Rafiki

What does the baby name Rafiki mean? Learn about what Rafiki means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Rafiki - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Rafiki
R-A-F-I-K-I, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Rafiki
rah FEE kee
Meaning of Rafiki
Friend.
Origin of Rafiki
The name 'Rafiki' has its origins in the Swahili language, which is spoken by various ethnic groups in East Africa. Swahili is a Bantu language that incorporates elements from Arabic, Persian, and other African languages. In Swahili, 'rafiki' means 'friend'.
African Names
African American Names
Arabic Names
East African Names
Swahili Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Rafiki
Rafee
Rafi
Rafic
Rafiq
Popularity of Rafiki
The popularity of the name 'Rafiki' is relatively low, both globally and within Swahili-speaking communities. It is not a commonly used name and does not rank highly in baby name popularity charts.
Rafiki currently has 1 like, and is in the top 14% of liked boy's names. The name Dakarai is slightly more popular than Rafiki.

Etymology of Rafiki

The name 'Rafiki' is derived from the Swahili word 'rafiki', which translates to 'friend' in English. The etymology of the Swahili word itself is rooted in the Arabic language, where 'rafiki' also means 'friend'.

Cultural Significance of Rafiki

In Swahili-speaking cultures, friendship is highly valued, and the name 'Rafiki' reflects this cultural significance. The name carries connotations of camaraderie, loyalty, and companionship. It may be chosen by parents who wish to emphasize the importance of friendship in their child's life.