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Khalifa

♂ Boy

Pronounced kah-LEE-fah /kɑˈli.fɑ/High

Meaning: From Arabic khalifa, 'successor, deputy, caliph' — also the world's tallest tower's namesakeHigh

In 30 seconds: The full caliphal title: Khalifa — successor, steward — now also crowns the world's tallest building and a rap superstar. Towering by every measure.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic khalifa, 'successor, deputy, caliph' — also the world's tallest tower's namesake

U.S. rank (2025)#4196 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births25 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 385

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

Khalifa comes from Arabic khalifa, 'successor, deputy' — the title of the caliphs who led the Muslim world. A given name and surname across the Gulf (and the Burj Khalifa's honoree), it scrapes sky and charts alike.

In the U.S. it appears in Muslim families. Rare, caliphal at the root, and towering.

Did you know? The Burj Khalifa pierces 828 meters of Dubai sky bearing this title — and Wiz Khalifa took it triple-platinum; succession never had better PR.

Overall data confidence 85%

Arabic references — khalifa — etymology

Variations

KhalifKalifaKhaleefa

Nicknames

KhaLifa

Famous Bearers

★Wiz Khalifa (1987-)
American rapper and songwriter born Cameron Thomaz, known for hits including 'See You Again'
★Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1948-2022)
President of the United Arab Emirates from 2004 until his death in 2022

If you like Khalifa…

Khalif— the trimmed twin title-name

Khalil— the 'beloved friend' classic

Kareem— a fellow generous Arabic favorite

Sultan— the companion ruler-title name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Khalifa mean?

Khalifa is Arabic for 'successor, deputy, caliph'.

How do you pronounce Khalifa?

It's said kah-LEE-fah /kɑˈli.fɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Khalifa a boy or girl name?

Khalifa is a boy's name.

How popular is Khalifa?

Khalifa is a rare name in the U.S.