Mahfuz

Mahfuz is a given name of Arabic origin, primarily used in Muslim populations. The name derives from the Arabic root ح ف غ (ḥ-f-ḡ), which conveys the sense of being protected, safe, or preserved. In a theological or legal context, the word has historically been associated with safeguarding or guarding rights and obligations.

The name is especially common in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa where Arabic and Persian languages have influenced naming traditions. In Bangladesh and India, it is frequently spelled Mahfuz or Mahfouz, and it may also appear in Persian-influenced cultures as Mahfouze. The spelling can vary because of transliteration practices; nevertheless, the pronunciation generally approximates "mah-foo-z" or "mah-fous."

Mahfuz is typically used as a masculine given name. In some families it functions as a middle name and can also appear as a surname in certain cultures. While the name itself does not indicate a specific profession or social status, it often carries connotations of trustworthiness and responsibility, reflecting its protective meaning.

Notable individuals bearing the name include Mahfuz Anam, a Bangladeshi journalist and founder of the newspaper "The Daily Star," and Mahfuz M. Shah, a prominent scholar in South Asian studies. In fictional works, the name appears in several novels set in the Gulf region, where characters named Mahfuz are portrayed as key political figures.

The name Mahfuz is linked to broader cultural practices in naming that emphasize moral and spiritual attributes. Families may choose the name to symbolize a wish for the child to be inwardly safeguarded and ethically guided. Its enduring presence in diverse communities demonstrates how Arabic linguistic heritage continues to shape personal naming across the Muslim world.