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Afnan
Pronounced AHF-nahn /ˈɑf.nɑn/High
Meaning: Spreading branches, boughs of trees; a Quranic word describing the gardens of paradiseHigh
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Afnan is a Quranic word name: in Surah Ar-Rahman the gardens of paradise are described as dhawata afnan — 'having spreading branches' — and Muslim parents lifted the lovely plural directly into the nursery. It is used for daughters across the Arab world and South Asia.
The name travels well — short, soft, and meaningful at first explanation. In the U.S. it remains rare, found in Muslim families of many backgrounds.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Afnan mean?
Afnan is Arabic for 'spreading branches', a word the Quran uses to describe the trees of paradise.
How do you pronounce Afnan?
It's said AHF-nahn /ˈɑf.nɑn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Afnan a boy or girl name?
Afnan is used for both sexes in the Arab world, most often for girls; this page covers its use as a girl's name.
How popular is Afnan?
Afnan is a rare name in the U.S.