Mumtaz

Mumtaz is a female given name of Persian origin that is widely used in Iran, the Indian subcontinent, and among Muslim communities. The name derives from the Persian term mumtaz, meaning distinguished, excellent, or chosen, and it is commonly used in Urdu and Hindi. In many contexts it is given to convey esteem or favor and may appear on its own or as part of longer names.

The most famous bearer of the name in historical memory is Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Born Arjumand Banu Begum in 1593, she was given the title Mumtaz Mahal, meaning “exalted one of the palace” or “pride of the palace.” She died in 1631 during the birth of her 14th child. Shah Jahan subsequently commissioned the Taj Mahal in Agra as a mausoleum for her, a monument that hasCome to symbolize enduring love and Mughal architectural achievement.

Beyond its historical association, Mumtaz remains a common given name in South Asia and among diaspora communities. It is used independently or as part of longer names and may appear with slight transliteration variations in various languages and scripts. The name carries cultural associations with nobility, distinction, and elegance in traditional contexts.