Mahir
A boy's name of Arabic origin with 1,528 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
a male given name
Mahir is a boy's baby name of Arabic origin meaning 'skilled' or 'expert,' from the Arabic mahara (to be proficient). It is used across Arab-speaking, Turkish, and South Asian Muslim communities as a name that honors competence and mastery — a parent's wish that their son will excel at whatever he pursues.
Mahir is simple, strong, and completely unpretentious — it means what it says. Two syllables, clear meaning, no ambiguity. A name that sets out an expectation and trusts the child to meet it.
EtymologyShow more
Mahir is cataloged under the Arabic naming tradition. Arabic names frequently carry layered meanings tied to virtue, beauty, or devotion — a naming tradition where the meaning of a name is considered deeply important.
In the U.S., Mahir has been recorded as a boy's name since 1977, with 1,528 total births. Browse the Arabic names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Mahir climbed 1775 spots in the last 20 years — from #3260 to #1485.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 553 | #1569 | — |
| 2010s | 593 | #2358 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 274 | #3784 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 80 | #5570 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 18 | #6617 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 10 | #6563 | — |
The Story of Mahir
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Mahir is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Mahir are most likely born between 2014 and 2024.
How rare is Mahir?
Only about 1 in every 29,508 babies born in 2024 was named Mahir — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1977, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 593 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Mahir by the numbers
- Would fill 32 school buses
- Meeting one Mahir per day would take 4.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(37 years, 1977–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 122 | #1485 |
| 2023 | 114 | #1543 |
| 2022 | 117 | #1537 |
| 2021 | 101 | #1651 |
| 2020 | 99 | #1628 |
| 2019 | 79 | #1894 |
| 2018 | 86 | #1787 |
| 2017 | 74 | #1950 |
| 2016 | 66 | #2126 |
| 2015 | 57 | #2317 |
| 2014 | 54 | #2390 |
| 2013 | 56 | #2295 |
| 2012 | 45 | #2702 |
| 2011 | 35 | #3217 |
| 2010 | 41 | #2904 |
| 2009 | 27 | #3885 |
| 2008 | 32 | #3468 |
| 2007 | 35 | #3221 |
| 2006 | 43 | #2725 |
| 2005 | 38 | #2828 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mahir a boy's or girl's name?
When was Mahir most popular?
How popular is the name Mahir?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1977–2024