Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Safiya
GirlArabic· “pure; sincere friend”
- Meaning
- pure; sincere friend
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- sah-FEE-yuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,333
- US babies 2025
- 168
- Best rank
- #1,333 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Safiya
Safiya is an Arabic name that means “pure; sincere friend”.
Pure is the core meaning of the Arabic Safiya, which can also carry the sense of a sincere or chosen friend. It is closely associated with Safiyya bint Huyayy, one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, which has given it lasting respect in Muslim communities. The name is used throughout the Arab world, as well as in Turkey, Africa and South Asia, with spellings such as Safia and Safiyyah. Safiya has a gentle, graceful sound and a meaning that emphasizes clarity and goodness, making it both classic and quietly elegant.
Popularity over time
Safiya first appears in US Social Security records in 1973. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,333, and its highest count, 168 babies. Use has grown 147% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,818 in 1980, #3,581 in 2000, #2,512 in 2010, and #1,333 in 2025. Of the 2,831 US girls named Safiya since records began, 31% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 796 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Delainey, Zamira, Calia, Delani, and Stori.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Safiya ranked highest in New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #502 | 34 |
| Pennsylvania | #511 | 21 |
| Illinois | #741 | 13 |
| Minnesota | #975 | 5 |
| Virginia | #1021 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Safiya is usually pronounced sah-FEE-yuh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Safiya
A few middle names that flow with Safiya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Safiya
Similar names
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Lists that include Safiya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Safiya mean?
Safiya is an Arabic name that means “pure; sincere friend”.
What is the origin of the name Safiya?
Safiya has Arabic roots. Pure is the core meaning of the Arabic Safiya, which can also carry the sense of a sincere or chosen friend.
Is Safiya a popular name?
Not especially. Safiya ranked #1,333 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Safiya a boy or girl name?
Safiya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Safiya?
Safiya is usually pronounced sah-FEE-yuh. 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