Rising since 1991, #1,326 for girls today.
Popularity of Safiya since 1973
Babies named Safiya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 123 |
| 1980s | 264 |
| 1990s | 242 |
| 2000s | 517 |
| 2010s | 796 |
| 2020s | 889 |
Meaning & origin
Safiya entered U.S. records in 1973, and has been steadily rising in usage since 1991. By 2025, it reached its peak rank of 1326, with an incidence of 1 in 9,567 births. The name's growing appeal is particularly concentrated in states with diverse populations, with Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois among the top states for use. While still moderately rare, Safiya's steady climb reflects a broader interest in Arabic-origin names with meaningful, melodic qualities. Its association with purity and sincerity, along with its phonetic elegance, positions it as a distinctive choice that bridges cultural heritage and contemporary style.
Safiya is the feminine form of Safi, derived from the Arabic root ṣ-f-w, conveying purity, clarity, and sincerity. It is also related to the concept of a 'chosen friend' in Sufi contexts. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally, steadily gaining visibility in the United States since the 1970s.
Where Safiya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Safiya” around the world
Where Safiya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
290
babies in 2024
Quebec
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Safi, Fia, Saffy
Sibling names for Safiya
Names that share Safiya's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Zahra, Layla, Amara, Nadia, Soraya, Amani, Jamilah, Nairobi, Nala, Nuri, Shamira, Binta, Islah, Johari, Kijana, Rasheda, Zaynah, Faizah, Kenyata, Niambi, Nyeema, Nyema, Nzinga, Ramyah, Rumani, Sagal, Shakura, Shanzay, Shazia, Shukri, Wateen, Zamani, Zenab, Zeynab, Idil, Adiba, Aliviyah, Amunique, Bilan, Fareedah, Farhiya, Ieesha, Jendayi, Namira, Nimco, Nyota, Tasfia
Brothers: Zayn, Omar, Yusuf, Rami, Karim, Ajani, Chaka, Hanad, Liban, Mahad, Toure, Askia, Farouk, Jasiri, Kahleel, Mohamedamin, Yahye, Zakarie, Bomani, Jabori, Abdi, Abdirizak, Kijani, Maasai, Makaveli, Maleak, Najir, Nasiir, Nazire, Simba, Yakub
