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Safia

Girl name · 22 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Safia: 22 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2006.

Safia is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the root ṣ-f-w, meaning "pure," "clear," or "best friend." It is a feminine form of Safi and is widely used across the Muslim world. One notable bearer was Safia Farhat, a pioneering Tunisian painter and activist known for her vibrant modern art. The name shares its root with Safi, a historic city in Morocco that gave its name to Safi ceramics. In Scotland, where the name has seen occasional use since the late 20th century, it is sometimes considered a variant of Safiya or Sophia, though each has distinct origins—Sophia is Greek for "wisdom." The name also appears in poetry and literature, often symbolizing virtue and loyalty.