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Home › Baby Names Directory › Asif

Asif

♂ Boy

Pronounced AH-sif /ˈɑ.sɪf/Medium

Meaning: Asif is widely used across Arabic-, Urdu-, Persian- and Turkish-speaking communities. In Islamic and Jewish tradition Asif ibn Barkhiya is remembered as the wise vizier of the prophet Solomon (Sulayman) — an association noted here respectfully. The word is variously glossed 'forgiveness', 'strong; brave' or connected to Hebrew asaf, 'gatherer'; readings differ, and routes are uncertain in detail, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: An Arabic and Urdu name; Asif ibn Barkhiya is remembered as the wise vizier of Solomon (said 'AH-sif'). Readings vary.
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Origin MediumArabic, Urdu
MeaningAsif is widely used across Arabic-, Urdu-, Persian- and Turkish-speaking communities. In Islamic and Jewish tradition Asif ibn Barkhiya is remembered as the wise vizier of the prophet Solomon (Sulayman) — an association noted here respectfully. The word is variously glossed 'forgiveness', 'strong; brave' or connected to Hebrew asaf, 'gatherer'; readings differ, and routes are uncertain in detail, which we note.
U.S. rank (2023)#8989 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1982
Total births (all-time)≈ 590

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198219732023

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

Asif is long established across Arabic-, Urdu-, Persian- and Turkish-speaking communities. Its best-known association is with Āsif ibn Barkhiyā, remembered in Islamic and Jewish tradition as the learned vizier of the prophet Solomon, credited with great wisdom; the title Asaf Jah, borne by the Nizams of Hyderabad, drew on the same name. Its literal sense is disputed — 'forgiveness', 'brave', or a link to Hebrew asaf, 'gatherer'. Routes uncertain in detail, which we note (said 'AH-sif').

In the U.S. it appears only very rarely and is newly emerging. Rare, historic, and widely used abroad.

Did you know? Asif carries a story: Asif ibn Barkhiya is remembered in tradition as the vizier and scribe of the prophet Solomon, celebrated for his wisdom — an association we note respectfully. The word's literal meaning is given differently by different sources.
Overall data confidence 45%
References — Asif — Arabic/Urdu name; Asif ibn Barkhiya, vizier of Solomon, noted respectfully; literal sense disputed

Variations

AasifAssefAsaf

Nicknames

AsiSif

Famous Bearers

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If you like Asif…

Asad— a like short Arabic boys' name
Arif— a like -if ending Arabic pick
Nasir— a like established Urdu name
Alif— shares the -if ending
Afif— a fellow Arabic choice

Explore names like Asif

By themearabicheritageurduhistoric
By meaningStrengthWisdomBrave / CourageFire

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Asif mean?

Asif's literal sense is given variously as 'forgiveness' or 'brave', with a possible link to Hebrew asaf, 'gatherer'. In tradition, Asif ibn Barkhiya was the wise vizier of Solomon — an association we note respectfully. Readings differ, which we note.

How do you pronounce Asif?

It's said AH-sif /ˈɑ.sɪf/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Asif a boy or girl name?

Asif is a boy's name.

How popular is Asif?

Asif is very rare in the U.S., though it is well established across South Asia and the Arab world.

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