Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Khaleef since 1982
Babies named Khaleef per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 22 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 17 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 17 |
Meaning & origin
Khaleef is a name rooted in Arabic and Islamic tradition, drawn from the title Khalīfah, meaning 'successor' or 'deputy.' As a given name, it has seen modest use in the United States since the first recorded appearance in 1982. Its peak popularity came in 1996, and as of 2025 it ranks 12,008 with approximately 1 in 341,615 baby boys receiving the name. The name's trajectory has been stable, neither surging nor declining sharply. Its connection to a historically significant title gives it a dignified resonance, while its relatively low usage keeps it distinctive. Parents choosing Khaleef often do so to honor cultural or religious heritage, and the name pairs well with both traditional and modern sibling names.
Khaleef is a variant transliteration of the Arabic title Khalīfah (خليفة), meaning 'successor' or 'deputy.' Historically, it referred to the leader of the Islamic community after the Prophet Muhammad. As a given name, it has been used in the Muslim world and among Arabic-speaking populations, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Khali, Leef
Sibling names for Khaleef
Names that share Khaleef's style, for a brother or sister.
