Last Name Iftikhar

The surname Iftikhar is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "iftihar," which means honor, dignity, or prestige. This name was traditionally given to individuals who were considered to be honored or respected in their communities due to their achievements, virtues, or lineage. The name Iftikhar can also be found in South Asian countries like Pakistan and India, where it is often associated with the Muslim community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iftikhar

The meaning and origin of the last name Iftikhar

The surname Iftikhar is of Arabic origin, stemming from the Islamic world. It is derived from the Arabic word "al-iftihar," which means honor or dignity. This name was often bestowed upon individuals to symbolize their family's noble character and high social standing. In some cases, it could be a given name as well, meaning "one who deserves respect" or "noble." The surname Iftikhar can be found among individuals of Arab and South Asian descent, particularly in Pakistan, India, and other countries with significant Muslim populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iftikhar

The surname Iftikhar is predominantly found among individuals of Pakistani and Indian origin due to its Arabic etymology, which means victorious or conqueror. This name is also common in other countries with significant populations of South Asian descent, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. In Pakistan, it is most frequent in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in urban areas like Lahore and Peshawar. In India, Iftikhar is especially prevalent in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, with notable concentrations in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. While Iftikhar can be found worldwide among South Asian communities, it is less common outside these regions due to its regional origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iftikhar

The surname Iftikhar has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional pronunciation, and historical influences. Some common variations include Iftikhar, Eftikhar, Iftekhar, Efftikhar, Aftikhar, and Iftekar. These variations may occur as a result of phonetic changes or differences in the way the name has been recorded over time. Additionally, it is also spelled as Eftikharr, Iftigahr, and Iftighar in some cases, reflecting regional pronunciation differences. It is important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific cultural, linguistic, or geographical context in which the name originated.

Famous people with the last name Iftikhar

Iftikhar is a notable surname of Pakistani origin, particularly associated with individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. One of the most distinguished figures is Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, the former Chief Justice of Pakistan, who played a key role in promoting judicial independence and upholding the rule of law during his tenure. Another notable individual is Syed Aman Iftikhar, a Pakistani-American neuroscientist and Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, recognized for his research on attention and working memory. Lastly, Muhammad Ali Iftikhar, a Pakistani diplomat, served as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Sweden and Norway, and was instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. These individuals exemplify the global reach and influence of people bearing the surname Iftikhar.

Genealogical research on the last name Iftikhar

The Iftikhar surname is of Arabic origin and is derived from the name "Iftikhar," which means dignity or honor. The name has roots in the Middle East, particularly in regions such as Pakistan, India, and other Islamic countries, due to its historical association with the Muslim community. It is a relatively common name in these regions, especially among Muslims who trace their ancestry back to the Arab conquests of the 7th century.

The Iftikhar family tree can be traced back many generations, with records suggesting that the name was first used as a given name in the 10th or 11th century. The spread of the name to other parts of the world occurred during periods of Islamic expansion and migration, such as the Mughal Empire's rule in India and the British Raj. Today, the Iftikhar surname can be found globally among communities with Pakistani, Indian, and Middle Eastern heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Iftikhar"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends