173 Pashto Baby Names With Cultural Significance

From A to Z, there is a unique name for every letter in the Afghani language.

Written by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and content creation from NIELIT Imphal and presented papers at various national and international conferences.

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Last Updated on Nov 12, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

The Pashtuns, also known as Pathans, form a significant ethnic group in Pakistan and Afghanistan (1). Most Pashto baby names are derived from Turkish, Arabic, and Persian names, which have roots in Islamic names. Generally, children are given two or three names at birth. Often they have compound names, meaning they are formed after combining two or more elements. One example is Mohammad Nabi, where both Mohammad and Nabi equate to a single name. Mohammad, the name of the prophet of Islam, is commonly picked as the first given name. This practice is typically followed for naming males. Pashto girls also have at most two given names. The female names mostly end in -ai or -a. Upon marriage, women take the family name of their husband. The use of family names is prominent among Pashto-speaking families. The family names of the Pashtos are derived from the tribe or region they live in. The surnames derived from tribes usually end in -i or -ai. Many Pashto names also draw inspiration from ancient legends, religious texts, and historical luminaries. These names often honor prophets, companions, and righteous souls, resonating with the faith and spirituality of the Pashto-speaking community. So whether you prefer traditional names or get drawn to modern variations of classics, Pashto baby names offer abundant choices to suit your preferences. This compilation features names inspired by nature's beauty - from blooming flowers to majestic mountains that grace the Pashtun lands. Some names signify strength and courage, reflecting the bravery of the Pashtun people. Additionally, you will discover names that symbolize love, kindness, and the pure wonders of parenthood. This compilation aims to be helpful and inspiring in your quest for the perfect name for your little one. So scroll down and check our exhaustive list of names that will carry the grace of Pashto history, culture, and traditions.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Muhammad	Boy	Praiseworthy; Praised one; Praise; Commendable
Yusuf	Boy	God increases; He will add
Mohammad	Boy	Praised; Commendable
Ahmed	Boy	Highly praised; Most commendable
Ahmad	Boy	Much praised; Most commendable
Ahmir	Boy	Commander; Prince; Immortal; Boss; Leader; Crown; A sheaf of grain, barley, wheat
Wali	Unisex	Protector; Helper; Friend
Rahim	Boy	Kind; Merciful; Compassionate
Qais	Boy	Lover; Firm; Measurement
Zakhi	Unisex	Smart and strong

Sharif	Boy	Honest; Noble; Distinguished; Noble; Honorable
Ashraf	Boy	Honorable; Nobler; Noble; Kind; Excellent
Khan	Boy	King; Prince; Military chief; Ruler
Mateen	Boy	Sturdy; Firm; Solid
Rahman	Boy	Gracious; Merciful; Lord
Zala	Girl	Rose; Shininess
Khair	Boy	Good; Best; Wealth and prosperity
Akbar	Boy	The greatest
Jabar	Boy	Powerful
Alija	Boy	Lofty; Sublime; To be high

Baz	Boy	Falcon
Koko	Girl	Blue; Cute; Sky of love
Nasib	Boy	Noble; Destiny; Fate; Share; One's share in life
Asadullah	Boy	Allah's lion; Lion of God
Juma	Boy	Friday-born; Week
Mahamadou	Boy	A praiseworthy and admirable individual
Atal	Boy	Hero; Leader; Guide; Delicate; Tender; To grow; To foster
Abdulkhaliq	Boy	Servant of the creator
Mahmood	Boy	A man who is worth the praise; Commendable; Worthy of reverence
Khyber	Unisex	Fort; Palace; Famous pass

Zohal	Girl	Remote; To be distant; To linger away from others; Moon; Planet Saturn
Raahim	Boy	One who is compassionate; Kind
Riyaz	Boy	Meadows; Gardens; Training; Practice
Malala	Girl	One who is grieving; Sad one
Aashna	Girl	Familiar; Friend
Gabina	Girl	Honey; A person from Gavi in Alessandria province Piedmont
Palwasha	Girl	Ray of light; Heroic light
Farzana	Girl	Intelligent; Wise
Uzuri	Girl	Beauty
Ibrahim	Boy	Father of many

Aimal	Boy	Friend
Ano	Boy	Favor; Grace; Anise; Asked for; Second; Asia; Love; Design;
Babar	Boy	Tiger; Yellow-black striped cat
Babur	Boy	Tiger; Yellow-black striped cat
Ghazala	Girl	Gazelle
Ghulam	Boy	Servant; Slave; Boy; Youth
Gul	Girl	Flower; Rose
Gulalai	Girl	Beautiful
Gzifa	Girl	The peaceful one; Calm and patient
Habibullah	Boy	Friend of Allah

Khaan	Boy	Ruler, He who is the king
Mirwais	Boy	Noble ruler
Tirich	Boy	A shadow or darkness; A valley from Mulkow
Andam	Boy	Something that lasts forever or eternity
Angar	Boy	Ember; A piece of glowing coal or burning wood in a dying fire
Awalmir	Boy	A person capable of being a prime chief or leader
Azmaray	Boy	Pashto version of Zmaray; Lion
Babrak	Boy	Pashto word for the little basilica flower
Badam	Boy	Almond
Bahramand	Boy	A person who brings happiness wherever he goes; Fortunate and thriving

Bahrawar	Boy	One having a victorious club. And the name of a celebrated Iranian general.
Balay	Boy	Cornice or a hanging mass of hardened snow at the edge of a mountain or cliff
Barlas	Boy	The one born with a strong, powerful and authoritative nature
Batoor	Boy	One who is brave; Courageous; Valiant and fearless
Bazgar	Boy	Peasant
Beroj	Boy	Name of a gemstone found in Kunar; Aquamarine
Dagar	Boy	Open space; Battlefield
Darab	Boy	Admiral or the senior most commander of a navy or fleet
Darwesh	Boy	Mystics
Daryab	Boy	River

Droon	Boy	One with a respectable personality; Heavy; Literary
Faridun	Boy	One who is three times strong
Gahez	Boy	Morning
Gedi	Boy	A bunch of beautiful flowers
Ghakhtalay	Boy	One who is strong and powerful
Ghamay	Boy	Name of a precious stone in Pashto
Gharsanay	Boy	One belonging to the mountains
Ghatool	Boy	Tulip flower
Ghilji	Boy	Son of a mountain; The name of the largest Pashtun confederacy
Ghorzang	Boy	Long strides or panther's strides

Gogal	Boy	One with high vocal cords
Jandol	Boy	Name of place in Pashtun Khwa
Karwan	Boy	Caravan; A vehicle equipped for living in
Khaghalay	Boy	Honorable or noteworthy
Khak	Boy	Pashto term used to denote humility
Khalo	Boy	Black beauty marks
Khialay	Boy	One who is smart, wise, and intelligent
Lajbar	Boy	A precious stone
Lmar	Boy	Sun
Malang	Boy	Mystic; Saint; Someone who is extremely passionate about something

Malyar	Boy	An occupational term for gardener
Minatbar	Boy	A boy who is grateful and appreciative
Nangial	Boy	Honorable person
Noomyalay	Boy	The one destined to be famous
Nufail	Boy	Gracious or gracious to the Almighty
Olasyar	Boy	People's friend; One with a friendly disposition
Pasoon	Boy	A person who is upright and always stands to defend
Patman	Boy	Honorable man
Paywastun	Boy	Connection or someone who connects on a deeper level
Perzo	Boy	A person who wishes well for everyone; Deserving

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Pashto baby names intertwine with the region's cultural fabric, mirroring the values and beliefs of the Pashtun people and their historical and religious heritage. Even amidst the changing global landscape, these names retain their cultural significance, which is crucial for preserving the rich heritage and identity of the Pashtun community. As Pashto culture thrives, these remarkable names will continue to captivate and endure. So check our comprehensive list of baby names and pick a moniker that resonates with your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you suggest some Pashto baby names that are easy to pronounce and spell?

Some Pashto baby names that are easy to pronounce and spell include Ara, meaning ‘unique,’ Atal, meaning 'leader,’ Boba, meaning ‘genuine,’ and Dewa, meaning ‘light.’

2. What are some traditional Pashto baby names and their cultural significance?

Some traditional Pashto baby names, along with their cultural significance, include Bacha, which was the nickname of a famous Pashtun Leader and can be translated to mean ‘king’ and Ghazni, meaning ‘treasure’ and is the Pashto interpretation of the Persian word ganj.

Infographic: Traditional Pashto Names For Your Little Munchkin

Pashto names are derived from the centuries-old heritage and traditions of the Pashtun people, representing their timeless virtues. These names have a distinctive charm, often signifying the traits of beauty, strength, and bravery. Here is an infographic that compiles some of the best Pashto names to consider when naming your baby.

pashto names for your little munchkin (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

World Directory of Minorities.
https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2014/02/19/Pashtuns.pdf

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.