Shakir

Shakir is a masculine given name of Arabic origin and is also used as a surname in various Muslim communities. The name derives from the Arabic root sh-k-r, which expresses gratitude and thankfulness. As such, Shakir is typically understood to mean “one who is grateful” or “thankful.”

In Arabic, the masculine form is shākir (شَاكِر) and the feminine form is shākirah (شَاكِرَة). The feminine form Shakira is used in some contexts and has been popularized internationally, notably by the singer Shakira.

Transliteration varies by region; common variants include Shakir, Shaker, Shaakir, and Şakir in Turkish contexts. The name is widely used across the Arab world, as well as in South Asia (India, Pakistan) and among diaspora communities in Europe and North America.

As a surname, Shakir occurs in parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, often reflecting an ancestral given name. It may appear in historical records, contemporary databases, and genealogical contexts.

Shakir is part of a broader tradition of Arabic and Muslim names that express gratitude or virtue. It is encountered in literature, religious and cultural contexts, and contemporary naming practices, reflecting the value placed on gratitude in many Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities.