amir

Amir is a title of Arabic origin used in the Muslim world to designate a leader, commander, or prince. Historically, it was granted to rulers of emirates, governors of provinces, and high-ranking military officials within caliphates, sultanates, and other Islamic states. The term has also become a widely used given name and surname across many cultures.

Etymology and spellings: The word comes from the Arabic ʿamīr (أمير), from the root ʿamr meaning to command. In transliteration, it appears as emir, amir, or ameer; Turkish and some Persian contexts often render it as emír. As a title, it may be used alone or in compounds such as emirat/e or emirate.

Usage as a title: In historical contexts, an emir could rule a realm or command the army; in modern times the title survives in several states, designating a monarch or governor of an emirate (for example, the Emirs of Kuwait and Qatar). The formal honorific Amīr al-Mu'minīn, meaning Commander of the Faithful, has been used by caliphs to indicate supreme authority.

As a name: Amir is a common masculine given name in Arabic-speaking countries, Iran, South Asia, and diaspora communities. It carries connotations of leadership or nobility and has multiple spellings, including Ameer, Amír, and Amer. It is also found as a surname in various cultures.