Yar first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Yar has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Yar

A Persian masculine name meaning "friend" or "companion".

Popularity of Yar by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Yar is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yar.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 5
2021 0 9
2020 0 9
2019 0 9
2018 0 11
2016 0 5
2014 0 5
2011 0 5
2010 0 6
2007 0 8

The history of the first name Yar

The given name Yar has its origins in the Persian language and culture. It is derived from the Persian word "yār," which means "friend" or "companion." This name has been in use for centuries in various regions of the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia, where Persian culture has had a significant influence.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Yar can be found in the epic poetry of the 10th century Persian poet Ferdowsi. His famous work, the Shahnameh, includes characters with the name Yar, indicating its use during the late ancient and early medieval period in Persia.

In the 13th century, the renowned Persian poet Rumi used the term "Yar" in his mystical poetry to refer to the divine beloved or the spiritual companion on the path to enlightenment. This usage added a mystical and spiritual dimension to the name's meaning.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Yar. One prominent example is Yar Mohammad Khan (1776-1838), the founder of the Barakzai dynasty and the ruler of Afghanistan from 1823 to 1838. Another historical figure is Yar Bhukhsh (1888-1942), an Indian politician and freedom fighter who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.

In the realm of literature, Yar Mohammad Khattak (1933-2014) was a renowned Pashto poet and writer from Pakistan, known for his contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Pashto language and culture.

Additionally, Yar Khan (1919-2005) was a celebrated Pakistani actor and comedian who entertained audiences for several decades with his comedic performances in both films and television.

The name Yar has also been used in various Islamic contexts. For instance, Yar Ali Khan (1858-1950) was a prominent Muslim scholar and reformer from India who worked towards promoting modern education and social reforms within the Muslim community.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Yar, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and diverse usages across different regions and contexts.

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

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

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"Yar first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/yar-meaning-and-history/.

"Yar first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/yar-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 July, 2025

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

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