مختار

Mukhtar

boyArabicMuslim

Mukhtar is a Muslim boy name of Arabic origin, meaning “Chosen, preferred”.

MeaningChosen, preferred
GenderBoy
OriginArabic
Written asمختار
Pronunciationmookh-TAHR
TraditionMuslim
Used inNorth Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan, Central Asia

Meaning and origin of Mukhtar

Mukhtar means chosen or preferred, from the root kh-y-r, which links choosing with goodness. Muslims also use al-Mukhtār as a description of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In the villages of the Arab world, the elected headman is also called a mukhtār. Famous bearers include Omar al-Mukhtar, who led Libyan resistance to Italian rule, and al-Mukhtār al-Thaqafī from early Islamic history.

Is Mukhtar a Muslim name?

Mukhtar is an Arabic Muslim name meaning 'chosen'. Its root appears when God tells Moses: 'And I have chosen you (ikhtartuka), so listen to what is revealed' (Quran 20:13).

How popular is Mukhtar?

Found from Libya and Morocco, where it is Mokhtar, to Nigeria, Pakistan and Central Asia.

Gifts with the name Mukhtar

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Spellings and variants of Mukhtar

MokhtarMuhtarMukhtaar

Names similar to Mukhtar

MokhtarMustafaMujtabaKhayr

More Muslim boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Mukhtar mean?

Mukhtar means 'Chosen, preferred'. It is of Arabic origin.

Is Mukhtar a Muslim name?

Mukhtar is an Arabic Muslim name meaning 'chosen'. Its root appears when God tells Moses: 'And I have chosen you (ikhtartuka), so listen to what is revealed' (Quran 20:13).

How do you pronounce Mukhtar?

Mukhtar is pronounced mookh-TAHR.

Is Mukhtar a boy or girl name?

Mukhtar is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.