Mahbob

Mahbob is a masculine given name of Persian and Arabic origin. It is a variant transliteration of a name commonly written as Mahbub, Mehboob, Mehbob, or Mahboob in languages that use Arabic script or its derivatives. The root comes from the Arabic habb, meaning love or beloved; mahbub literally means “beloved” or “dear one.” As a given name, Mahbob conveys affection and esteem and is used across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and among diaspora communities in Central Asia and the Middle East.

Usage and distribution: The name is most common in South and Central Asian Muslim communities. It is typically used for males, though transliteration can affect perceived gender in different contexts. Spelling variations reflect linguistic and orthographic differences rather than distinct meanings.

Variants: Variant spellings include Mahbub, Mehboob, Mehbob, and Mahboob. The form Mahbob itself appears in Afghan and Iranian naming practices as a local variant.

Notable people: There are public figures who bear the name Mahbob or its variants, including individuals in politics, scholarship, and the arts across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and related regions. As with many names of Arabic origin, bearers have diverse backgrounds and professions.

See also: Related given names with the same root, such as Mahbub, Mehboob, and Mehbob, which share the meaning of “beloved.”