Khan is a name of Turkic origin, meaning "ruler" or "leader". It has been used throughout history by various rulers and figures in Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia.
The name Khan first appeared among the Mongols, where it was used as a title for the leader of a tribe. The most famous bearer of this title was Genghis Khan, who unified the Mongol tribes and established the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. Since then, the title has been passed down through generations of Mongol rulers.
In other parts of Asia, the name Khan has also been used as a title or name for various leaders and figures. For example, Babur, the first Mughal emperor, was originally known as Zahir-ud-din Muhammad but is commonly referred to as Babur Khan. Similarly, the current President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, uses the title "Dr. Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi" instead of his full name, Dr. Arif Alvi Khan.
In recent times, the name Khan has gained popularity in the Western world due to its use by celebrities such as Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed Indian-born British novelist, and Aamir Khan, the popular Bollywood actor. However, it is important to note that while Khan may have Turkic origins, it has been adopted and used by various cultures throughout history.
In conclusion, Khan is a name with a rich historical background, originating from Central Asia and denoting leadership or rulership. While it has traditionally been used as a title or surname, it has also become popular as a given name in recent years. Its meaning makes it a strong and powerful-sounding name that continues to be chosen by parents around the world.
The name Khan experienced a significant increase in popularity over the decades, with a steady rise from the late 1960s to a peak in recent years. The total number of births named Khan reached 419 by the end of 2023.