"joy, happiness"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Farah
Pronunciation: [ f-EHR-uh ]
Does Farah flow with your last name?
Pure Arabic joy in two musical syllables
Arabic
Persian
Muslim
Iranian
Elegant
Spiritual
Classic
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"gladness, celebration"
Origin: Classical Arabic
Language: Arabic
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Farrah Fawcett (different spelling but phonetically similar) and the 1970s feathered hairstyle
The Story of Farah
Farah comes from the Arabic root 'f-r-h,' meaning joy, happiness, and celebration. The word 'farah' appears in classical Arabic poetry as a term for exuberant joy and festivity. It is one of the most beautiful and positive names in the Arabic tradition, given to daughters as a prayer that their life would be filled with happiness.
Farah gained international recognition largely through Farah Pahlavi, the last Empress of Iran, who brought elegance and cultural patronage to the name in the 1960s-70s. The name remains popular across the Arab world, Iran, Pakistan, and wherever Muslim communities thrive.
In Iranian culture, Farah is closely associated with Empress Farah Pahlavi, a patron of the arts who established major cultural institutions in Tehran. In Arabic-speaking countries, the name is beloved for its pure, positive meaning and mellifluous sound.
Historical Record
Farah first appeared in US Social Security records in 1960.
Over 6,114 babies have been named Farah in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Farah is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,363 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Farah Pahlavi was the first Iranian empress to appear unveiled on official state occasions in modern times
- The Arabic word 'farah' is also used to describe wedding celebrations in many Arab countries — the word for 'wedding party' in some dialects is 'farah'
Farah in Other Languages
Urdu
فرح
Arabic
فرح
French
Farah
Persian
فرح
Turkish
Ferah
Popularity Over Time
#1,363
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Farah
F
Farah Ann Abdul Hadi
Athlete
1994
Malaysian artistic gymnast who won multiple gold medals at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games
F
Farah Pahlavi
Royalty
1938
Last Empress of Iran, consort of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, renowned arts patron and cultural figure
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,363
- Total SSA Count
- 167
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Persian Muslim Iranian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Fara
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Arabic heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Arabic heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Farah
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Farah is also used as a boy name, ranked #11091.
View Farah as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Farah
What does the name Farah mean?
"joy, happiness" (from Arabic). "gladness, celebration" (from Classical Arabic). Farah comes from the Arabic root 'f-r-h,' meaning joy, happiness, and celebration. The word 'farah' appears in classical Arabic poetry as a term for exuberant joy and festivity. It is one of the most beautiful and positive names in the Arabic tradition, given to daughters as a prayer that their life would be filled with happiness.
What is the origin of the name Farah?
Farah has Arabic, Classical Arabic, Persian, Muslim, and Iranian origins. In Arabic, it means "joy, happiness". In Classical Arabic, it means "gladness, celebration".
Is Farah a boy or girl name?
Farah is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1363. As a boy name, it is ranked #11091. Farah is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Farah?
Farah is pronounced f-EHR-uh.
How popular is the name Farah?
Farah is currently ranked #1363 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Farah?
Common nicknames for Farah include Fara.
What are good middle names for Farah?
Popular middle name pairings include Farah Nour, Farah Layla, Farah Amira, Farah Yasmine, Farah Lina, Farah Sana, and Farah Dalia.
What are good sibling names for Farah?
Names that pair well with Farah as siblings include Layla, Nour, Sana, Karim, Omar, Tariq, and Joud.
How many syllables does Farah have?
Farah has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Farah a common or rare name?
Farah is an uncommon name, ranked #1363 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Farah
Farah is a girl name with Arabic, Persian, Muslim, and Iranian origins . The name means "joy, happiness" in Arabic .
Is Farah a boy or girl name? Farah is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,363 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #11,091. Farah is more commonly used as a girl name.
Farah is currently ranked #1,363 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Farah has 2 syllables and is pronounced f-EHR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Farah include Fara. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis