Find out how popular the first name Anwar has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Anwar by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Anwar is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Anwar being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 38 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Anwar.

The history of the first name Anwar

The name Anwar traces its origins to the Arabic language and culture. Derived from the Arabic word "anwār," meaning "lights" or "radiance," it is a name that carries connotations of brightness and illumination. The name's roots can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the rise of Islam and the spread of Arabic-speaking cultures across the Middle East and North Africa.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Anwar can be found in the Quran, the central religious text of Islam. The word "anwār" appears several times in the Quran, often in reference to the divine light or guidance. This association with light and spiritual enlightenment likely contributed to the name's popularity among Muslim communities.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Anwar. One of the earliest was Anwar ibn al-Walid (634-704 CE), a renowned Arab general and military commander who played a crucial role in the early Muslim conquests. Another prominent bearer of the name was Anwar al-Sadat (1918-1981), the former President of Egypt who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978 for his efforts in establishing peace between Egypt and Israel.

In the realm of literature, Anwar Masood (1923-2005) was a celebrated Urdu poet and writer from Pakistan. His works explored themes of love, spirituality, and social commentary, earning him widespread acclaim. Anwar Shamim (1931-2017), an Indian writer and journalist, was known for his contributions to Urdu literature and his efforts in promoting secularism and religious harmony.

The name Anwar has also been associated with notable figures in the field of science and technology. Anwar Ali (1910-1992) was a Pakistani physicist and academic who made significant contributions to the study of cosmic rays and particle physics. Anwar El Sadat (1949-2009), an Egyptian scientist and engineer, played a vital role in the development of Egypt's space program and the launch of its first satellite.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have carried the name Anwar. While the name's origins can be traced back to the Arabic language and Islamic culture, its meaning and significance have transcended boundaries, making it a name that resonates across various cultures and regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Anwar was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Anwar, please contact us.

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