asghar

Asghar is a male given name of Persian and Arabic origin. In Arabic, أصغر (asghar) means “younger” or “smaller,” forming the comparative of الكبير (kabir) meaning “big.” The name is commonly used in Persian- and Urdu-speaking communities and has spread across Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and among diaspora populations.

In usage, Asghar appears as a stand-alone given name and is sometimes found in compound names such as Asghar Ali or Asgharuddin. Variations in spelling occur in different languages and transliteration systems, with forms such as Asgar or Ashgar used in some contexts.

As a personal name, Asghar is associated with several notable figures in the arts, politics, and academia. Notable individuals include Asghar Farhadi, an Iranian film director; Asghar Khan, a Pakistani air officer and politician; Asghar Ali Engineer, an Indian reformer and writer; and Asghar Qadir, a Pakistani mathematician. The name’s meaning—“younger” or “smaller”—can reflect family relationships or be chosen for its positive connotations.

Cultural usage and naming practices vary by region, but Asghar remains a widely recognized given name in parts of the Middle East and South Asia.