Pakistani names reflect the country’s Islamic traditions, cultural diversity, and historical influences. Names like Ahmed (highly praised) and Ayesha (living, well) carry spiritual and cultural meanings. These names honor Pakistan’s linguistic richness and deep connection to its faith.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulzareen | Gulzareen: Pakistani name meaning "like a garden," feminine and unique. | Pakistani | Girl | |
| Hadi | Hadi: Unisex Arabic name meaning "guide" or "leader," culturally significant. | Pakistani | Unisex | |
| Hasin | Hasin: Arabic name meaning "handsome," unisex, associated with kindness. | Pakistani | Unisex | |
| Hayaat | Hayaat: Arabic unisex name meaning "life," cherished in Muslim cultures. | Pakistani | Unisex | |
| Iklaq | Iklaq: Pakistani male name meaning "honor" or "dignity," unique choice. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Ikramullah | Ikramullah means "honored by God," significant in Pakistani culture. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Inayatullah | Inayatullah means "gift of God," cherished in South Asian cultures. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Iqbal | Iqbal means "prosperous" in Arabic; it originates from Islamic culture. | Arabic, Indian, Pakistani, Persian, Urdu | Boy | |
| Jahandara | Jahandara: Pakistani name meaning "adorned world," elegant and unique. | Pakistani | Girl | |
| Jamshad | Jamshad: a unique, masculine name meaning "brave" in Pakistan. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Javeel | Javeel: Unique Arabic name meaning "beautiful," unisex, culturally rich. | Arabic, Indian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani | Unisex | |
| Jehangir | Jehangir means "world conqueror," associated with Mughal Emperor Jahangir. | Indian, Pakistani, Persian | Boy | |
| Joyia | Joyia: A charming Pakistani name meaning "joy" or "happiness." | Pakistani | Girl | |
| Kabir | Kabir: a powerful name with rich cultural and spiritual significance. | Pakistani | Unisex | |
| Kaleem | Kaleem means "speaker" in Arabic, reflecting communication's cultural significance. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Khawer | Khawer: Pakistani name meaning "dignified," traditionally significant for boys. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Khursheeda | Khursheeda: a unique, radiant name of Pakistani origin for females. | Pakistani | Girl | |
| Khurshidkhan | Khurshidkhan means "shining king," originating from Pakistan, culturally significant. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Kokab | Kokab: Unisex Arabic name meaning "star," symbolizing guidance and hope. | Pakistani | Unisex | |
| Kumal | Kumal: Pakistani name meaning "perfect," gaining popularity among diverse communities. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Labaan | Labaan: Hebrew name meaning "white," symbolizing purity and strength. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Laique | Laique: Pakistani name meaning "secular," primarily used for males. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Lakki | Lakki: Pakistani name meaning "brave," unique, and culturally significant choice. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Latif | Latif: Arabic name meaning "kind," popular among Muslim families. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Liaqat | Liaqat means "ability" in Arabic; popular Muslim name for boys. | Pakistani | Unisex | |
| Mahvish | Mahvish: a beautiful, moon-like name gaining popularity among girls. | Pakistani | Girl | |
| Majeeda | Majeeda: Arabic name meaning "glorious," symbolizing strength, honor, and nobility. | Arabic, Egyptian, Muslim, Pakistani | Girl | |
| Makhdoom | Makhdoom means "master," a respected title in Muslim communities. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Makhdum | Makhdum means "master" in Arabic; a respected title for leaders. | Pakistani | Boy | |
| Malieha | Malieha: a charming, elegant Pakistani name gaining global recognition. | Pakistani | Girl |
The name 'Pakistani' originates from the word 'Pakistan', which means 'Land of the Pure' in Urdu and Persian. It was coined in 1933 by Choudhry Rahmat Ali, a Pakistan Movement activist, as a name for a separate Muslim homeland in South Asia. The suffix '-istani' is a Persian language denoting a nationality or a connection to a place.
The suffix '-istani' in 'Pakistani' is derived from the Persian language, meaning 'of' or 'pertaining to a place'. It is commonly used in the names of ethnic groups and nationalities in the region. This suffix, when combined with 'Pak' (pure), refers to someone from the land of purity, i.e., Pakistan.
'Pakistani' is primarily a national identifier, referring to a person from the country of Pakistan. It encompasses people of various ethnic backgrounds living within the nation's borders. The term does not refer to a single ethnicity but rather to the citizenship and national identity of an individual.
The word 'Pak' in 'Pakistani' comes from the Urdu and Persian word for 'pure'. It was intended to represent the Islamic ideal of purity for the nation. 'Pak' forms the basis of the country's name, Pakistan, and consequently its demonym, Pakistani.
The term 'Pakistani' was first used after the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. It became the official term for the citizens of the newly formed country. Prior to independence, the people of the region were typically referred to by their regional ethnic identities.
'Pakistani' refers to the people of Pakistan and not to a language. The official language of Pakistan is Urdu, and there are several regional languages spoken throughout the country. The term 'Pakistani' encompasses all citizens of Pakistan, regardless of the language they speak.
Yes, 'Pakistani' can be used to refer to both a single individual and multiple people from Pakistan. In English, the same form is used for both singular and plural nouns in this context. For example, one can say "a Pakistani" for one person or "many Pakistanis" for a group.
The name 'Pakistani' is not attributed to a single historical figure but is derived from the name of the country, Pakistan, itself. Choudhry Rahmat Ali is credited with creating the name 'Pakistan', which led to the use of 'Pakistani' for its citizens. The term became common after the country's establishment in 1947.
The name 'Pakistani' does not have alternative meanings; it specifically refers to individuals from the country of Pakistan. It is a straightforward demonym based on the country's name, which has its roots in the Urdu and Persian words for 'pure'. The term is solely used to denote nationality and not ethnicity or language.
Within Pakistan, the name 'Pakistani' is a unifying term that represents the national identity of the country's diverse population. It transcends the various ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds of the people. The term is a source of national pride and is associated with citizenship and belonging to the nation-state of Pakistan.