Tarek
Tarek is a Muslim boy name of Arabic origin, meaning “Night visitor; the morning star”.
| Meaning | Night visitor; the morning star |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Arabic |
| Written as | طارق |
| Pronunciation | TAH-rek |
| Tradition | Muslim |
| Used in | Egypt, Lebanon, North Africa |
Meaning and origin of Tarek
Tarek is the form of Ṭāriq most familiar in Egypt, Lebanon and francophone North Africa. Its root, ṭ-r-q, conjures someone who knocks on a door after dark, and the Quran uses the word for a star that pierces the night. The name gained lasting fame through Ṭāriq ibn Ziyād, the general who led Muslim forces across to Spain in 711. Gibraltar, from Jabal Ṭāriq, 'the mountain of Tariq', still bears his name.
Is Tarek a Muslim name?
Tarek echoes the title of Surah al-Ṭāriq. Surah 86 opens: 'By the sky and the night-comer (al-ṭāriq)', explained as 'the piercing star' (Quran 86:1–3).
How popular is Tarek?
It is common in Egypt, Lebanon and North Africa.
Gifts with the name Tarek
- Tarek name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Tarek baby gifts (Amazon)
- Muslim baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Tarek
Names similar to Tarek
More Muslim boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tarek mean?
Tarek means 'Night visitor; the morning star'. It is of Arabic origin.
Is Tarek a Muslim name?
Tarek echoes the title of Surah al-Ṭāriq. Surah 86 opens: 'By the sky and the night-comer (al-ṭāriq)', explained as 'the piercing star' (Quran 86:1–3).
How do you pronounce Tarek?
Tarek is pronounced TAH-rek.
Is Tarek a boy or girl name?
Tarek is usually a boy name.