Khal first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Khal has been for the last 3 years (from 2018 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Khal

An Arabic masculine name meaning "friend" or "eternal".

Popularity of Khal by gender

Based on the last 3 years of data, Khal is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Khal.

Year Male Count Female Count
2020 5 0
2018 9 0

The history of the first name Khal

The name Khal has its origins in the Arabic language and is derived from the word "khalil," which means "friend" or "beloved." It is believed to have emerged during the early Islamic period, around the 7th century CE, when Arabic culture and language were rapidly spreading across the Middle East and North Africa.

The name's connection to the Arabic word "khalil" suggests that it may have been initially used as a term of endearment or a descriptor for someone who was highly regarded and valued as a close friend or companion. As the name gained popularity, it likely transitioned into a formal given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Khal can be found in the writings of the famous Arab philosopher and polymath, Al-Kindi, who lived in the 9th century CE. He mentions a person named Khal ibn Yazid, who was a prominent scholar and historian during that era.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Khal. One such individual was Khal Mirza, a Persian prince and governor who lived in the 16th century and played a significant role in the Safavid dynasty's military campaigns.

Another noteworthy figure was Khal Paja, a renowned military leader and governor in Bengal during the 17th century. He is remembered for his valor and leadership in defending the region against invading Mughal forces.

In the 18th century, Khal Khan was a prominent military commander and statesman in the Durrani Empire, which ruled over present-day Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan and Iran. He is credited with consolidating the empire's power and expanding its territories through successful military campaigns.

Moving to the 20th century, Khal Nayar was an Indian filmmaker and screenwriter who made significant contributions to the Hindi film industry. He was born in 1917 and is best known for his critically acclaimed films such as "Deedar" and "Bandini."

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Khal throughout history, spanning various cultures, regions, and eras. While the name's origins can be traced back to the Arabic language, it has been adopted and used across different communities, reflecting its enduring appeal and the cultural exchange that has taken place over centuries.

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 Khal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Khal first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 20, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/khal-meaning-and-history/.

"Khal first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/khal-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 20 May, 2025

Khal first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/khal-meaning-and-history/.

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