Pakistani Last Names – Popular Pakistani Surnames

The majority of Pakistani last names are of Muslim or Islamic origin. They usually have a religious connotation and are quite popular surnames even outside of Pakistan. The most popular last name in Pakistan is Khan, and is ranked at 16th for the most popular surnames in the whole world.

Pakistani surnames are passed down from father to child, through generations. A woman will usually keep her last name even after marriage, as it is seen as important for Pakistani’s to keep to their roots.

Most Popular Pakistani Last Names With Meanings

Here we have compiled a list of the most popular last names in Pakistan, along with their meaning. Have a look and see if you recognise any.

1. Khan – Ruler, Leader (Turkish origin, the most popular last name in Pakistan.)
2. Ali – High, Lofty, Exalted
3. Hussain -Handsome, Beautiful
4. Ahmad/Ahmed – To thank God
5. Mohammad/Muhammad – Name of the Prophet Muhammed (P.B.U.H)
6. Shah – King, Emperor
7. Bakhash – Fate, Destiny
8. Iqbal – Fortunate, Blessed
9. Ullah – Of Allah/God
10. Din/Deen – Religion, Way of Life, Faith
11. Allah – God (Usually the given name precedes this to give another meaning, for example Abdullah meaning servant of God. )
12. Nawaz – Caring One
13. Mehmood/Mahmood – The Praised One. One of the Prophet Muhammed’s names.
14. Aslam – Popular Pakistani surname.
15. Gul – Rose
16. Ashraf – Noble
17. Abbas  – Lion
18. Akhtar – Star
19. Rehman – Merciful
20. Zaman – Age, Era (Usually combined with another name)
21. Rasool – Messenger
22. Hassan – Strong, Handsome
23. Uddin – Of The Way of Life (Usually used as a suffix to the first name)
24. Akbar – Greatest
25. Begum – An honorific title for a lady, a woman of high rank.
26. Akram – Most Generous
27. Sharif – Noble
28. Hayat/Hayaat – Life
29. Saleem – Safe
30. Afzal – Better, Best
31. Anwar – Luminous
32. Siddique – The Truthful
33. Haider – Big, Strong
34. Sadiq – Loyal, True
35. Daad – Giver of Life
36. Jutt – A name of a clan.
37. Alam – World, Universe
38. Ramzan – Variation of Ramadan.
39. Bibi – Respectful title for a woman.
40. Qadir – Capable
41. Imran – Prosperity, Happiness
42. Jan/Jaan – Life, Soul
43. Ramadan – The muslim holy month of fasting.
44. Riaz – Garden, Meadow
45. Rasheed – Wise
46. Arshad – Guided one
47. Khatoon – Female
48. Nabi – Referring to Prophets
49. Malik – King, Lord
50. Saeed – Lucky, Happy
51. Arif – Learned
52. Farooq – Moral One
53. Ibrahim – Name of one of the Prophets of Islam.
54. Raza – Content
55. Javed – Eternal
56. Yousaf – Prophet name
57. Mustafa – Chosen One, Appointed
58. Ur Rehman – Gracious
59. Asif – Forgiveness
60. Yar – My Love (Kurdish origin)
61. Shafi – Mediator
62. Shahzad – Son of the King
63. Sher – Lion
64. Yaqoob – Prophet
65. Sultan  -Ruler
66. Aziz – The dearest one
67. Hanif – A True Believer
68. Elahi – My God
69. Latif – Gentle, Kind

You can read more of our worldlastnames.com articles below.

1. Muslim Last Names
2. British last names
3. Cool Last Names
4. French Last Names
5. Arabic Last Names
6. Spanish Last Names
7. Polish Last Names
8. Swedish Last Names
9. Turkish Last Names
10. Vietnamese Last Names