Afsal

Afsal is a masculine given name used in South Asia and among diaspora communities. It is a variant transliteration of the name Afzal, which appears in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic naming traditions. The spelling can vary regionally, with Afsal, Afzal, and Afzaal among the common forms.

Etymology and meaning: The root word افْضَل (afdal/afzal) means “best,” “superior,” or “most excellent.” As a given name, Afsal is typically interpreted to convey merit, virtue, or high regard.

Usage and distribution: Afsal is found among Muslim communities in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the broader South Asian region, as well as in Gulf states and other parts of the world through diaspora communities. The name is used across languages such as Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and Bengali, often reflecting Arabic or Persian linguistic influence.

Variations and related names: Variants include Afzal and Afzaal, with spelling differences arising from transliteration into different languages and scripts. The name is sometimes adopted as a surname in addition to its use as a given name in some families.

See also: Afzal, a related given name with the same linguistic roots.