Hafiz

Meaning & origin

Hafiz is a name deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, derived from the Arabic word for a guardian or one who memorizes the Quran. It has been used for centuries across the Muslim world as both a personal name and an honorific title. In the United States, Hafiz first appeared in official records in 1984, and it has seen modest but consistent usage since then. The name ranked 8910th in 2025, with a frequency of about 1 in 213,510 boys. Its peak popularity occurred in 2016, reflecting a gradual increase during the 2010s. While not as common as some other Arabic names, Hafiz remains a meaningful choice for families who value its religious connotations. The name has maintained a stable trajectory, without dramatic rises or declines, and is most frequently chosen in communities with ties to the Islamic faith.

Hafiz derives from the Arabic root ḥ-f-ẓ, meaning 'to guard' or 'to preserve.' In Islamic tradition, Hafiz specifically refers to someone who has memorized the Quran in its entirety. It is also used as an honorific title for scholars of hadith. The name has been common across the Muslim world for centuries.