Jafar
Arabic · Boy · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Jafar
The name 'Jafar' means "stream" or "small river" in Arabic, derived from the root *j-f-r* (ج-ف-ر) meaning "to flow" or "to gush forth." It is primarily used in Islamic cultures, notably as the name of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and a revered early Muslim figure, and also appears in Persian and South Asian contexts.
Cross-referenced with Behind the Name. AI-assisted, community-reviewable. Suggest an improvement.
Etymology
The name 'Jafar' means "stream" or "small river" in Arabic, derived from the root *j-f-r* (ج-ف-ر) meaning "to flow" or "to gush forth." It is primarily used in Islamic cultures, notably as the name of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and a revered early Muslim figure, and also appears in Persian and South Asian contexts.
Jafar currently ranks #6,961 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1994.
Variants & nicknames
Contribute to this name
Help improve this page with a meaning, origin, or correction—and get credited as a contributor.
Share your knowledge about this name—meaning, origin, pronunciation, or correction. Your contribution is reviewed and credited with your name.
Login to contributeWe use Google & Facebook login — no password needed.
Sibling name ideas
Arabic, Persian names that sit beautifully beside JafarSimilar names you might like
Names starting with JMore names starting with J
- Jabir
- Jacen
- Jacq
- Jadene
- Jaan
- Jacopo
- Jaap
- Jacobo
- Jackye
- Jacquelyn
- Jacqui
- Jacinto
- Jackaline
- Jadel
- Jaanvi
- Jaclyn
- Jacklyn
- Jacintha
🧬 See Jafar's popularity the year you were born →
🔢 Get Jafar's free numerology report card →
💫 Is Jafar your name? Get your free “My name means…” card →
👶 Have a Jafar already? Find sibling names that fit →
💬 Does Jafar go with your surname? Check the rhythm, rhyme and initials →
Names that sound like Jafar
Phonetic match, not just spelling"The name Javier derives from the Basque place name Etxaberri (meaning "new house"), which became Latinized as Xaverius and eventually…"
"Jasper derives from the Persian word "jaspe" meaning "spotted stone," referring to a variety of quartz, and entered European languages…"
"Jesper means "treasurer" or "keeper of the treasure" and derives from the Persian name Gaspar, itself likely from Avestan roots…"
"Jeffrey derives from the Germanic name Gottfried, composed of "gott" (God) and "frid" (peace), meaning "God's peace" or "divine peace."…"
"The name 'Jaiveer' means "victory of the brave" or "brave victory," derived from the Sanskrit roots *jaya* (victory) and *vīra*…"
"The name 'Jeffery' means "peace of God" or "divine peace," derived from the Germanic elements *gawia* (territory) and *fridu* (peace),…"
"The given name 'Jesperi' is derived from the Finnish language, meaning 'treasurer' or 'keeper of the treasure', and is likely…"
"The name 'Jabir' means "comforter" or "restorer" in Arabic, derived from the triliteral root J-B-R (ج-ب-ر), which conveys the concept…"
"The name Jaspar means "treasurer" and derives from the Persian word *ganzabara*, via the Greek *iaspis* and Latin *iaspar*, ultimately…"
"Jasperi is a Finnish form of Jasper, derived from the Persian word "ganzabara" (treasurer) via Greek "Gaspar," ultimately meaning "treasure…"
"Jeffry is a variant spelling of Jeffrey, derived from the Germanic name Godfrey, combining "god" (peace) and "frid" (ruler), meaning…"
"Jeoffrey is a variant spelling of Geoffrey, derived from the Germanic elements "gaut" (Goth) and "fred" (peace), meaning "peaceful Goth"…"