Rising since 2007, #2,718 for boys today.
Popularity of Maher since 1963
Babies named Maher per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 12 |
| 1970s | 88 |
| 1980s | 148 |
| 1990s | 202 |
| 2000s | 181 |
| 2010s | 314 |
| 2020s | 211 |
Meaning & origin
Maher entered U.S. records in 1963 and has seen a gradual increase in use, particularly since 2007. Its rank in 2025 was 2718, with a 1-in-36,342 usage rate among newborn boys. The name reached its peak popularity that same year, suggesting growing interest. Illinois, the top state for Maher, reflects a concentration likely tied to Arab-American communities. As a variant of the Arabic name Mahir, Maher carries connotations of skill and expertise, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with cultural resonance.
Maher derives from the Arabic root m-h-r, conveying skill, dexterity, or proficiency. The name Mahir (ماهر) is the more common form, used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities. Maher, a variant spelling, appears in diaspora communities, especially in North America and Europe.
Where Maher is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Maher” around the world
Where Maher lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
85
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mah, Mahr
Sibling names for Maher
Names that share Maher's style, for a brother or sister.
