Rising since 1996, #2,957 for girls today.
Popularity of Rahaf since 1994
Babies named Rahaf per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 25 |
| 2000s | 103 |
| 2010s | 457 |
| 2020s | 302 |
Meaning & origin
Rahaf entered U.S. records in 1994 and has since climbed steadily in usage, reflecting growing interest in Arabic names among American parents. Its rank of 2,957 in 2025 places it as a rare but recognizable choice, with about 1 in 28,701 newborns receiving the name that year. The name peaked in popularity in 2018, when it reached its highest rank to date, and has been on a rising trajectory since 1996. Rahaf is most common in states with significant Arab-American communities, including Michigan, New York, and North Carolina. Its gentle meaning and elegant sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural resonance and a soft, melodic quality.
Rahaf derives from the Arabic root r-h-f, carrying notions of delicacy and gentleness. In classical Arabic, the word 'rahaf' can describe a fine, thin cloud or a soft, delicate texture. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and gained visibility in the West through diaspora communities. Its rise in the United States since the mid-1990s reflects broader trends of Arabic names entering American naming pools.
Where Rahaf is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rahaf” around the world
Where Rahaf 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: Rara, Rafi, Haf
Variants: Rahaph, Rahif
Sibling names for Rahaf
Names that share Rahaf's style, for a brother or sister.
