Holding steady, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Raef since 1966
Babies named Raef per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 24 |
| 2000s | 172 |
| 2010s | 123 |
| 2020s | 56 |
Meaning & origin
Raef is an Arabic name meaning compassionate, rarely used in the United States but with a stable presence. First recorded in 1966, it saw its peak popularity in 2002, though even then it remained uncommon. By 2025, the name ranked 6,446 nationally, with an incidence of about 1 in 131,390 births. Its trajectory has been stable in recent decades, neither surging nor declining sharply. While no top states are associated with Raef, it is most likely found among families with Arabic or Islamic heritage. The name’s connection to the divine attribute Ar-Ra'uf gives it a quiet spiritual resonance, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with depth and tradition.
Raef is derived from the Arabic root r-'-f, meaning compassion and kindness. It is related to the attribute Ar-Ra'uf, one of the 99 names of God in Islam, emphasizing mercy. The name has been used throughout the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally, though it remains less common than names like Rahim or Karim.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Raif, Raeef
Sibling names for Raef
Names that share Raef's style, for a brother or sister.
