MallowbyNames

Araf

ah-RAF · Of uncertain meaning; possibly derived from Arabic 'arafa' meaning 'to know'.

2025 rank (boys)
#8,243
Babies named in 2025
9
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 189,786 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #8,243 for boys today.

Popularity of Araf since 2006

Babies named Araf per year in U.S. Social Security records.

5111620102020Most births 2023Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
2000s32
2010s89
2020s70

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.

Sisters: Ayesha, Fatima, Layla, Noor, Zahra

Brothers: Adam, Ibrahim, Omar, Yusuf, Zayn

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Araf, our favorite little boy.

A is for Araf…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Araf's letter becomes Araf's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Araf's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Araf mean?
The meaning of Araf is uncertain. It may derive from the Arabic root 'arafa' meaning 'to know', or it could be connected to the Islamic concept of 'Arafah, the plain where pilgrims gather during Hajj.
How popular is the name Araf?
Araf is very rare. In 2025, it ranked 8,243 in the United States, with about 1 in every 189,786 newborns given the name. The peak year recorded so far is 2023.
Is Araf a boy or girl name?
Araf is predominantly used as a boy's name.