عرفة

Arafa

unisexArabicMuslim

Arafa is a Muslim unisex name of Arabic origin, meaning “Arafah, the plain of the Hajj”.

MeaningArafah, the plain of the Hajj
GenderUnisex
OriginArabic
Written asعرفة
PronunciationAH-rah-fah
TraditionMuslim
Used inEgypt, Sudan, East Africa

Meaning and origin of Arafa

Arafa is the Arabic ʿArafa, the plain outside Makkah where the pilgrims gather on the Day of ʿArafah, the most important moment of the Hajj. Its root means to know or to recognise. Children born on or near the Day of Arafah are often given the name. Egyptians mostly know ʿArafa as a male first name or a surname, while elsewhere it is used for both sexes.

Is Arafa a Muslim name?

Arafa is drawn from ʿArafah, the site and the day that lie at the centre of the Hajj, which the Quran names: 'When you pour down from ʿArafat, remember God at the Sacred Monument' (Quran 2:198).

How popular is Arafa?

Arafa is found in Egypt, Sudan and along the Swahili coast, as a first name and a family name.

Gifts with the name Arafa

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Spellings and variants of Arafa

ArafahArfa

Names similar to Arafa

ArafatHajarSafaZamzam

More Muslim unisex names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Arafa mean?

Arafa means 'Arafah, the plain of the Hajj'. It is of Arabic origin.

Is Arafa a Muslim name?

Arafa is drawn from ʿArafah, the site and the day that lie at the centre of the Hajj, which the Quran names: 'When you pour down from ʿArafat, remember God at the Sacred Monument' (Quran 2:198).

How do you pronounce Arafa?

Arafa is pronounced AH-rah-fah.

Is Arafa a boy or girl name?

Arafa is used for both boys and girls.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.