Rafeef
A girl's name of Arabic origin with 128 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Fewer than 128 Americans have ever been named Rafeef. It first appeared in SSA records in 2009 and peaked modestly at 13 births in 2017 — rare enough to be distinctive, with just enough history to feel grounded.
In the most recent SSA release, Rafeef ranks #8811 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Rafeef is a girl's baby name of Arabic origin meaning 'sparkling' or 'glittering' — from the Arabic root suggesting the shimmer of light on water or the glow of something precious. It has a poetic, musical quality that is particularly treasured in Arabic-speaking communities.
EtymologyShow more
Rafeef first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 2009. A twenty-first-century entry, Rafeef belongs to the newest generation of American names — often coined, blended, or borrowed from international sources.
Its Arabic classification suggests a path from arabic linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Rafeef has 14+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2009.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 29 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 92 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 7 | — |
The Story of Rafeef
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2017, Rafeef is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Rafeef are most likely born between 2009 and 2024.
How rare is Rafeef?
Only about 1 in every 300,000 babies born in 2024 was named Rafeef — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2009, peaked in the 2010s with 92 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Rafeef by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(14 years, 2009–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 | #8811 |
| 2023 | 10 | #10140 |
| 2022 | 7 | #13262 |
| 2019 | 8 | #12187 |
| 2018 | 13 | #8500 |
| 2017 | 13 | #8673 |
| 2016 | 9 | #11576 |
| 2015 | 9 | #11626 |
| 2014 | 8 | #12813 |
| 2013 | 9 | #11754 |
| 2012 | 8 | #13175 |
| 2011 | 7 | #14500 |
| 2010 | 8 | #13190 |
| 2009 | 7 | #14866 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rafeef a boy's or girl's name?
When was Rafeef most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2009–2024