Rising since 1985, #1,315 for boys today.
Popularity of Saif since 1978
Babies named Saif per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 7 |
| 1980s | 74 |
| 1990s | 310 |
| 2000s | 612 |
| 2010s | 858 |
| 2020s | 665 |
Meaning & origin
Saif is a straightforward, powerful Arabic name meaning 'sword'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1978 and has been rising steadily since the mid-1980s, reaching its peak rank in 2025 at 1315. With approximately 1 in 11620 boys receiving the name that year, Saif remains a relatively uncommon choice. Its concentration in states like Illinois, New York, and Virginia reflects communities with significant Arab-American populations. The name's clarity and strong meaning make it a lasting favorite among families seeking a direct yet culturally rooted name.
Saif derives directly from the Arabic word 'سيف' (sayf), meaning 'sword'. It has long been used as a masculine given name across the Arabic-speaking world, often in compound names like Saif al-Din (Sword of the Faith). Its use was popularized by historical figures and continues to be well-liked in Muslim communities.
Where Saif is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Saif” around the world
Where Saif lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Sayf, Saiph
Sibling names for Saif
Names that share Saif's style, for a brother or sister.
