farooq

Farooq is a masculine given name and, less commonly, a surname of Arabic origin. It derives from the Arabic root farq, meaning “to distinguish, to separate.” In Islamic tradition, al-Fārūq (the Distinguisher) is an epithet associated with Umar ibn al-Khattab, recognizing his role in distinguishing truth from falsehood.

The name is widely used across the Muslim world and among diaspora communities. It appears in various transliterations, including Faruk, Farooq, and Faruq; in some contexts it is spelled Farruk or Fāruq. It is common as a first name in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) and in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. Some individuals also have Farooq as a surname, reflecting regional naming practices.

Notable people with the given name include Farooq Abdullah, Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir; Farooq Sheikh, Indian actor and television presenter; and Farooq Leghari, Pakistani politician who served as President of Pakistan in the 1990s. The name also appears in various cultural and social contexts, and it is used by a broad range of professionals across different countries.