Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Farah
GirlArabic, Persian· “joy, happiness”
- Meaning
- joy, happiness
- Origin
- Arabic, Persian
- Pronunciation
- FAHR-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,350
- US babies 2025
- 164
- Best rank
- #803 (1976)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Farah
Farah is an Arabic and Persian name that means “joy, happiness”.
Farah comes from Arabic and Persian and means joy or happiness. It is widely used across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Farah Pahlavi, the former empress of Iran, is a well-known bearer. In English the name sometimes recalls Farrah, spelled with two r's, as in the actress Farrah Fawcett, though the two are distinct. Farah sounds warm and soft, with two gentle syllables. It is easy to pronounce and pairs well with both traditional and modern middle names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Farrah.
Popularity over time
Farah first appears in US Social Security records in 1960. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 2 different years, starting in 1976. Its best national rank was #803 in 1976, and the most babies received it in 2012, when 178 were named Farah. In 2025, 164 babies were named Farah, and it ranked #1,350 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,615 in 1980, #1,927 in 2000, #1,492 in 2010, and #1,350 in 2025. Of the 6,278 US girls named Farah since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,185 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aniston, Josslyn, Adelle, Gwenyth, and Aleeah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Farah ranked highest in Michigan, New York, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #467 | 18 |
| New York | #874 | 18 |
| Illinois | #958 | 9 |
| New Jersey | #974 | 7 |
| Florida | #1016 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Farah over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Farah is usually pronounced FAHR-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with F and ends in “-ah”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Farrah.
Middle names for Farah
A few middle names that flow with Farah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Farah
Similar names
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Lists that include Farah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Farah mean?
Farah is an Arabic and Persian name that means “joy, happiness”.
What is the origin of the name Farah?
Farah has Arabic and Persian roots. Farah comes from Arabic and Persian and means joy or happiness.
Is Farah a popular name?
Not especially. Farah ranked #1,350 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Farah a boy or girl name?
Farah is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Farah over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Farah?
Farah is usually pronounced FAHR-uh. 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