"moonlight, moonshine"
Origin: Persian
Language: Persian/Farsi
Mehtab
Does Mehtab flow with your last name?
A poetic Persian name meaning moonlight
Iranian
Pakistani
Indian Muslim
Afghan
Earthy
Elegant
Spiritual
Unique
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"moonshine, lunar glow"
Origin: Persian
Language: Urdu
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The Story of Mehtab
Mehtab (also spelled Mahtab) comes from the Persian words 'mah' (moon) and 'tab' (shine, light, glow), creating the poetic compound 'moonlight' or 'moonshine.' Persian poetry has celebrated the moon as one of its most beloved images for over a millennium — the moon represents beauty, mystery, and the beloved in classical Persian and Urdu literature. Rumi, Hafez, and countless other poets invoked the moon's light as the divine face of the beloved.
Mehtab has been used in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and among Indian Muslim communities for centuries. The name maintains steady use in Persian-speaking regions and is particularly beloved in Afghanistan and among diaspora communities in Europe and North America.
In Persian and Urdu poetry, 'mahtab' is a classical word for moonlight that appears in ghazals and romantic poetry. The moon holds special significance in Islamic tradition as well — the lunar calendar governs Islamic holidays, and the crescent moon is a symbol of Islam itself.
Historical Record
Mehtab first appeared in US Social Security records in 2006.
Over 276 babies have been named Mehtab in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mehtab is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,646 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mahtab/Mehtab appears in thousands of classical Persian poems as a symbol of beauty and divine light
- The moon (mah) is one of the most frequent metaphors in Persian poetry, second only to the rose
- Mehtab Gul is a popular name in Afghanistan, where it means both moonlight and a type of flowering plant
Mehtab in Other Languages
Urdu
مہتاب
Hindi
महताब
Arabic
مهتاب
Pashto
مهتاب
Persian/Farsi
مهتاب
Popularity Over Time
#3,646
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mehtab
M
Mahtab Norsworthy
Athlete
1986
Iranian-American fitness athlete and entrepreneur known for promoting healthy lifestyles
M
Mehtab Hussain
Artist
1964
British-Pakistani artist known for his figurative paintings exploring South Asian identity and heritage
M
Mehtab Khan Fictional
Other
A classic figure in Urdu romantic fiction, representing the moonlit hero of the subcontinent's literary tradition
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Compare Mehtab with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,646
- Total SSA Count
- 31
- Cultural Origins
- Iranian Pakistani Indian Muslim Afghan
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Mehti
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, sophisticated style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, spiritual style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, earthy style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, sophisticated style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mehtab
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Mehtab is also used as a girl name, ranked #41264.
View Mehtab as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mehtab
What does the name Mehtab mean?
"moonlight, moonshine" (from Persian). "moonshine, lunar glow" (from Persian). Mehtab (also spelled Mahtab) comes from the Persian words 'mah' (moon) and 'tab' (shine, light, glow), creating the poetic compound 'moonlight' or 'moonshine.' Persian poetry has celebrated the moon as one of its most beloved images for over a millennium — the moon represents beauty, mystery, and the beloved in classical Persian and Urdu literature. Rumi, Hafez, and countless other poets invoked the moon's light as the divine face of the beloved.
What is the origin of the name Mehtab?
Mehtab has Persian, Iranian, Pakistani, Indian Muslim, and Afghan origins. In Persian, it means "moonlight, moonshine". In Persian, it means "moonshine, lunar glow".
Is Mehtab a boy or girl name?
Mehtab is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3646. As a girl name, it is ranked #41264. Mehtab is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Mehtab?
Mehtab is currently ranked #3646 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mehtab?
Common nicknames for Mehtab include Mehti.
What are good middle names for Mehtab?
Popular middle name pairings include Mehtab Ali, Mehtab Hassan, Mehtab Ahmed, Mehtab Reza, Mehtab Karim, Mehtab Javed, and Mehtab Faisal.
What are good sibling names for Mehtab?
Names that pair well with Mehtab as siblings include Arman, Farzad, Amin, Cyrus, Laleh, Shirin, Roya, and Nasreen.
How many syllables does Mehtab have?
Mehtab has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mehtab a common or rare name?
Mehtab is an uncommon name, ranked #3646 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Mehtab
Mehtab is a boy name with Iranian, Pakistani, Indian Muslim, and Afghan origins . The name means "moonlight, moonshine" in Persian .
Is Mehtab a boy or girl name? Mehtab is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,646 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #41,264. Mehtab is more commonly used as a boy name.
Mehtab is currently ranked #3,646 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mehtab has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mehtab include Mehti. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis