Zakir

Zakir is a male given name of Arabic origin used in Muslim communities across the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond. It derives from the Arabic root dh-k-r, related to remembrance or mentioning, and is commonly interpreted as “one who remembers” or “reminder.” In Urdu, Hindi, Persian, and other languages, Zakir is frequently transliterated as Zakir, Zaki, or Zakir, and it may also appear as a surname in some cases.

The name is associated with the concept of dhikr, the remembrance of God in Islamic and Sufi practice, though in everyday use it functions primarily as a personal name rather than a religious title. Its widespread use reflects broader Arabic-derived naming patterns that spread with Islam and regional language traditions.

Notable people named Zakir include Zakir Hussain, the Indian master tabla player known for his virtuosity and collaborations; Zakir Naik, an Indian Islamic preacher and public speaker; and Zakir Khan, an Indian stand-up comedian and writer. The name appears across various fields and countries, illustrating its broad geographic and cultural reach.