Rising since 1985, #2,516 for boys today.
Popularity of Tahir since 1972
Babies named Tahir per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 120 |
| 1980s | 130 |
| 1990s | 338 |
| 2000s | 511 |
| 2010s | 442 |
| 2020s | 435 |
Meaning & origin
Tahir is a name of Arabic origin meaning 'pure' or 'virtuous.' While it first appeared in U.S. records in 1972, its usage remained modest for many years. However, the name has been on a steady upward trajectory since 1985, reflecting broader interest in Arabic names. Its peak year so far is 2023, and in the most recent year (2025), Tahir ranked 2,516 nationally with about 1 in 32,228 newborn boys receiving the name. Geographically, Tahir sees notable popularity in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. The name's simplicity and deep positive meaning make it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with religious and cultural resonance.
Tahir is a direct transcription of the Arabic masculine name طَاهِر (Ṭāhir), derived from the root ṭ-h-r (ط-ه-ر) meaning "to be pure, clean, or free from impurity." The feminine form is Tahira. The name has long been common across the Muslim world, used both as a given name and an epithet. It appears in Islamic tradition as a descriptive attribute, and its spiritual resonance of moral and ritual purity has sustained its popularity for centuries.
Where Tahir is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Tahir” around the world
Where Tahir lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tahi, T
Variants: Taher, Taaher, Tohir
Sibling names for Tahir
Names that share Tahir's style, for a brother or sister.
