Arife

Arife is a feminine given name used in Turkish-speaking communities and in parts of the Arabic-speaking world. It derives from the Arabic term arifa (with the Turkish adaptation arife), which means knowledge, awareness, or one who knows. In Islamic mysticism, arif denotes a sage or mystic, and the feminine form arife can carry similar connotations when used as a personal name.

In Turkish culture, Arife has historical usage influenced by Arabic and Persian naming traditions. It is also found in Azerbaijan and among Balkan Muslim communities, where it is generally valued as a traditional given name rather than for a specific religious signifier in contemporary contexts. In Arabic contexts, the corresponding form is often Arifa (عريفة), which carries a closely related meaning.

Variants and related names include Arifa (the Arabic form) and Arif (the masculine counterpart). The name Arife is typically used as a feminine given name; pronunciation and spelling can vary by language and country. As with many traditional names, modern usage reflects regional naming practices and personal preference, rather than a single, uniform standard.