MallowbyNames

Arfa

AR-fah · Elevated, sublime, or most honorable; of debated etymology.

2025 rank (girls)
#6,838
Babies named in 2025
16
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 100,454 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2010

Rising since 2010, #6,838 for girls today.

Popularity of Arfa since 2005

Babies named Arfa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2012, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Arfa's real moment was 2024.

7152220102020Most births 2012Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s16
2010s110
2020s88

Meaning & origin

Arfa first entered U.S. records in 2005 and has since risen gradually, making it a relatively modern choice for American parents. In 2025 it ranked #6838, with a 1-in-100454 incidence among newborn girls. Its peak popularity occurred in 2024, suggesting a slow but steady upward trajectory over the past decade and a half. Despite its modest rank, Arfa carries a distinctive sound and cultural resonance tied to its Arabic heritage, making it an appealing option for families seeking a name that is both meaningful and uncommon.

Arfa is a feminine given name of Arabic origin, derived from the root 'r-f-' conveying elevation or highness. It is often interpreted as 'exalted' or 'sublime.' The name has seen modest use in South Asia and the Middle East, particularly among Muslim families.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Arfi

Variants: Arfah

Sibling names for Arfa

Names that share Arfa's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Alya, Zara, Lina, Maya, Noor

Brothers: Zayn, Rayan, Amir, Omar, Esa

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

A is for Arfa, our favorite little girl.

A is for Arfa…”

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

Make Arfa's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Arfa mean?
Arfa is generally understood to mean 'elevated' or 'sublime,' rooted in the Arabic concept of loftiness.
How popular is the name Arfa?
In the United States, Arfa ranked #6838 in 2025 (the most recent data), with a 1-in-100454 chance of being given to a newborn girl.
Is Arfa typically a girl's name?
Yes, Arfa is almost exclusively used for girls, consistent with its feminine form in Arabic.