What does Farrah mean and where does it come from?
The name Farrah is of Arabic origin meaning 'joyous' or 'happy.' It gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century, notably due to actress Farrah Fawcett. The name is predominantly feminine and is sometimes associated with carefree spirits.
Cultural significance
Farrah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.
Peak popularity
Reached #177 in 1977 — currently #1328 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Farrah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Farrah?
Farrah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Farrah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Farrah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Farrah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Farrah Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Farrah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Farrah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Farrah right now?
Falling — down 181 spots — currently #1328 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1328 | 168 | ▼ down 181 · -20% births |
| 2024 | #1147 | 211 | ▲ up 168 · -76% births |
| 2023 | #1315 | 885 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1320 | 865 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1325 | 835 | ▼ down 112 · +349% births |
| 2020 | #1213 | 186 | ▼ down 430 · -48% births |
| 2015 | #783 | 360 | ▼ down 232 · -32% births |
| 2010 | #551 | 530 | ▲ up 938 · +276% births |
| 2005 | #1489 | 141 | ▲ up 58 · +22% births |
| 2000 | #1547 | 116 | ▼ down 140 · -1% births |
| 1995 | #1407 | 117 | ▼ down 66 · -2% births |
| 1990 | #1341 | 119 | ▼ down 179 · -3% births |
| 1985 | #1162 | 123 | ▼ down 265 · -28% births |
| 1980 | #897 | 170 | ▲ up 436 · +107% births |
| 1975 | #1333 | 82 | — |
The story of Farrah
Farrah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. A total of 11,205 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1333 in 1975 to #1315 in 2023. Farrah is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Farrah in 1977:
Farrah by decade
Farrah peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 3,043 | |
| 1980s | 1,457 | |
| 1990s | 1,196 | |
| 2000s | 1,531 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,786 | |
| 2020s | 565 | |
What are good nicknames for Farrah?
Famous people named Farrah
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Farrah (historical Arab ruler)
Farrah held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Farrah (Arab poet)
Farrah carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
F(
Farrah (historical Arab ruler)
Farrah held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
F(
Farrah (Sufi mystic)
Farrah used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Farrah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Farrah also consider these
How is Farrah written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Farrah?
Common questions about the name Farrah
What does the name Farrah mean?
Farrah 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 Farrah?
Farrah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Farrah?
Farrah 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 Farrah?
Farrah is a two-syllable name pronounced FER-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Farrah a common or rare name?
Farrah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.