Zarifa is a feminine given name and surname of Arabic origin. It derives from the Arabic word ẓarīf, meaning "elegant, graceful, charming." The name is the feminine form of Zarif.
Notable Bearers
Several notable women have borne the name Zarifa. Zarifa Aliyeva (1924–1985) was an Azerbaijani ophthalmologist; Zarifa Ghafari (born 1994) is an Afghan activist and politician; Zarifa Pashaevna Mgoyan (born 1983) is the birth name of Russian pop singer Zara; and Zarifa Sautieva (born 1978) is a Russian museum director and political activist. The surname Zarifa is also present, most prominently with Canadian academic David Zarifa.
Cultural Context
The name Zarifa appears in several cultures, primarily in the Arab world and among Muslim populations. In Azerbaijan, the name is rendered as Zərifə. It remains a relatively uncommon name in the West but holds a strong presence in the Arabic-speaking diaspora.
- Meaning: Elegant, graceful, charming
- Origin: Arabic
- Usage: First name (feminine) and surname
- Regions: Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa
Sources: Wikipedia — Zarifa