Declining since 2001, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Nafis since 1976
Babies named Nafis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 47 |
| 1980s | 102 |
| 1990s | 149 |
| 2000s | 161 |
| 2010s | 69 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Nafis is a rare and distinctive Arabic name meaning 'precious' or 'valuable'. First recorded in the United States in 1976, it saw its peak popularity in 1992, though it has never ranked highly. As of 2025, it ranks 10,695 with a frequency of about 1 in 284,679 births. The name has been on a declining trajectory since 2001, but its rarity offers a unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon name with a rich linguistic heritage.
Nafis derives from the Arabic root n-f-s, related to value and rarity. The name is used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities globally, often as a masculine given name. Its use in English-speaking countries began modestly in the late 20th century.
Sibling names for Nafis
Names that share Nafis's style, for a brother or sister.
