What does Kashif mean and where does it come from?
Kashif is a name of Arabic origin meaning ‘discoverer’ or ‘uncoverer.’ It is commonly found in Muslim communities across the Middle East and South Asia, particularly in Pakistan. The name is also noted for being associated with intellectual pursuits and exploration. There have been notable figures i
Cultural significance
Kashif has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.
Peak popularity
Reached #1122 in 1985 — currently #12975 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kashif?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kashif?
Kashif works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kashif Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Kashif John
One syllable · timeless choice
Kashif Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Kashif Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Kashif Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Kashif Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Kashif right now?
Falling — down 1317 spots — currently #12975 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #12975 | 5 | ▼ down 1317 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #11658 | 6 | ▼ down 2316 · -25% births |
| 2023 | #9342 | 8 | ▼ down 1304 · -20% births |
| 2022 | #8038 | 10 | ▼ down 1139 · -17% births |
| 2021 | #6899 | 12 | ▼ down 194 |
| 2020 | #6705 | 12 | ▲ up 1540 · +33% births |
| 2015 | #8245 | 9 | ▼ down 502 · -10% births |
| 2010 | #7743 | 10 | ▲ up 2766 · +67% births |
| 2005 | #10509 | 6 | ▼ down 5096 · -54% births |
| 2000 | #5413 | 13 | ▼ down 2426 · -46% births |
| 1995 | #2987 | 24 | ▼ down 1084 · -41% births |
| 1990 | #1903 | 41 | ▼ down 781 · -41% births |
| 1985 | #1122 | 69 | ▲ up 2954 · +590% births |
| 1980 | #4076 | 10 | ▲ up 187 · +25% births |
| 1975 | #4263 | 8 | — |
The story of Kashif
Kashif is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 880 total births recorded, Kashif remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4263 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9342 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kashif in 1985:
Kashif by decade
Kashif peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 56 | |
| 1980s ★ | 407 | |
| 1990s | 212 | |
| 2000s | 110 | |
| 2010s | 83 | |
| 2020s | 23 | |
💎Kashif has only 880 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kashif?
Famous people named Kashif
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Kashif (Islamic scholar)
Kashif bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Kashif (Quranic figure)
Kashif appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
K(
Kashif (Arab poet)
Kashif carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
K(
Kashif (historical Arab ruler)
Kashif held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kashif?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kashif also consider these
Common questions about the name Kashif
What does the name Kashif mean?
Kashif 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 Kashif?
Kashif is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Kashif?
Kashif 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 Kashif?
Kashif is a two-syllable name pronounced KASH-if. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kashif a common or rare name?
Kashif is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.