The first name Hanif

In 2025, 8 boys were named Hanif, making it the 2,664th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2012, with 13 births (#1,756).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Hanif with other names.

In 2025, 8 boys born in the United States were named Hanif, the 9,205th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2004, when 29 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Hanif Kureishi
  English writer (born 1954)
• Omar Bogle
  English association football player (born 1993)

• Muhammad
• Mohammed
• Mohammad
• Ibrahim
• Mohamed
• Yusuf
• Ahmed
• Omar
• Ahmad
• Abdullah
• Musa
• Amir
• Muhammed
• Yahya
• Hamza
• Mustafa

All 218 names of Arabic origin

What does the name Hanif mean?

Hanif means “true believer”, “righteous (person)” in Arabic.

What is the origin of the name Hanif?

From Arabic حَنِيف (ḥanīf, “true believer, righteous (person)”).

How popular is the name Hanif?

In 2025, 8 boys born in England and Wales were named Hanif, ranking 2,664th. Its peak was 2012, with 13 births.

Is Hanif a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 784 US babies named Hanif since 1880 were boys.

When was Hanif most popular?

2004 in the United States, when 29 babies were named Hanif, its highest rank at 3,315th.

What are other spellings of Hanif?

Haniff.

Is Hanif also a surname?

Yes. Hanif is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.