What does Farah mean and where does it come from?
Farah (فَرَح) is a name of Arabic origin that translates to 'happiness' or 'joy'. It is widely used in various cultures across the Middle East and South Asia, including in Persian contexts where it can denote 'delight'. The name gained popularity during the 20th century as various cultural figures t
Cultural significance
Farah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.
Peak popularity
Reached #807 in 1976 — currently #1310 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Farah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Farah?
Farah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Farah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Farah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Farah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Farah Claire
French influence · crisp
Farah Jane
Literary · strong
Farah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Farah right now?
Rising fast — up 121 spots — currently #1310 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1310 | 173 | ▲ up 121 · +10% births |
| 2022 | #1431 | 157 | ▼ down 50 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #1381 | 159 | ▲ up 42 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #1423 | 152 | ▼ down 48 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #1375 | 172 | ▲ up 117 · +14% births |
| 2010 | #1492 | 151 | ▲ up 277 · +36% births |
| 2005 | #1769 | 111 | ▲ up 177 · +28% births |
| 2000 | #1946 | 87 | ▼ down 104 · +13% births |
| 1995 | #1842 | 77 | ▼ down 204 · -15% births |
| 1990 | #1638 | 91 | ▼ down 65 · +18% births |
| 1985 | #1573 | 77 | ▲ up 45 · +7% births |
| 1980 | #1618 | 72 | ▼ down 247 · -8% births |
| 1975 | #1371 | 78 | ▲ up 1825 · +271% births |
| 1970 | #3196 | 21 | ▲ up 2528 · +200% births |
| 1965 | #5724 | 7 | — |
The story of Farah
Farah entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 5,551 total births recorded, Farah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2903 in 1960 to #1310 in 2023. Farah is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Farah in 1976:
Farah by decade
Farah peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 148 | |
| 1970s | 712 | |
| 1980s | 828 | |
| 1990s | 875 | |
| 2000s | 1,225 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,611 | |
| 2020s | 152 | |
💎With 5,551 total births, Farah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Farah?
Famous people named Farah
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Farah (Islamic scholar)
Farah bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
F(
Farah (Arab poet)
Farah carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
F(
Farah (historical Arab ruler)
Farah held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
F(
Farah (Sufi mystic)
Farah used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Farah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Farah also consider these
How is Farah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Farah
What does the name Farah mean?
Farah means "Arabic" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Farah?
Farah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Farah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Farah?
Farah originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Farah?
Farah is a two-syllable name pronounced F EH1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Farah trending right now?
Farah is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.