meher

Meher is a given name used in Persian-speaking and South Asian communities, including Iran, Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan, as well as among people with Persian or Urdu linguistic heritage. It is commonly used for both men and women, with gender distribution varying by country and cultural context. The name appears in various transliterations, such as Mehr or Mehar, depending on language and script.

Etymology and meaning are tied to the Persian word mehr, which conveys meanings such as sun, affection, friendship, and mercy. In Iranian and related naming traditions, elements associated with warmth, love, and light are common in personal names. The root is connected to ancient Indo-Iranian language traditions and the broader cultural concept of Mithra, a figure associated with covenants, light, and oaths in related traditions.

Notable usage of the name includes Meher Baba, an Indian spiritual teacher who lived from 1894 to 1969 and used Meher as part of his spiritual name. Beyond this, Meher appears as a personal name across different regions and languages, with variations in spelling and pronunciation reflecting local linguistic practices. As a given name, Meher often carries connotations of warmth, kindness, and luminous presence.