Is Rafi a boy's or girl's name?

Rafi is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 5 recorded births.

When was Rafi most popular?

Rafi reached its peak popularity in 2024 with 38 births that year. It is currently ranked #3194 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Rafi?

Rafi is currently ranked #3194 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 691 babies since 1974.

Rafi

An uncommon Arabic pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsArabicRising fast Also a pet name

#3194▲ 1381in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname from Arabic.

Rafi is a boy's and girl's baby name of Arabic origin meaning 'exalted' or 'noble,' from the Arabic root rafa'a. Al-Rafi ('The Exalter') is one of the 99 names of Allah in Islamic theology. Beloved Indian singer Mohammed Rafi, considered one of the greatest playback singers in Bollywood history, is among its most celebrated bearers.

Compare Rafi with another name

Popularity Over Time

Rafi climbed 2235 spots in the last 20 years — from #5429 to #3194.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Rafi
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	139	#4014	▼
2010s	182	#5413	▲
2000s	149	#5920	▲
1990s	101	#6098	▲
1980s	74	#5390	▲
1970s	46	#4641	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(50 years, 1974–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Rafi
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	38	#3194	+15 (65.2%)
2023	23	#4575	-6 (-20.7%)
2022	29	#3845	+6 (26.1%)
2021	23	#4459	-3 (-11.5%)
2020	26	#3996	+3 (13.0%)
2019	23	#4443	-1 (-4.2%)
2018	24	#4317	+2 (9.1%)
2017	22	#4558	+7 (46.7%)
2016	15	#5984	-3 (-16.7%)
2015	18	#5232	-5 (-21.7%)
2014	23	#4363	+12 (109.1%)
2013	11	#7435	-8 (-42.1%)
2012	19	#5001	+6 (46.2%)
2011	13	#6502	-1 (-7.1%)
2010	14	#6295	-3 (-17.6%)
2009	17	#5489	-2 (-10.5%)
2008	19	#5018	-2 (-9.5%)
2007	21	#4609	+3 (16.7%)
2006	18	#5018	+5 (38.5%)
2005	13	#6137	-2 (-13.3%)

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

Rafi as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Rafi has also been given to 5 girls in the U.S. since 2020.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2020

Peak year

Compare Rafi as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Rafi be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Rafi is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #3194. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Rafi has two lives

Rafi, the baby name

#3194boys

691 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1974–2024) · Methodology