Rising since 1987, #2,991 for boys today.
Popularity of Munir since 1970
Babies named Munir per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 37 |
| 1980s | 85 |
| 1990s | 96 |
| 2000s | 175 |
| 2010s | 232 |
| 2020s | 220 |
Meaning & origin
Munir is a name with a clear and positive meaning in Arabic, rooted in the concept of light. The U.S. Social Security data shows that Munir's first recorded year in the database is 1970, and it has been rising in popularity since 1987, with its peak year being 2024. As of 2025, it ranked 2991, with a frequency of about 1 in 41660 births. The top states for the name include Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and California. The meaning "luminous" or "illuminating" makes it a straightforward choice for families seeking a name with a bright connotation.
Munir derives from the Arabic root n-w-r (نور), meaning "light." It is an active participle form, literally translating to "one who gives light" or "illuminating." The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities globally for centuries, often chosen for its positive connotation of brightness and clarity.
Where Munir is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Mounir, Munīr
Sibling names for Munir
Names that share Munir's style, for a brother or sister.
