a connection to Arabic heritage.
Araf is a name of Arabic origin, possibly derived from the root 'arafa' (to know). It may also be associated with the Islamic concept of 'Arafah, the plain where pilgrims gather during Hajj. The name has seen modest use in Western countries since the early 2000s, particularly among Muslim families.
“Araf” around the world
Where Araf lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Araf
Names that share Araf's style, for a brother or sister.

