Nafisa

Nafisa is a feminine given name of Arabic origin. It derives from nafis, meaning precious, valuable, or exquisite, with the feminine form Nafisa signaling a sense of rarity or high worth. The name is commonly transliterated in several ways, including Nafisa, Nafeesa, and Nafisah, reflecting differences in pronunciation and regional spelling.

Nafisa is widely used in Muslim-majority regions and in diaspora communities around the world. It is particularly common in the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa, including Somalia and Sudan, where Arabic influence is strong. The name is often chosen for its positive connotations and its melodic qualities in poetry and song.

In contemporary usage, Nafisa functions as a standalone given name and can appear as part of longer names in various cultures. It is not tied to a single ethnic group, and different communities may attach different cultural associations to the name.

Notable people with the name Nafisa include Indian actress and humanitarian Nafisa Ali and Pakistani politician Nafisa Shah.