Declining since 2011, #1,326 for girls today.
Popularity of Farrah since 1968
Babies named Farrah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 3,039 |
| 1980s | 1,451 |
| 1990s | 1,195 |
| 2000s | 1,534 |
| 2010s | 3,799 |
| 2020s | 1,132 |
Meaning & origin
Farrah is an Arabic-derived name meaning 'joy' that entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1968 and experienced a sharp rise in popularity during the 1970s, peaking at rank 1326 in 1977. Since 2011, its usage has been steadily falling, but it remains a recognizable and well-liked choice, especially in states like Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The name's association with actress Farrah Fawcett gave it a cultural boost, though it has since settled into a more uncommon status, with only about 1 in every 9567 baby girls receiving the name in 2025.
Farrah is commonly derived from the Arabic word 'farah' (فرح), meaning 'joy' or 'happiness'. It is also considered a variant of the Irish name Fionnbharr or a feminine form of Farran. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 1970s, largely due to actress Farrah Fawcett.
Where Farrah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Farrah” around the world
Where Farrah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fari
Sibling names for Farrah
Names that share Farrah's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Farrah
Names whose popularity has moved with Farrah's over the last 50 years.
