نواب

Nawab

boyUrdu / PersianMuslim

Nawab is a Muslim boy name of Urdu / Persian, from Arabic origin, meaning “Governor, deputy ruler, nobleman”.

MeaningGovernor, deputy ruler, nobleman
GenderBoy
OriginUrdu / Persian, from Arabic
Written asنواب
Pronunciationnah-WAAB
TraditionMuslim
Used inPakistan, India, Bangladesh

Meaning and origin of Nawab

Nawab began as a title rather than a name. Its source is the Arabic nuwwāb, deputies, the plural of nāʾib. Under the Mughals it was the title of provincial governors, and later the Muslim princely rulers of states like Awadh and Bhopal used it too. Gradually it became a given name and a nickname in South Asia, carrying an air of nobility and dignity.

Is Nawab a Muslim name?

Nawab is found in South Asian Muslim families. It began life as a royal title of Arabic origin, not a religious term, and parents value it for its air of nobility.

How popular is Nawab?

Nawab is used in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, often as part of a longer name.

Gifts with the name Nawab

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Spellings and variants of Nawab

NawaabNabob

Names similar to Nawab

More Muslim boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Nawab mean?

Nawab means 'Governor, deputy ruler, nobleman'. It is of Urdu / Persian, from Arabic origin.

Is Nawab a Muslim name?

Nawab is found in South Asian Muslim families. It began life as a royal title of Arabic origin, not a religious term, and parents value it for its air of nobility.

How do you pronounce Nawab?

Nawab is pronounced nah-WAAB.

Is Nawab a boy or girl name?

Nawab is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.