Safi
Primarily a boy's name of Arabic origin with 183 recorded births. Also given to 87 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A city in Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco.
Safi is a boy's and girl's baby name of Arabic origin, meaning 'pure' or 'clear.' In Arabic, safi describes water that is crystal clear, a sky without clouds, or a heart without deceit — purity as the highest form of simplicity. In Islamic tradition, purity of heart is considered the foundation of all other virtues.
Used across Arabic-speaking and West African Muslim communities, Safi is a name that aspires to the most elemental form of goodness: being clear and true.
EtymologyShow more
Safi is built from 4 letters and two syllables — a compact structure that favors quick recognition and easy recall. Within the Arabic naming tradition, this brevity is common among names that have been worn down through centuries of use, shedding syllables along the way.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Safi creates its characteristic open, approachable quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Safi climbed 5248 spots in the last 20 years — from #12874 to #7626.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 54 | #8107 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 62 | #10334 | — |
| 2000s | 67 | #8904 | — |
The Story of Safi
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2020, Safi is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Safi are most likely born between 2010 and 2024.
How rare is Safi?
Only about 1 in every 327,273 babies born in 2024 was named Safi — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2000, peaked in the 2000s with 67 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Safi by the numbers
- Would fill 4 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(21 years, 2000–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 | #7626 |
| 2023 | 11 | #7644 |
| 2022 | 12 | #7169 |
| 2021 | 6 | #11871 |
| 2020 | 14 | #6225 |
| 2017 | 7 | #10565 |
| 2016 | 11 | #7514 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13675 |
| 2014 | 10 | #8017 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10516 |
| 2012 | 7 | #10546 |
| 2011 | 10 | #7956 |
| 2010 | 5 | #13880 |
| 2009 | 9 | #8867 |
| 2008 | 10 | #8187 |
| 2006 | 8 | #9406 |
| 2005 | 7 | #9939 |
| 2004 | 5 | #12874 |
| 2003 | 9 | #7714 |
| 2002 | 10 | #6954 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Safi as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Safi has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 87 births since 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Safi a boy's or girl's name?
When was Safi most popular?
How popular is the name Safi?
Can Safi be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2000–2024