Nafisa Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: nah-FEE-sah /næˈfiːsə/
Origin: Arabic; Swahili
Meaning: Arabic: precious; Swahili: intelligent
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Nafisa has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "nafis," which means "precious" or "delicate." The term has been used in various forms across the Arabic-speaking world and has been adopted into other languages and cultures influenced by Arabic, particularly during the spread of Islam from the 7th century onwards. The name's etymology reflects a sense of value and rarity, which has contributed to its appeal in various societies.
Historically, Nafisa has been associated with notable figures in Islamic tradition. One prominent example is Nafisa bint al-Hasan, a revered figure in Islamic history who lived in the 8th century.
She was known for her piety and scholarship and is often regarded as a saintly figure, particularly in Sufi traditions. Her legacy has helped to solidify the name's significance within Islamic culture, as she is celebrated for her contributions to religious thought and community leadership.
The name Nafisa has also found resonance in various literary and cultural contexts, often symbolizing beauty, grace, and virtue. In many cultures, names carry deep meanings and are chosen to reflect the qualities parents wish to impart to their children.
Nafisa's connotations of preciousness and delicacy align with traditional values that emphasize the importance of character and moral integrity. The name may also have diminutive forms or variations in different cultures, but its core meaning remains consistent across languages, emphasizing its enduring appeal and significance.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Nafisa was first seen in the United States in 1979. Nafisa has ranked as high as #1328 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in New York, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Nafisa has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Nafisa (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 9 | |
| TX | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1979 | 7 |
| 1980 | 6 |
| 1982 | 9 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 12 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 16 |
| 1999 | 16 |
| 2000 | 17 |
| 2001 | 12 |
| 2002 | 17 |
| 2003 | 19 |
| 2004 | 26 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 28 |
| 2008 | 25 |
| 2009 | 20 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 28 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 32 |