The name Tahir is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "tahir," which means "pure" or "virtuous." It is believed to have originated in the Middle East region during the early centuries of Islam.

The name Tahir can be traced back to the 7th century AD, when it was first used by Arab tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. As Islam spread across the region, the name gained popularity and was adopted by Muslims in various parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Tahir is found in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. The name is mentioned in the context of describing the virtuous qualities of a believer, emphasizing the importance of purity and righteousness.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Tahir. One of the most prominent was Tahir ibn Husayn, a Persian military leader who founded the Tahirid dynasty in Khorasan (present-day Iran and Afghanistan) in the 9th century AD. He played a significant role in the expansion of the Abbasid Caliphate and the spread of Islamic culture in the region.

Another famous bearer of the name was Tahir al-Nuri, an Iraqi scholar and poet who lived during the 10th century AD. He was renowned for his contributions to Arabic literature and his poetic works, which explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition.

In the 12th century, Tahir al-Silafi was a prominent Sufi mystic and philosopher from present-day Iran. His teachings and writings on Islamic mysticism and spirituality had a lasting impact on the development of Sufism in the region.

During the medieval period, the name Tahir was also associated with several rulers and military leaders, such as Tahir ibn Ziyad, a governor of Khurasan in the 8th century AD, and Tahir ibn Muhammad, a ruler of the Samanid dynasty in the 10th century AD.

In more recent times, notable figures with the name Tahir include Tahir Hussain, a Pakistani politician and former governor of Sindh province, and Tahir Shah, a British writer and traveler known for his books on spiritual journeys and cultural explorations.