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Khalifa

♂ Boy

Khalifa Pronunciation

Khalifa is 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 (2024)#3731 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 360

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

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

Famous bearers coming soon.

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

→ See all names like Khalifa

Browse the whole category: All Arabic names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Khalifa?

Khalifa is pronounced kah-LEE-fah (/kɑˈli.fɑ/). Press play above to hear Khalifa said aloud.

How do you say Khalifa?

Khalifa is said kah-LEE-fah (/kɑˈli.fɑ/). Press play above to hear Khalifa said aloud.

What does the name Khalifa mean?

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

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.