What does Nafisa mean and where does it come from?
Nafisa (نفيسة) is of Arabic origin and is predominantly used in Arabic-speaking countries and South Asia. The name has connotations of value and delicacy, often used to describe someone who is gentle or precious. It is especially popular in Muslim communities. The name has been historically associat
Cultural significance
Nafisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of delicate, precious.
Peak popularity
Reached #4658 in 2020 — currently #6582 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Nafisa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Nafisa?
Nafisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nafisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Nafisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Nafisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Nafisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Nafisa Jane
Literary · strong
Nafisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Nafisa right now?
Falling — down 1457 spots — currently #6582 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6582 | 18 | ▼ down 1457 · -31% births |
| 2022 | #5125 | 26 | ▲ up 67 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #5192 | 25 | ▼ down 534 · -11% births |
| 2020 | #4658 | 28 | ▲ up 1658 · +40% births |
| 2015 | #6316 | 20 | ▲ up 3102 · +67% births |
| 2010 | #9418 | 12 | ▼ down 2123 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #7295 | 16 | ▼ down 931 · -6% births |
| 2000 | #6364 | 17 | ▲ up 2842 · +89% births |
| 1995 | #9206 | 9 | ▲ up 961 · +50% births |
| 1980 | #10167 | 6 | — |
The story of Nafisa
Nafisa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 515 total births recorded, Nafisa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10167 in 1980 to #6582 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Nafisa in 2020:
Nafisa by decade
Nafisa peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 7 | |
| 1980s | 37 | |
| 1990s | 90 | |
| 2000s ★ | 199 | |
| 2010s | 154 | |
| 2020s | 28 | |
💎Nafisa has only 515 total recorded births since 1979 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Nafisa?
Famous people named Nafisa
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Nafisa (historical Arab ruler)
Nafisa held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
N(
Nafisa (Arab poet)
Nafisa carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
N(
Nafisa (historical Arab ruler)
Nafisa held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
N(
Nafisa (Sufi mystic)
Nafisa 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 Nafisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nafisa also consider these
Common questions about the name Nafisa
What does the name Nafisa mean?
Nafisa means "delicate, precious" — 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 Nafisa?
Nafisa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Nafisa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Nafisa?
Nafisa 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 Nafisa?
Nafisa is a three-syllable name pronounced N AA1 F AY1 S AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Nafisa?
Nafisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.