MallowbyNames

Sufian

soo-fee-AHN · Of uncertain origin; likely a variant of Sufyan, meaning 'sandstone' or 'small red ant' in Arabic.

2025 rank (boys)
#7,194
Babies named in 2025
11
Peak popularity
2024
2025 frequency
1 in 155,280 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2004

Rising since 2004, #7,194 for boys today.

Popularity of Sufian since 1994

Babies named Sufian per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61218200020102020Most births 2024Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s12
2000s30
2010s77
2020s81

Meaning & origin

Sufian is an Arabic-derived name that has been in use in the United States since 1994. It reached a peak in popularity in 2024, and its trajectory has been consistently rising since 2004. The name has a religious significance in Islam and is increasingly chosen for its historical and cultural resonance. While it is not yet common in any particular U.S. state, its growing presence reflects broader naming trends favoring traditional yet distinctive names.

Sufian is a variant of the Arabic name Sufyan, which may derive from the Arabic word 'safan' meaning 'sandstone' or 'small red ant'. The name is historically significant in Islamic tradition, borne by several early Muslim figures, including the prominent scholar Sufyan al-Thawri. In modern times, it remains common in the Arab world and among Muslim communities globally, often chosen for its religious associations.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Sufi, Suf

Variants: Sufyan, Sofian, Sofiane

Sibling names for Sufian

Names that share Sufian's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Aisha, Layla, Nadia, Samira, Yasmin

Brothers: Adam, Omar, Ali, Hassan, Zayn

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Sufian, our favorite little boy.

S is for Sufian…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Sufian's letter becomes Sufian's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Sufian's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Sufian mean?
Sufian is likely a variant of Sufyan, which may mean 'sandstone' or 'small red ant' in Arabic.
How popular is the name Sufian?
Sufian has been rising in use since 2004. In the latest data (2025), it ranked 7194, with about 1 in 155280 boys given the name.
Is Sufian a boy's name or a girl's name?
Sufian is predominantly used as a boy's name.