Rising since 1999, #6,116 for girls today.
Popularity of Hanifa since 1980
Babies named Hanifa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 36 |
| 2010s | 122 |
| 2020s | 119 |
Meaning & origin
Hanifa is an Arabic name meaning 'true believer,' reflecting a deep-rooted Islamic heritage. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1980, but its usage remained minimal for decades. However, since 1999, its trajectory has been steadily rising, reaching a peak rank of 6,116 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 84,593 baby girls receiving the name. This upward trend suggests growing appreciation for names with strong cultural and religious significance. While not yet common in any particular state, Hanifa's increasing visibility aligns with broader trends in naming diversity.
Hanifa is the feminine form of Hanif, an Arabic term meaning 'true believer' or 'upright one,' often used in Islamic context to denote monotheistic purity before the advent of Islam. The name has been used historically across the Arab world and by Muslim communities globally.
“Hanifa” around the world
Where Hanifa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hani, Nifa
Sibling names for Hanifa
Names that share Hanifa's style, for a brother or sister.
