Find out how popular the first name Sahib has been for the last 39 years (from 1985 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Sahib by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Sahib is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 94% of people named Sahib being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 25 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Sahib.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 8 baby girls were named Sahib in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Sahib

The name Sahib originates from the Arabic language and is derived from the word "sahib," which means "friend" or "companion." Its roots can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the early days of Islam.

The name gained prominence in the Islamic world, particularly in regions where Arabic was the predominant language or where Islamic culture had a significant influence. It was often used as a title of respect, particularly when addressing someone of high social standing or authority.

In the Indian subcontinent, the word "sahib" was adopted during the Mughal Empire, which ruled from the 16th to the 19th century. It was used as a term of respect for individuals of high status, such as nobles, officials, or Europeans during the British colonial period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Sahib can be found in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. The word "sahib" is mentioned several times in various contexts, often referring to companions or associates.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Sahib or variations of it. One such individual was Sahib ibn Abbad, an Arab poet and writer who lived during the 10th century CE and was known for his contributions to Arabic literature.

Another notable figure was Sahib al-Suma, a prominent Muslim scholar and theologian from the 9th century CE. He was renowned for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and played a significant role in the development of Sunni Islamic thought.

In the Indian subcontinent, one of the most famous individuals with the name Sahib was Sahib Divan, a renowned 17th-century Punjabi poet and mystic. His works, which were written in the Punjabi language, explored themes of spirituality and devotion.

During the Ottoman Empire, Sahib I Giray was a prominent Crimean Khan who ruled from 1532 to 1551. He played a crucial role in the expansion and consolidation of the Crimean Khanate's power in the region.

In more recent times, Sahib Shihab was an influential Iraqi poet and writer of the 20th century. He was known for his contributions to modern Arabic literature and his socio-political commentary through his works.

While these are just a few examples, the name Sahib has been carried by individuals from various walks of life throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence and significance across different 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 Sahib was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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