Rising since 2011, #4,172 for girls today.
Popularity of Elaf since 2009
Babies named Elaf per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 8 |
| 2010s | 78 |
| 2020s | 118 |
Meaning & origin
Elaf is a name with deep roots in Arabic and Islamic tradition, appearing in the Quran. In the United States, it was first recorded in 2009 and has been rising in usage, reaching a rank of 4172 in 2025 with a peak in 2025 and an incidence of 1 in 47273. The name has been on an upward trajectory since 2011, reflecting increased interest among families seeking meaningful names. In 2025, it is most common in Illinois and California, pointing to communities with Arabic-speaking heritage.
Elaf is derived from the Arabic root 'a-l-f' (أ ل ف), which conveys meanings of familiarity and intimacy. The word appears in the Quran (Surah Quraysh, 106:1-2) as 'īlāf' (إِيلَاف), referring to the longstanding agreements and security enjoyed by the Quraysh tribe. As a given name, Elaf is relatively modern and is used primarily in Arabic-speaking countries.
Where Elaf is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Elaf” around the world
Where Elaf lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Eli, Lafi
Variants: Ilaf, Elaaf
Sibling names for Elaf
Names that share Elaf's style, for a brother or sister.
