Last names serve as a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of a region, and Pakistani surnames are no exception. Situated in South Asia, Pakistan is the fifth-most populous nation globally, with over 212.2 million residents, including one of the largest Muslim populations. Pakistani surnames can be divided into three primary categories: those adhering to Arab naming conventions, tribal names, and ancestral names. The diversity of these names reflects the country’s ethnic variety, spoken languages, and geographic distinctions, often tracing back to Persian, Turkish, or Arabic roots.
Pakistani surnames frequently incorporate prefixes or suffixes that convey extra information about a family. For instance, the prefix “Haji-” indicates that an individual has completed the pilgrimage to Mecca, while “Mir-” denotes royal lineage. Similarly, “Syed-” refers to descendants of the Prophet Muhammad. Suffixes like “-dad” imply “given by,” and “-bakhsh” translates to “granted by.” To delve deeper, here’s a collection of popular Pakistani surnames, along with their meanings and origins.
If you are interested in Pakistani names, you are likely fascinated by the rich tapestry of Pakistani culture as well. It is a vibrant blend of Indian, Persian, Afghan, Central Asian, South Asian, and Western Asian influences, with over 70 languages in active use. The people take immense pride in their craftsmanship, as seen in their stunning Arabic calligraphy found in various art forms. Sports hold a prominent place in Pakistani society, with cricket being particularly celebrated alongside hockey, squash, and badminton. Polo is also enjoyed in certain regions. Should you have the chance to attend a Pakistani wedding, count yourself fortunate! These celebrations can span from three to six days, filled with delicious food, music, and endless dancing.
Notable Pakistani Last Names
- Aamir (عامر) – Meaning: Replete, full; Origin: Urdu
- Abdul (عبدال) – Meaning: Servant of; Origin: Arabic
- Achakzai (اڅکزی) – Meaning: Son of Achak; Origin: Pashto
- Adil (عادل) – Meaning: Just; Origin: Arabic, Urdu
- Advani (आडवाणी) – Meaning: Descendant of Adu; Origin: Indian, Sindhi
- Agarwal (اگروال) – Meaning: From the town of Agroha in Haryana, India; Origin: Hindi/Punjabi
- Akhtar (اختر) – Meaning: Star; Origin: Persian
- Alakozai (الکوزۍ) – Meaning: Son of Alako; Origin: Pashto
- Alam (علم, عالم) – Meaning: World, universe; Origin: Arabic, Bengali, Urdu, Persian
- Arora (अरोड़ा) – Meaning: From ancient city of Aror, now in Sindh, Pakistan; Origin: Indian, Hindi, Punjabi
- Ashiq (عاشق) – Meaning: Lover, admirer; Origin: Punjabi, Urdu
- Azmat (عظمت) – Meaning: Majesty, glory; Origin: Urdu
- Bai (बाई) – Meaning: Lady; Origin: Indian, Hindi
- Baig (بیگ) – Meaning: Chief, lord; Origin: Indian, Turkish
- Bajwa (باجوا) – Meaning: Great hawk; Origin: Persian
- Bakshi (بخشی) – Meaning: Paymaster, scribe; Origin: Indian, Bengali, Punjabi
- Bansal (वंश) – Meaning: Lineage, clan; Origin: Indian, Sanskrit
- Begum (بیگم) – Meaning: Lady, madam; Origin: Indian, Persian
- Bhagat (भगत) – Meaning: Worshipper, devotee; Origin: Indian, Hindi
- Bhasin (भसीन) – Meaning: Ray of light; Origin: Indian, Hindi
- Bux (بخش) – Meaning: Fortune; Origin: Urdu, Persian, Sindhi
- Chand, Chanda (چند, چندا) – Meaning: Moon; Origin: Indian, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu
- Chauhan (चौहान) – Meaning: Hero; Origin: Indian, Hindi
- Danyal (دانیال) – Meaning: Known intellectual; Origin: Arabic, Persian, Urdu
- Dass (दास) – Meaning: To dare; Origin: Indian, Punjabi, Hindi
- Daud (داؤد) – Meaning: Dear friend; Origin: Arabic, Urdu
- Dawlatzai (دولتزئ) – Meaning: Son of Dawlat; Origin: Afghanistan and western Pakistan
- Dawood (داؤد) – Meaning: Dear; Origin: Arabic, Urdu
- Dayal (दयालु) – Meaning: Kind, merciful; Origin: Indian, Hindi
- Devi (देवी) – Meaning: Goddess; Origin: Indian, Hindi
- Dhawan (धाव्) – Meaning: Runner; Origin: Indian, Punjabi
- Gandhi (गांधी) – Meaning: Perfume seller; Origin: Sanskrit
- Gul (گُل) – Meaning: Flower; Origin: Pakistani, Pashto
- Haq (حق) – Meaning: Real, true; Origin: Arabic
- Imam (امام) – Meaning: Leader; Origin: Arabic
- Jafri (جفري) – Meaning: Yellow flower; Origin: Persian, Arabic
- Jha (झा) – Meaning: Teacher; Origin: Sanskrit
- Junejo (جونیجو) – Meaning: Sons of Juno; Origin: Pakistani, Sindhi
- Kakar (کاکڑ) – Meaning: Name of a Pashtun tribe; Origin: Pashto
- Kamaliazad (کمالیہ زاد) – Meaning: Perfection of the free; Origin: Pakistani, Persian
- Kapoor (कपूर) – Meaning: Camphor; Origin: Indian, Hindi
- Kazimi (کاظمی) – Meaning: Descendant of Imam Musa al-Kadhim; Origin: Iran, Iraq, Pakistan
- Khalil (خليل) – Meaning: Friend; Origin: Arabic
- Khalsa (خالصة) – Meaning: To be pure; Origin: Indian (Sikh), Persian
- Khan (خان) – Meaning: Chief, ruler; Origin: Turkish
- Khokhar (خوخار) – Meaning: Agricultural community; Origin: India
- Kumari (कुमारी) – Meaning: Young girl, daughter; Origin: Indian, Hindi
- Mahajan (महाजन) – Meaning: Great number of people; Origin: Sanskrit
- Malek (مالک) – Meaning: People from Punjab; Origin: India, Pakistan
- Musharaff (مشرف) – Meaning: Elevated, honored; Origin: Arabic
- Niazi (نیازی) – Meaning: Desire, wish; Origin: Persian
For those seeking additional insights, you may find helpful information in this resource on family-building options.
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In summary, Pakistani surnames reflect the rich cultural heritage of the country, showcasing influences from various languages and historical contexts. Each name carries its own unique significance, offering a glimpse into the diverse identities found within Pakistan.