Tesfa
A boy's name of African origin with 38 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Tesfa is a two-syllable boy's name with a open, warm sound — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. With only 38 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Tesfa is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Tesfa is a boy's baby name of Amharic and Tigrinya origin from Ethiopia and Eritrea, meaning 'hope' in both languages. Tesfa is a common element in Ethiopian names — often appearing in compound forms like Tesfaye ('my hope') or Tesfamariam ('hope of Mary') — but also used as a standalone name. Hope is among the most universally cherished human values, and naming a child Tesfa is a declaration of faith in the future.
Tesfa is one of those names where the meaning does all the work — simple, clear, and completely necessary.
EtymologyShow more
Tesfa is cataloged under the African naming tradition. African naming traditions are extraordinarily diverse, often tying a child’s name to circumstances of birth, family aspirations, or spiritual significance.
In the U.S., Tesfa has been recorded as a boy's name since 1980, with 38 total births. Browse the African names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Tesfa has 6+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1980.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 33 | — |
The Story of Tesfa
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1987, Tesfa is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Tesfa are most likely born between 1980 and 1991.
How rare is Tesfa?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Tesfa is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1980, peaked in the 1980s with 33 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(6 years, 1980–1991)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 5 | #9492 |
| 1987 | 10 | #4548 |
| 1984 | 6 | #6242 |
| 1983 | 6 | #6149 |
| 1982 | 5 | #7274 |
| 1980 | 6 | #6166 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tesfa a boy's or girl's name?
When was Tesfa most popular?
How popular is the name Tesfa?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1980–1991