Khalaf

Khalaf is a male given name and surname in the Arabic-speaking world. It derives from the Arabic root خ-ل-ف (kh-l-f), which is associated with succession and substitution, and the noun form can denote a "successor" or "posterity." As a given name, Khalaf is used across Arab countries; as a surname, it is common in various regions and may reflect lineage or tribal association. The name is commonly transliterated as Khalaf, Khallaf, or Khalef, among other variants, depending on dialect and the choice of transliteration system.

Notable bearers include Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor (born 1946), a prominent Emirati businessman and founder of the Al Habtoor Group. Beyond this individual, the name is carried by politicians, scholars, and professionals in different countries, illustrating its broad usage in the Arab world.

In cultural contexts it can appear in compound forms, such as Khalaf al-Din or Al-Khalaf, and may be used alongside patronymics or family names. The name's presence across Arabic-speaking regions also reflects historical naming practices that link individuals to their ancestral line and social affiliation.