Shafi

“one who intercedes”

Arabic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1847US 2023

353Births / yr

→Stable

58All-time births

📅 Since 197400

How to pronounce Shafi

SHAH·FEYE

/ˈʃɑ.ˈfaɪ/ · stress on SHAH · 2 syllables

“one who intercedes”

Arabic origin · Boy name

What does Shafi mean and where does it come from?

Shafi is an Arabic name that means 'the intercessor.' It is often used in Muslim communities, as it refers to someone who advocates on behalf of another person. Its roots are embedded in Islamic tradition, where intercession is a significant concept. The name may be found in various regions of the A

Cultural significance

Shafi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one who intercedes.

Peak popularity

Reached #5209 in 1974 — currently #1847 in the US.

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How else can you spell Shafi?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Shafee

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Shafi?

Shafi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Shafi Grace

How popular is Shafi right now?

Holding steady — currently #1847 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#1847 · Top 1.4%

2005

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1847	353	▲ up 5 · +6% births
2022	#1852	333	▲ up 5 · +10% births
2021	#1857	303	▲ up 10625 · +5960% births
2015	#12482	5	▼ down 1963 · -17% births
2005	#10519	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shafi

Best Year2023Rank #1847

Peak Count353

Average Rank#5711

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range2005 - 20235 years

The story of Shafi

Shafi is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 58 total births recorded, Shafi remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10519 in 2005 to #1847 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shafi in 1974:

Michael Jason Christopher David James

Shafi by decade

Shafi peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	6
1990s	11
2000s ★	25
2010s	16

💎Shafi has only 58 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Shafi?

Common

ShaShafShafieShafy

Famous people named Shafi

Shafi (Quranic figure)

Shafi appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Shafi (historical Arab ruler)

Shafi held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Shafi (Sufi mystic)

Shafi used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Shafi (Islamic scholar)

Shafi bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

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What names sound and feel like Shafi?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shafi also consider these

Shafiq

Arabic · Meaning 'compassionate', 'kind',

Shadi

Persian · Persian

Shaki

Japanese · bright, clear

Yafi

Arabic · يَافِع: meaning 'young'

Safi

Swahili-speaking countries · pure, clean

Wafi

Arabic · وافي: wali; complete

Raafi

English · A meaningful name

Alffi

Arabic · A Arabic name

Common questions about the name Shafi

What does the name Shafi mean?

Shafi means "one who intercedes" — 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 Shafi?

Shafi is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Shafi?

Shafi 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 Shafi?

Shafi is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 F AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Shafi a common or rare name?

Shafi is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.