Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Afghan baby names have their special meaning because they're connected to a rich culture. Afghanistan is called the ‘Heart of Asia’ and sits between Central and South Asia. It has a mix of history, different kinds of people, and traditions. All of this comes together to create Afghan baby names with profound meanings. These names aren't just labels. They hold tradition, history, and identity. Before we get into the list of Afghan names for boys and girls, let's talk about how Afghans name their children. The first name of an Afghan is a compound or double name such as Ahmad Khan, Ahmed Navid, or Bashir Bijan. These names could have an Arabic or Islamic component or a regional connotation. The last name refers to their profession, tribal affiliation, place of birth, or honorific titles. This may even result in people within the same family having different surnames. However, the world is changing, and Afghan names are too. In Afghan, surnames are more prevalent in educated and urban families, especially in those families that have been in contact with the Western world. Besides, there isn’t any standard orthography in Afghanistan. People write names as they are pronounced in their dialects. Hence, the same name can be pronounced and written differently in various parts of Afghanistan. Boys often have names from Arabic, and girls usually have names from the local Pashto or Persian. We've gathered a big collection of Afghan baby names and what they mean. Our goal is to help you find a name that's not just ordinary but special. Look through our collection, and you'll find names that show Afghan culture, history, and values. So, take this journey with us and pick a wonderful name for your son or daughter – a choice that's connected to Afghanistan and is close to your heart.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Kaamnoosh |  |  Girl | Sweet wish or, sweet desire |
| Kaasheen | | Girl | A place north of Ilam in Iran |
| Kardaar | |  Boy | Controller or supervisor |
| Kashm | | Girl | A historical and mythical Persian princess |
| Khan Zada | | Boy | A very big man |
| Khudeeja | | Girl | A girl who is born before she is due; Early baby; Premature baby. |
| Khush Bakht | | Girl | Prosperity; Fortunate; Good luck. |
| Kinaaz | | Girl | Pride of the king; A princess who makes her father proud |
| Kushaaneh | | Girl | A girl who strives |
| Larmina | | Girl | Blue sky |
| Lodhi | | Boy | Name of an Afghan tribe |
| Mahvash | | Girl | One who is moon-like |
| Mahwash moon | | Girl | Mysterious like the moon |
| Maiwand | | Boy | Afghan place name; A famous place near Qandhar |
| Malalai | |  Unisex | Brave, inspiring, warrior |
| Marlize | | Girl | Strong, determined, compassionate |
| Mateen | | Boy | A well-mannered person |
| Mehrang | | Boy | Color of the sun |
| Mehrbano | | Girl | Princess of the water |
| Mehrvash | | Girl | Like the sun |
| Mirwais | | Boy | A king like leader; Grandfather |
| Mohammadi | | Unisex | The Red Cow; Holy Cow for sacrifice |
| Mohib | | Boy | beloved, affectionate |
| Moinkhan | | Boy | A person who is very affectionate and loving |
| Mojdeh | | Girl | Good news or one who brings good news |
| Morsal | | Girl | A flower found in the Afghan region |
| Moska | | Girl | The smile or the expression of happiness |
| Mukhtar | | Boy | The chosen one |
| Mursalin | | Boy | Messengers, or message-bearers |
| Musa | | Boy | Drawn out of the water; Savior |
| Nageenah | | Girl | Precious stone |
| Naghma | | Girl | Melody or song |
| Nahal | | Girl | Young plant |
| Naseefa | | Boy | Speech spoken in secret |
| Nawaskhan | | Boy | A generous ruler; One who gives |
| Nazy | | Girl | A cute or appealing lady |
| Nouman | | Boy | Flower beds |
| NoushAfrin | | Girl | The creator of joy |
| Noushineh | | Girl | A musical tone of old Persian music |
| Painda | | Boy | A wise and intelligent man |
| Paksima | | Girl | One with an innocent face |
| Parigul | | Girl | Angel of flowers |
| Pariwish | | Girl | Fairy-faced or angelic beauty |
| Parwaiz | | Boy | Commendable; Success; Victory; Triumphant |
| Pazir | | Boy | One who is good in the eyes of everyone |
| Permaz | | Girl | Waiting; Wait |
| Perveen | | Girl | The Pleiades or cluster of stars |
| Poya | | Boy | The one who is constantly searching for something |
| Qammar | | Boy | Moon, lunar, or lunar month |
| Ramineh | | Girl | A woman of a quiet and peaceful personality |
| Rayi | | Boy | Amazing |
| Sador | | Unisex | Faithful one; Helper |
| Safiullah | | Unisex | Purity of God |
| Samaneh | | Girl | An Arabic name for the bird quail |
| Samiullah | | Boy | Elevated or exalted by Allah |
| Shabahang | | Girl | The morning star; A nightingale |
| Shabana | | Girl | Belonging to night |
| Shadleen | | Girl | Happy and soft hearted woman |
| Shagufta | | Girl | Affection; Fresh |
| Shahernaz | | Girl | The town's loved one; Favorite one |
| Shaherzad | | Girl | City-born; Daughter of the city |
| Shahmeer | | Boy | One who is very handsome |
| Shahou | | Boy | Variant of Shahu; The best and most valuable pearl |
| Shahpar | | Boy | The longest feather in a bird |
| Shahpur | | Boy | Prince; Son of the king |
| Shahu | | Boy | The best and most valuable pearl |
| Shahzadi | | Girl | Princess |
| Shandana | | Girl | Marvelous |
| Shararah | | Girl | A woman who is like a burning flame |
| Sharjeela | | Girl | A spark |
| Sharlize | | Girl | Unique; Confident; Empowering |
| Shehzad | | Boy | Prince; Offspring of a king |
| Shirin Bano | | Girl | A sweet lady |
| Shokouh | | Girl | A splendid woman |
| Soban | | Boy | To return to Allah; To repent |
| Sumbul | | Girl | Frail or delicate |
| Taara | | Girl | Star; Apple of the eye |
| Tabaan | | Girl | Refulgent; Splendid; Glittering |
| Tabish | | Boy | Warmth; Brilliance |
| Tabsheer | | Boy | A person who brings good news |
| Taimur | | Boy | Iron; As strong as an iron |
| Tajj | | Boy | Authority; Crown |
| Tashfeen | | Boy | One who is kind, affectionate, and sympathetic |
| Tasneem | | Girl | A fountain of paradise |
| Veeda | | Girl | Found; Evident |
| Wamiq | | Boy | A loving and friendly woman |
| Yalqoot | | Girl | A charitable woman |
| Yamna | | Girl | On the right side; One who is always right |
| Yar | | Boy | A companion or friend |
| Yashfa | | Girl | She who intercedes on behalf of someone on judgment day |
| Yasmoon | | Girl | Another name for jasmine flower |
| Yelina | | Boy | God is gracious |
| Yesal | | Boy | The crown of flowers |
| Zaafirah | | Girl | Victorious; Successful |
| Zadfar | | Boy | Glorious birth |
| Zahab | | Girl | Gold |
| Zain ul Abideen | | Boy | Adornment of the worshipers; One who is a source of pride for the Muslims |
| Zakariya | | Boy | God has remembered |
| Zamaair | | Girl | Hearts; Consciences |
| Zarafshan | | Girl | Spreader of gold; One who spreads happiness |
Afghan baby names are like special pieces of art that showcase how Afghanistan's culture, religion, and language come together. Each name carries a strong meaning and a connection to Afghanistan's history. These names are influenced by Islamic stories, Pashto traditions, and Persian culture, creating a colorful mix that represents Afghanistan. Thus, choosing an Afghan name may help parents celebrate Afghanistan's rich culture and heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most popular Afghan name?
Some popular Afghan names include Aaban (meaning angel of iron), Aaina (meaning mirror), Afia (meaning good health and welfare), and Aliah (meaning excellent).
2. What are some considerations to keep in mind while choosing an Afghan baby name?
Some points that you should keep in mind while choosing an Afghan name for your baby girl include the meaning and symbolism of the name, the pronunciation, and the influence of Islam on the name.
3. What is the meaning of the name "Mohammad" in Afghan culture?
In Afghan culture, the name ‘Muhammad’ means ‘praiseworthy’ and is a past participle of the verb ‘hammada’, which translates to the meaning ‘to praise.’
4. What are some examples of famous personalities with Afghan baby names?
There are several famous personalities bearing Afghan names. They include Rumi (a renowned poet from the 13th century), Humayun (the second ruler of the Mughal empire), Mohammad Daoud Khan (the prime minister of Afghanistan from 1953-1963), Abdul Ahad Momand (the first and only Afghan citizen to visit outer space) are a few famous Afghan personalities.
Infographic: Awesome Afghan Baby Names
Afghan baby names have sublime meanings, from charm and wisdom to royalty and grace. Each name tells a story of its own, reflecting special and unique qualities. Find the ideal name for your little one in the infographic below. Connect with Afghan heritage and pick a name that carries lovely meanings.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
