Qadir

Meaning & origin

Qadir is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the root q-d-r, meaning 'to have power' or 'to be able.' As one of the 99 names of Allah, it carries deep religious significance in Islam, designating God as the All-Powerful. While the name has been common in Muslim cultures for centuries as part of compound names like Abdul Qadir (servant of the Powerful), its use as a standalone given name in the United States began only in the early 1980s. According to Social Security data, Qadir first appeared on the records in 1982 and has seen a gradual upward trend in usage, particularly since 1989 when it began a slow but consistent rise in popularity. The name reached its highest rank so far in 2023, reflecting growing interest among American parents seeking meaningful names with spiritual resonance. In 2025, Qadir ranked 5,045th, with approximately 1 in every 89,899 newborn boys receiving the name. While its numbers remain modest, the trajectory shows steady growth, especially as Muslim-American communities continue to embrace names from their heritage. No single U.S. state stands out as a particular stronghold for Qadir, suggesting it is chosen by families across the country who value its clear sound and profound meaning.

Qadir is the Arabic word for 'capable' or 'powerful,' and it is one of the 99 names of Allah (al-Qadir) in Islam, signifying divine omnipotence. The name has been used throughout the Muslim world for centuries, though in many regions it appears more often as a surname or part of compound names like Abdul Qadir. In the United States, Qadir has been recorded as a masculine given name since the early 1980s, reflecting the growing diversity of naming traditions among American Muslim families.