Maahir
A boy's name of Arabic origin with 240 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Maahir peaked during the Gen Alpha era, when 25 babies received this name in a single year (2023). That era was defined by creative, boundary-pushing naming, and Maahir remains in active use today — a name that has outlasted its original moment.
In the most recent SSA release, Maahir ranks #4263 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Maahir is a boy's baby name of Arabic origin meaning 'skilled, expert, proficient' — from the Arabic root mahara (to be skilled or proficient at something). The name carries a clear aspiration: the hope that a child will develop mastery, competence, and expertise in whatever they pursue.
Maahir is used across South Asian and Arabic-speaking Muslim communities, where names that express desired qualities and virtues have a long tradition. The double-a spelling reflects the elongated vowel of the original Arabic pronunciation, and the name's direct, meaningful message — skill, mastery, excellence — gives it an appealing clarity.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Maahir belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Arabic naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Arabic names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Maahir’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Maahir has 17+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2005.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 105 | — |
| 2010s | 116 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 19 | — |
The Story of Maahir
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2023, Maahir is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Maahir are most likely born between 2013 and 2024.
How rare is Maahir?
Only about 1 in every 144,000 babies born in 2024 was named Maahir — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2005, peaked in the 2010s with 116 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Maahir by the numbers
- Would fill 5 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(17 years, 2005–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 25 | #4263 |
| 2023 | 25 | #4291 |
| 2022 | 22 | #4639 |
| 2021 | 19 | #5042 |
| 2020 | 14 | #6167 |
| 2019 | 16 | #5704 |
| 2018 | 14 | #6203 |
| 2017 | 24 | #4292 |
| 2016 | 13 | #6570 |
| 2015 | 15 | #5894 |
| 2014 | 9 | #8542 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10319 |
| 2011 | 8 | #9292 |
| 2010 | 10 | #7932 |
| 2007 | 5 | #13624 |
| 2006 | 8 | #9256 |
| 2005 | 6 | #10960 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maahir a boy's or girl's name?
When was Maahir most popular?
How popular is the name Maahir?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2005–2024