Name meaning
Elif
First letter of the Arabic alphabet; meaning slender, straight-statured, and friend.
- Published:
- Updated:
- 1min. reading time
- #Elif
- #Elif name meaning
- #girl names
- #Turkic names
- #popular girl names
Name meaning and origin
Elif is the form of alif, the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, in the Turkic languages, and because of the letter's vertical, straight appearance it acquired the meaning of upright and slender. In some sources the word is linked to a root in the Arabic language meaning familiarity and communication, and it is also explained as meaning friend, companion, a warm-hearted person.
The letter is also part of the muqatta'at groups at the beginning of several surahs of the Quran, such as Al-Baqarah (2:1) and Al-Imran (3:1), for example Alif-Lam-Mim; nevertheless, Elif does not appear in the Quranic text as a word written independently, because these letters are written as separate letter signs. Among the most popular girl names in Turkey in recent years, Elif has spread widely in Azerbaijan under this influence, and the writer Elif Şafak has contributed to the name's international recognition.
Name details
- Gender
- Girl's name
- Origin
- Ərəb mənşəli · Türk mənşəli
- Letter count
- 4
- Appears in the Quran
- No
- Variants
- Alif
- Pronunciation
- e.ˈlif
Notable people with this name
Elif Şafak
Frequently asked questions
The most asked questions about this name.
What is the meaning of the name Elif?
Elif is the Turkic form of alif, the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, and carries the meaning of a straight, slender appearance as well as friend.Is the name Elif mentioned in the Quran?
The word Elif does not appear in the Quran as a separately written name, but the letter alif is part of the muqatta'at groups at the beginning of several surahs such as Al-Baqarah.Is Elif a boy or a girl name?
Elif is a girl name.