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Sufjan

♂ Boy

Pronounced SOOF-yahn /ˈsuːf.jɑn/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of the Arabic name Sufyan, whose root is debated and often glossed as 'swift-moving' or tied to a moving wind. It is best known in the English-speaking world from the musician Sufjan Stevens, whose name was given by his parents through their spiritual community.Low

In 30 seconds: An Arabic name known widely from a musician: Sufjan is a spelling of Sufyan (said 'SOOF-yahn'). Its root is debated, which we note.

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningA spelling of the Arabic name Sufyan, whose root is debated and often glossed as 'swift-moving' or tied to a moving wind. It is best known in the English-speaking world from the musician Sufjan Stevens, whose name was given by his parents through their spiritual community.

U.S. rank (2024)#13934

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 5

History & Origin

Sufjan is a spelling of the Arabic Sufyan, a name of long standing in Muslim history whose etymology is genuinely debated — 'swift' and 'a moving wind' are both offered. Its visibility in the U.S. owes almost everything to the musician Sufjan Stevens, a route we note plainly. Soft, unusual, and quietly literary (said 'SOOF-yahn').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, Arabic-rooted, and artistic.

Did you know? Most English speakers meet the name through the songwriter Sufjan Stevens, whose parents took it from their spiritual community; behind it stands the Arabic name Sufyan, whose root is debated (said 'SOOF-yahn').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Sufjan — Arabic Sufyan; etymology debated; musician Sufjan Stevens

Variations

SufyanSofianSoufiane

Nicknames

SufSufi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sufjan…

Sufyan— the standard Arabic spelling

Rayan— a like soft Arabic two-beat name

Imran— a like -an Arabic classic

Zaid— a like Arabic name of long standing

Explore names like Sufjan

By themeuncertain arabic pop-culture artistic

By meaningGift / Blessing Wind / Air

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sufjan mean?

Sufjan is a spelling of the Arabic name Sufyan; its root is debated, often read as 'swift-moving'. We note the uncertainty.

How do you pronounce Sufjan?

It's said SOOF-yahn /ˈsuːf.jɑn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sufjan a boy or girl name?

Sufjan is a boy's name.

How popular is Sufjan?

Sufjan is a rare name for boys in the U.S.