Arbab

Arbab is a surname and given name of Persian origin, derived from the word arḇāb or arbāb, meaning master, owner, or lord. The term entered South Asian languages through Persian influence and is used in Urdu, Dari, and Pashto as both a title of respect and a hereditary surname. Historically, arbāb denoted landowners, tribal leaders, or community authorities, a sense that persists in some rural contexts today.

As a surname, Arbab is common among Urdu- and Pashto-speaking populations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the diaspora, and is found among Persian-speaking communities as well. It is used by people across social strata and does not necessarily indicate current status or occupation.

In cultural and social terms, the name reflects a historical social hierarchy in which landholding or leadership conferred status. In modern times bearers can belong to any profession, including politics, academia, business, and public service.

Geographically, the surname and given name are most prevalent in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with communities abroad adopting the name through migration. The form Arbab is typically transliterated from Persian and Urdu alphabets, and may appear with variations such as Arbāb or Arbab.

Notable bearers of the name include politicians, scholars, and activists from the region. The name also appears in institutional and place names in South Asia, illustrating its cultural resonance beyond individual identity.