MallowbyNames

Tifa

TEE-fah · Of uncertain origin; likely a modern invented name.

Peak popularity
2023
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2022

Declining since 2022.

Popularity of Tifa since 2006

Babies named Tifa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2008, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Tifa's real moment was 2023.

36920102020Most births 2008Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
2000s20
2010s43
2020s37

Meaning & origin

Tifa is a modern name that entered the US baby name lexicon in 2006, coinciding with the enduring popularity of the Final Fantasy video game series. The name's strongest association is with Tifa Lockhart, a beloved character from Final Fantasy VII, known for her strength and loyalty. Tifa has never climbed to the rank of popular names, remaining a rare choice, with its peak year recorded as 2023. Though too uncommon to appear in top state lists, its trajectory shows a falling trend since 2022. For parents seeking a name with geek-culture resonance and a melodic sound, Tifa offers a unique option that stands out while maintaining a soft, two-syllable rhythm.

Tifa is a modern name that gained visibility primarily through the character Tifa Lockhart from the 1997 video game Final Fantasy VII. Its exact derivation is unclear; it may be a short form or variant of names like Tiffany or a purely invented creation. The name has since been used as a given name, particularly after the game's release, though it remains rare. Its rise in the 2020s may reflect renewed interest in the franchise with the Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020).

Sibling names for Tifa

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

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

T is for Tifa, our favorite little girl.

T is for Tifa…”

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

Make Tifa's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Tifa mean?
The meaning of Tifa is uncertain. It is believed to be a modern invented name, possibly derived from the fictional character Tifa Lockhart from the Final Fantasy series.
How popular is the name Tifa?
Tifa is a very rare name. According to US Social Security data, it first appeared on record in 2006, did not reach rank status by 2025, and peaked in usage in 2023.
Is Tifa a boy or girl name?
Tifa is almost exclusively used for girls, consistent with its fictional namesake being female.