Rising since 1998, #3,757 for boys today.
Popularity of Irfan since 1969
Babies named Irfan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 52 |
| 1980s | 104 |
| 1990s | 110 |
| 2000s | 127 |
| 2010s | 172 |
| 2020s | 126 |
Meaning & origin
Irfan has been in use in the United States since at least 1969, but it remains a rare choice. In 2025, the name ranked 3,757th, meaning it was given to about 1 in 58,899 newborn boys. Its popularity has been rising steadily since 1998, and it reached its peak rank in 2025. The name is most common in New York, reflecting the state's diverse Muslim population. Derived from the Arabic root for 'knowledge,' Irfan carries spiritual connotations in Islamic mysticism, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with depth.
Irfan (عرفان) is a masculine name derived from the Arabic root 'ع ر ف' (ʿ-r-f), which conveys knowledge, recognition, and gratitude. It is closely related to the word 'ma'rifa' (knowledge) and is used in Islamic contexts to denote spiritual insight or gnosis. The name has been borne across the Muslim world for centuries, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East.
Where Irfan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Irfan” around the world
Where Irfan 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: Irf, Anni
Variants: Erfan, Irfanullah, Urfan
Sibling names for Irfan
Names that share Irfan's style, for a brother or sister.
