Declining since 2019.
Popularity of Nayef since 2008
Babies named Nayef per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 66 |
| 2020s | 27 |
Meaning & origin
Nayef is a name of Arabic origin meaning 'high' or 'elevated,' rooted in the triconsonantal root n-y-f that conveys loftiness and superiority. In the United States, Nayef first appeared in Social Security Administration records in 2008, and its peak usage so far came in 2020. Since 2019, however, its frequency has been declining, reflecting a downward trajectory among a small but consistent number of annual births. The name has not been concentrated in any particular state, and it has never entered the national top 1000. Despite its modest U.S. footprint, Nayef carries a strong cultural resonance in Arabic-speaking communities, where it has been borne by historical figures and remains a recognizable choice for families seeking a name with a clear, dignified meaning.
Nayef comes from the Arabic root n-y-f (ن ي ف), meaning 'to be high' or 'to surpass.' It conveys the idea of something elevated, lofty, or superior. The name has been used in Arabic-speaking cultures for centuries, often appearing in the names of rulers and tribal leaders in the Arabian Peninsula.
“Nayef” around the world
Where Nayef lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Nayef
Names that share Nayef's style, for a brother or sister.
