Haider

Haider is a given name and surname of Arabic origin, common in Urdu, Persian, and Turkish contexts. It derives from Haydar (Hyder, Haidar, Haydar), meaning lion and historically associated with courage; the form Haider is widely used in South Asia and the Middle East, and is found among Muslims as well as non-Muslims in diaspora communities.

In popular culture, Haider refers to the 2014 Hindi-language drama film Haider, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The film adapts Shakespeare's Hamlet to the Kashmir conflict, with Shahid Kapoor in the title role. It is noted for its performances, direction, and soundtrack, with Bhardwaj's music and Gulzar's lyrics.

As a personal name and surname, Haider appears across the regions where the form is used, often transliterated as Hyder, Haidar, or Haydar. The name is established in South Asia, the Middle East, and among diaspora communities, and may be found in various professional fields.