Holding steady.
Popularity of Zarif since 1996
Babies named Zarif per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 51 |
| 2010s | 85 |
| 2020s | 23 |
Meaning & origin
Zarif is a name of Arabic origin that entered U.S. birth records in 1996. It has never appeared in the national top 1000, reflecting its rarity. The name reached its peak usage in 2009, and its trajectory has remained stable since. While no single state has recorded notable concentrations, Zarif continues to be chosen by families seeking a name with a clear meaning of elegance and refinement, rooted in Arabic and Persian traditions.
Zarif comes from the Arabic root Z-R-F, carrying the sense of elegance, wit, and refinement. It is used across the Arabic-speaking world as well as in Persian and Urdu, where it appears as a masculine given name and surname. The name has been in modern usage in the United States since at least the late 1990s, though it remains rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zari
Sibling names for Zarif
Names that share Zarif's style, for a brother or sister.
