Hafis

Hafis is a given name and surname used in several Muslim-majority regions. It is a transliteration variant of the Arabic word hafiz, which denotes someone who has memorized the Qur’an. In Arabic, the masculine form is hafiz and the feminine form is hafiza; other transliterations include Hafiz and Hafız in Turkish, while Hafis is common in parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The root meaning is related to memorization and safeguarding.

Usage and distribution vary by language and culture. Hafis is typically used as a masculine given name in Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, and other South Asian and Southeast Asian communities. It can also appear as a surname or as part of a fuller name. In some contexts, the title hafiz may accompany the name to indicate Qur’an memorization, though in contemporary everyday use it is often simply a personal name.

Etymology and meaning remain tied to the tradition of Qur’an memorization, which historically conferred a respected status within the community. The form Hafis reflects regional spelling conventions and pronunciation, and variants such as Hafiz, Hafız, and hafiza (feminine) are common in different languages.

Notable individuals named Hafis exist across various fields, including politics, sports, education, and the arts, reflecting the name’s broad adoption rather than a single defining figure. The name is primarily recognized for its religious and cultural associations and its role as a personal identifier in diverse communities. See also Hafiz for related spellings and variants.