Akhtar
A South Asian and Persianate surname or personal name meaning “star.”
The #7,785 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 72,475 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Akhtar is a word for “star” in Persian and in Persianate usage more broadly, including Urdu. As a surname, it usually began as a personal name or honorific-style byname before becoming hereditary in some families. The name carries a bright, favorable sense rather than describing an occupation or place.
History
The name is especially common in South Asia, where Persian and Urdu naming traditions have long overlapped. It is also found among Muslim communities more widely in regions influenced by Persianate culture. In modern use it can function as either a given name or a surname.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
In Persian poetry and naming, “star” names are often chosen for their auspicious, elegant feel.
Notable people named Akhtar
- Farhan Akhtar (b. 1974)
Sourced from Wikidata; linked to their Wikipedia page.