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Home › Baby Names Directory › Nafeesah

Nafeesah

♀ Girl

Pronounced nuh-FEE-suh /nəˈfiːsə/High

Meaning: Nafeesah is a phonetic English spelling of the Arabic name Nafisa (also Nafeesa), from a root meaning 'precious,' 'refined,' or 'of high value.' It is a well-established and honored name across the Muslim world, borne notably by Sayyida Nafisa, a revered early scholar and descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. This spelling records the long ee sound as it is heard.Medium

In 30 seconds: Nafeesah is an Arabic girls' name (Nafisa) meaning 'precious' or 'refined,' recorded for a handful of American girls since the mid-1970s (said nuh-FEE-suh).
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Origin MediumArabic
MeaningNafeesah is a phonetic English spelling of the Arabic name Nafisa (also Nafeesa), from a root meaning 'precious,' 'refined,' or 'of high value.' It is a well-established and honored name across the Muslim world, borne notably by Sayyida Nafisa, a revered early scholar and descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. This spelling records the long ee sound as it is heard.
U.S. rank (2022)#16999 ↘ Falling
2022 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1979
Total births (all-time)≈ 206

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198019762022

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

Nafeesah is an English spelling of the Arabic Nafisa, 'precious' or 'refined,' a name long cherished across the Muslim world. It appears in United States records among American Muslim families, part of a wider interest in classical Arabic names.

As an American given name it stayed rare, given to only a couple dozen girls a year at its late-1970s high and recorded quietly into the 2020s. A girl named Nafeesah then is in her mid-forties today.

Did you know? The name Nafeesah, Arabic for 'precious,' is honored in Islamic history through Sayyida Nafisa, an early scholar known for her learning and piety.
Overall data confidence 60%
References - Nafeesah — Arabic Nafisa 'precious/refined'; Sayyida Nafisa honored bearer

Variations

NafisaNafeesaNafisah

Nicknames

NafiFifi

Famous Bearers

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If you like Nafeesah…

Nafisa— the standard spelling of the same name
Nadia— a like Arabic girls' name
Nasira— a similar refined Arabic name
Nailah— shares Nafeesah's Arabic roots
Naziyah— a similarly popular pick

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Nafeesah mean?

It is an Arabic name, a spelling of Nafisa, meaning 'precious,' 'refined,' or 'of high value.'

How do you pronounce Nafeesah?

It's said nuh-FEE-suh /nəˈfiːsə/, three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Nafeesah a boy or girl name?

Nafeesah is used as a girl's name.

Is Nafeesah a popular name?

No, it has always been rare in the United States, recorded mainly among American Muslim families for a few girls a year.

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