Find out how popular the first name Mehtab has been for the last 19 years (from 2006 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mehtab by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Mehtab is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 91% of people named Mehtab being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 31 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Mehtab.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Mehtab in 2024, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Mehtab

Mehtab is a name that originates from the Persian language, which is spoken primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia. The name dates back to the medieval period, when Persian culture and literature were flourishing.

The word "Mehtab" is derived from the combination of two Persian words: "mah" meaning moon, and "tab" meaning radiance or shine. Therefore, the name "Mehtab" translates to "moonlight" or "radiance of the moon." It is a poetic and romantic name, reflecting the beauty and serenity of the moon's glow.

In Persian literature, the moon and its radiance have been a recurring motif, symbolizing love, beauty, and mysticism. The name Mehtab is often associated with these symbolic meanings, making it a popular choice for poets and writers throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mehtab can be found in the works of the renowned Persian poet, Hafez (1315-1390 AD). He frequently used the word "Mehtab" in his poems to describe the beauty of his beloved or the enchanting night sky.

Another notable figure with the name Mehtab was Mehtab Banu Begum (1590-1604 AD), a Mughal princess and the daughter of Emperor Akbar the Great. She was renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and her involvement in the cultural and intellectual life of the Mughal court.

In the 17th century, Mehtab Khan (1617-1668 AD) was a prominent military commander and noble in the Mughal Empire, serving under emperors Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. He played a significant role in the Mughal campaigns and was known for his bravery and leadership skills.

During the 18th century, Mehtab Rai (1718-1772 AD) was a renowned painter from the Mughal era. He was a master of the Mughal miniature painting tradition and is renowned for his intricate and vibrant depictions of court life, portraits, and scenes from Persian literature.

In more recent times, Mehtab Haji (1902-1984) was a celebrated Indian classical singer and musician from the Patiala Gharana. She was known for her exceptional vocal range and her renditions of Khyal, Thumri, and other classical forms of Hindustani music.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Mehtab, a name deeply rooted in Persian culture and literature, evoking the beauty and radiance of the moon.

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

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

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