NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Farida

A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "unique" or "precious.".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Farida is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Farida popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #1449, with 22 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2024, with 22 births.

This profile covers 308 England and Wales registrations across 29 recorded years from 1996 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.

Farida is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.

We estimate that about 306 living people in the UK are called Farida. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Farida ranked #1449 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 22 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2024, when 22 girls were registered as Farida.
  • About 306 living people in the UK are estimated to have Farida as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#1449

2024

Births in 2024

22

Latest year

Peak year

2024

22 births

Estimated living

306

2026

Meaning

What does Farida mean?

The name Farida has its origins in the Arabic language, where it is derived from the word "farid," meaning "unique" or "incomparable." This name gained popularity in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in regions with a strong Islamic cultural influence.

One of the earliest known references to the name Farida can be found in ancient Arabic literature, where it was used to describe individuals with exceptional qualities or virtues. In Islamic tradition, the name is associated with purity and elegance, reflecting the reverence for these values within the faith.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Farida. One of the earliest recorded examples is Farida al-Mahdiyya, a renowned 12th-century poet and scholar from modern-day Tunisia, who was celebrated for her literary contributions and intellectual prowess.

In the 19th century, Farida Bent Mohamed Al Soudani was a prominent Algerian resistance leader who played a crucial role in the struggle against French colonialism. Her bravery and unwavering spirit inspired many during the fight for Algerian independence.

Another notable figure is Farida Khanum (1835-1907), an influential 19th-century courtesan and poet from Lucknow, India. She was renowned for her skill in Hindustani classical music and poetry, and her contributions left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the region.

In the realm of art, Farida Zanoui (1908-2001) was a renowned Algerian painter and sculptor whose works captured the essence of her homeland and its people. Her vibrant and expressive creations earned her international recognition and admiration.

More recently, Farida Jalal (born 1949) is a celebrated Pakistani actress and television host, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Pakistani entertainment industry. Her versatile performances and enduring popularity have earned her numerous accolades and a dedicated following.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Farida throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and societal narratives.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Farida over time

The chart below shows babies named Farida registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Farida, the clearest high point is 2024. The latest England and Wales figure is 22 births in 2024, compared with 22 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Farida
06111722199620102024

Decades

Farida by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Farida was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.

Decade Average rank Total births Years covered
2020s #1909 76 5
2010s #2407 107 10
2000s #2131 95 10
1990s #2130 30 4

Related

Names similar to Farida

FAQ

Farida: questions and answers

How popular is the name Farida in the UK right now?

In 2024, Farida was ranked #1449 for girls in England and Wales, with 22 births registered.

When was Farida most popular?

The peak year on record was 2024, with 22 babies registered as Farida in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Farida?

A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "unique" or "precious.".

How many people are called Farida in the UK?

A total of 308 babies have been registered as Farida across the 29 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.

Which records is this page based on?

The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.