Mokhtar

Mokhtar is a male given name of Arabic origin. It derives from the Arabic root kh-t-r, meaning “to choose,” with the passive participle muḵtār meaning “chosen” or “selected.” In transliteration, the name appears in several spellings, including Mokhtar, Mukhtar, Makhtar, and Mokhhtar, among others.

The name is widely used across the Arab world and North Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and parts of the Middle East. It is common among both Arab and Berber communities and has spread through Muslim communities and diasporas worldwide. It is typically used as a male given name and is less often found as a surname.

Variants and related forms include Mukhtar (the most common spelling in many regions), Makhtar, and Mokhtar, with diacritic variations in some languages. The name carries positive connotations linked to choice, leadership, or being selected.

Notable people with the name include Mokhtar Belmokhtar, an Algerian Islamist militant leader. The name is also found among various figures in politics, sports, and culture across Arabic-speaking regions, reflecting its long-standing presence in naming traditions across North Africa and the broader Muslim world.