Mahmoud

Mahmoud is a male given name of Arabic origin. It derives from the root ḥ-m-d, associated with praise and commendation, and is commonly understood to mean “praiseworthy” or “one who is praised.” The name is widely used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities worldwide. Spelling variants include Mahmood, Mahmoud, Mahmud, and Mahmut; transliterations differ by language, with Mehmed and Mehmut used in Turkish contexts, while Mahmood and Mahmoud are common in Persian and Urdu-speaking communities.

Geographic and cultural usage: It is a popular given name in the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and among the diaspora. In many Arabic-speaking countries it is used as a stand-alone given name; it can also appear in compound personal names or as part of patronymic naming patterns.

Notable people: Mahmoud Abbas, born 1935, Palestinian political leader who has served as President of the Palestinian Authority since 2005. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, born 1956, Iranian politician who served as President of Iran from 2005 to 2013. Mahmoud Darwish, 1941–2008, Palestinian poet and a central figure in modern Arabic literature.