Farah

Pronunciation: [ f-EHR-uh ]

Girl Name #1,363 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Pure Arabic joy in two musical syllables

Arabic Persian Muslim Iranian

Elegant Spiritual Classic Gentle

Meaning & Origin

"joy, happiness"

Origin: Arabic

Language: Arabic

"gladness, celebration"

Origin: Classical Arabic

Language: Arabic

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.

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

Famous People Named Farah

Farah Ann Abdul Hadi

Athlete

1994

Malaysian artistic gymnast who won multiple gold medals at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games

Farah Pahlavi

Royalty

1938

Last Empress of Iran, consort of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, renowned arts patron and cultural figure

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

Pairs Well With

Farah Nour Farah Layla Farah Amira Farah Yasmine Farah Lina Farah Sana Farah Dalia

Sibling Names

Layla Nour Sana Karim Omar Tariq Joud

Also a Boy Name

Farah is also used as a boy name, ranked #11091.

View Farah as a boy name →

Similar Names

Sara Zora Zoe Ara Zadie Zaida Terra Sarai

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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.