Johar

Johar is a surname and given name used in South Asia, particularly among Urdu- and Punjabi-speaking communities in India and Pakistan. The name is commonly associated with the word "johar" (also spelled jauhar in some transliterations), which in Persian and Urdu denotes a jewel or gem, lending the name a connotation of preciousness. As a surname, Johar is found among Punjabis and Sindhis and across communities with historical ties to Persianate culture; as a given name, it is used for boys in South Asia and among the diaspora.

Notable people with the name include Yash Johar (1929–2013), an Indian film producer who founded the Dharma Productions banner, and his son Karan Johar (born 1972), a prominent Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. The Johar family has had a significant impact on modern Bollywood cinema, with Karan Johar producing and directing several high-profile films and maintaining a prominent presence in the industry.

Geographically, Johar appears in place names such as Johar Town, a large residential area in Lahore, Pakistan. In broader usage, the name is encountered across South Asia and among communities with ties to Indian and Pakistani cultural spheres. The transliteration of the name can yield variants such as Johar, Jauhar, or Jaahar, reflecting differences in script and pronunciation across languages.

In summary, Johar functioning as both a surname and given name is rooted in South Asian linguistic and cultural traditions, with notable associations in Indian cinema and recognizable presence in regional geography. The spelling may vary by language and transliteration, but the name remains widely recognized in South Asia and among the diaspora.