Rising since 1985, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Farouk since 1979
Babies named Farouk per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 7 |
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 38 |
| 2000s | 72 |
| 2010s | 108 |
| 2020s | 47 |
Meaning & origin
Farouk is a rare but dignified Arabic name with deep historical resonance. In the United States, its first recorded appearance on the Social Security list was 1979, and it has been gradually rising in favor since 1985, though it remains uncommon. Its peak in popularity came in 2017, yet even then it was a distinctive choice. As of 2025, the name held rank 7,679, with about 1 in 170,808 newborn boys receiving the name. The name's meaning, 'he who distinguishes between right and wrong,' connects directly to Islamic heritage, where the title Al-Farouk was given to Caliph Umar. For parents seeking a name that is both meaningful and unusual in the West, Farouk offers a strong, clear identity without being unfamiliar.
Farouk is derived from the Arabic root f-r-q, meaning 'to distinguish' or 'to separate.' It became a title meaning 'one who distinguishes between truth and falsehood' and was famously borne by Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph of Islam, who was given the epithet 'Al-Farouk.' The name has been used throughout the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally.
“Farouk” around the world
Where Farouk lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Farou, Rook
Sibling names for Farouk
Names that share Farouk's style, for a brother or sister.
