Farah

An uncommon Arabic pick — distinctive and rare.

Girl's name| Also boysArabicRising fast Also a pet name
#1363 53in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname from Arabic.

Farah is a girl's and boy's baby name of Arabic origin meaning 'joy' or 'happiness.' It is a beloved name across the Arab world, the Middle East, and among Muslim families globally, carrying the universal aspiration that a child will bring gladness to those around her.

The name gained international recognition through Farah Diba, the last Empress of Iran, whose elegance and cultural patronage made the name synonymous with grace. Short, bright, and full of warmth — Farah is a name that sounds exactly like what it means.

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Popularity Over Time

Farah climbed 285 spots in the last 20 years — from #1648 to #1363.

045891341781960198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Farah
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s809
2010s1,580
2000s1,185
1990s863
1980s818
1970s711
1960s148

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(65 years, 19602024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Farah
YearBirthsRank
2024167#1363
2023173#1310
2022157#1431
2021159#1381
2020153#1424
2019120#1731
2018177#1290
2017143#1536
2016157#1468
2015172#1374
2014152#1473
2013166#1392
2012178#1324
2011164#1395
2010151#1492
2009129#1712
2008140#1622
2007118#1809
2006130#1631
2005111#1772

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Farah as a Boy's Name

While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Farah has also been given to 98 boys in the U.S. since 1988.

Unranked
Current rank
98
Total births
2014
Peak year
Compare Farah as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Farah be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Farah is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #1363. As a boy's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Farah has two lives

Farah, the baby name
#1363girls
6,114 babies
Currently viewing
Farah, the pet name
#10983pet name
5 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (19602024) · Methodology