WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Afshan

Girl name · 11 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Afshan: 11 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 1978.

Afshan is a Persian and Urdu name for girls, derived from the word *afshān*, meaning "scatterer" or "sprinkler," often poetically interpreted as "one who scatters fragrance" or "showering blessings." Its most famous bearer is British actress Afshan Azad, best known for playing Padma Patil in the *Harry Potter* films, bringing the name to wider attention. While not directly linked to a specific place, the name shares its root with the Persian city of Afshar, though that is a distinct toponym. A notable variant is Afshana, which carries a similar meaning. For Scottish parents, Afshan offers a lyrical, multicultural choice that has gained subtle recognition through popular culture, blending Persian elegance with modern international appeal.

Girl 3 of 52 years

Peak year
19784 babies
Latest (1982)
#4654 babies
Total births
11since 1978
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1978 · 4
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).