Khan
Khan is a Muslim boy name of Turkic / Mongolic title origin, meaning “Ruler, chief, lord”.
| Meaning | Ruler, chief, lord |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Turkic / Mongolic title |
| Written as | خان |
| Pronunciation | KHAAN |
| Tradition | Muslim |
| Used in | Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Central Asia |
Meaning and origin of Khan
Khan is a very old title for a ruler in the Turkic and Mongolic world. The Turkic khaganates used it, as did Genghis Khan, and later so did the Mughals and the dynasties of Central Asia. On the subcontinent it turned into an honorific and then an extremely common surname, especially among Pashtuns. Some families also give it as a first name, and though not Arabic, it has belonged to Muslim naming for centuries.
Is Khan a Muslim name?
Strictly it is a Turkic title, not an Islamic name. Muslims across Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Central Asia nonetheless use it hugely, mostly as a surname.
How popular is Khan?
It is very common as a surname among Pashtuns and other South Asian Muslims and is now and then used as a first name.
Gifts with the name Khan
- Khan name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Khan baby gifts (Amazon)
- Muslim baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Khan
Names similar to Khan
More Muslim boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Khan mean?
Khan means 'Ruler, chief, lord'. It is of Turkic / Mongolic title origin.
Is Khan a Muslim name?
Strictly it is a Turkic title, not an Islamic name. Muslims across Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Central Asia nonetheless use it hugely, mostly as a surname.
How do you pronounce Khan?
Khan is pronounced KHAAN.
Is Khan a boy or girl name?
Khan is usually a boy name.