Faisal
BoyArabic· “judge, decisive one”
- Meaning
- judge, decisive one
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- FY-sul
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,052
- US babies 2025
- 40
- Best rank
- #1,577 (1999)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Faisal
Faisal is an Arabic name that means “judge, decisive one”.
Faisal is an Arabic name meaning "judge" or "decisive," from the root f-s-l, "to separate" or "to decide," and it can describe a sword that cuts cleanly. It has royal associations: Faisal I led Arab forces in the Arab Revolt and became the first king of Iraq, and King Faisal ruled Saudi Arabia. The name is widely used in the Arab world, Pakistan and among Muslim families elsewhere. It is said FY-sul. Faysal and Feisal are other spellings of the same name.
Popularity over time
Faisal first appears in US Social Security records in 1973. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,577 in 1999, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 82 were named Faisal. In 2025, 40 babies were named Faisal, and it ranked #3,052 nationally. That is 39% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,570 in 1980, #1,997 in 2000, #2,479 in 2010, and #3,052 in 2025. Of the 2,150 US boys named Faisal since records began, 29% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 436 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Amere, Jairus, Morrison, Sylus, and Sylis.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Faisal ranked highest in New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #1234 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Faisal is usually pronounced FY-sul, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with F and ends in “-al”.
Middle names for Faisal
A few middle names that flow with Faisal: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Faisal
Similar names
Lists that include Faisal
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Faisal mean?
Faisal is an Arabic name that means “judge, decisive one”.
What is the origin of the name Faisal?
Faisal has Arabic roots. Faisal is an Arabic name meaning "judge" or "decisive," from the root f-s-l, "to separate" or "to decide," and it can describe a sword that cuts cleanly.
Is Faisal a popular name?
Not especially. Faisal ranked #3,052 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Faisal a boy or girl name?
Faisal is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Faisal?
Faisal is usually pronounced FY-sul. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings