NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Safah

A feminine Arabic name meaning "purity" or "clarity".

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.

Safah is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Safah popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #2115, with 13 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2007, with 46 births.

This profile covers 664 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.

The latest count is about 28% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 660 living people in the UK are called Safah. 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

  • Safah ranked #2115 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 13 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2007, when 46 girls were registered as Safah.
  • About 660 living people in the UK are estimated to have Safah as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#2115

2024

Births in 2024

13

Latest year

Peak year

2007

46 births

Estimated living

660

2026

Meaning

What does Safah mean?

The name Safah originates from the Arabic language and culture, with its earliest recorded usage dating back to the 7th century CE. It is derived from the Arabic word "safaa," which means purity, clarity, or serenity. The name is often associated with the concept of a pure and unblemished soul or a serene and tranquil state of mind.

One of the earliest known references to the name Safah can be found in ancient Arabic poetry and literature. It was a name bestowed upon individuals who were believed to possess a pure heart and a peaceful demeanor. The name gained popularity during the Islamic Golden Age, particularly among the scholarly and literary circles of the time.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Safah. One such individual was Safah al-Kindi, a renowned Arab philosopher and mathematician who lived during the 9th century CE. He made significant contributions to the fields of optics, philosophy, and music theory. Another prominent figure was Safah ibn Yazid, a respected Islamic scholar and jurist who lived in the 8th century CE and played a crucial role in the development of Islamic jurisprudence.

In the realm of literature, Safah al-Andalusi was a renowned Andalusian poet and scholar who lived in the 11th century CE. His poetic works, known for their eloquence and depth, were widely celebrated during his lifetime and continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and literary enthusiasts alike.

The name Safah also found its way into the annals of religious history. One notable figure was Safah al-Din al-Hilli, a prominent Shia scholar and theologian who lived in the 13th century CE. He made significant contributions to the field of Islamic theology and jurisprudence and is widely respected among Shia Muslims.

Another notable figure was Safah al-Wali, a renowned Sufi mystic and spiritual leader who lived in the 12th century CE. He was known for his profound teachings on the spiritual path and his ability to guide seekers towards inner purification and enlightenment.

While these are just a few examples of historical figures who bore the name Safah, the name has continued to be used across various cultures and regions over the centuries, reflecting its enduring appeal and significance.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Safah over time

The chart below shows babies named Safah 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 Safah, the clearest high point is 2007. The latest England and Wales figure is 13 births in 2024, compared with 46 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Safah
012233546199620102024

Decades

Safah by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Safah 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 #1951 72 5
2010s #1460 226 10
2000s #909 325 10
1990s #1859 41 4

Related

Names similar to Safah

FAQ

Safah: questions and answers

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

In 2024, Safah was ranked #2115 for girls in England and Wales, with 13 births registered.

When was Safah most popular?

The peak year on record was 2007, with 46 babies registered as Safah in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Safah?

A feminine Arabic name meaning "purity" or "clarity".

How many people are called Safah in the UK?

A total of 664 babies have been registered as Safah 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.