Declining since 1997, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Tarek since 1962
Babies named Tarek per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 76 |
| 1970s | 242 |
| 1980s | 383 |
| 1990s | 553 |
| 2000s | 444 |
| 2010s | 395 |
| 2020s | 185 |
Meaning & origin
Tarek is a masculine name of Arabic origin, consistently used in the United States since first appearing in records in 1962. Its popularity peaked in 1996, but it has since followed a gradual decline, dropping in rank since 1997. In 2025, it ranked 4,539th, with about 1 in 77,640 male newborns receiving the name. The name is most common in California, reflecting its stronghold among Arabic-speaking communities. The name's etymology ties it to the Arabic root for 'knocking' and the Quranic title 'the Nightcomer,' lending it a poetic and historical resonance that appeals to families seeking a name with deep cultural roots.
Tarek (also spelled Tariq) is derived from the Arabic root ṭ-r-q, meaning 'to strike' or 'to knock.' The name appears in the Quran as Al-Tariq, 'the Nightcomer,' a title for the morning star. Historically, it was borne by Tariq ibn Ziyad, the Umayyad commander who led the conquest of Visigothic Hispania in 711 CE, giving his name to Gibraltar (Jabal Tariq, 'mountain of Tariq'). It has remained a common masculine name across the Arabic-speaking world and Muslim-majority countries.
Where Tarek is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Tarek” around the world
Where Tarek lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Taz
Sibling names for Tarek
Names that share Tarek's style, for a brother or sister.
