Antar

♂ Boy

Pronounced AHN-tar /ˈɑːn.tɑːr/Low

Meaning: Antar (or Antarah) is an esteemed Arabic name carried by Antarah ibn Shaddad, a famed pre-Islamic Arabian warrior and poet whose life became the subject of a great heroic epic. The name is strongly associated with courage, chivalry, and eloquence.Low

In 30 seconds: Antar is an Arabic boy's name honoring Antarah ibn Shaddad, a celebrated pre-Islamic warrior-poet; it carries a sense of valor. It is said AHN-tar.

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Origin LowArabic

MeaningAntar (or Antarah) is an esteemed Arabic name carried by Antarah ibn Shaddad, a famed pre-Islamic Arabian warrior and poet whose life became the subject of a great heroic epic. The name is strongly associated with courage, chivalry, and eloquence.

U.S. rank (2014)#9706 ↗ Rising

2014 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1977

Total births (all-time)≈ 208

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Antar honors Antarah ibn Shaddad, a legendary sixth-century Arabian warrior-poet celebrated for both his bravery in battle and his verses of love and honor. His story became the sprawling folk epic Sirat Antar, keeping the name a byword for chivalry.

In the United States it was never common, given to only about fifteen boys a year at its peak around 1977 and used chiefly by families honoring Arabic heritage. In Arab tradition the name carries centuries of heroic and poetic weight.

Did you know? Antar recalls one of the great heroes of Arabic tradition, whose courage and poetry are still retold across the Arab world, though in the United States the name has stayed rare.

Overall data confidence 45%

References - Antar — Arabic name for Antarah ibn Shaddad (pre-Islamic warrior-poet); 'valiant'; handled respectfully.

Variations

AntaraAntarah

Nicknames

Antar

Famous Bearers

★Antarah ibn Shaddad (c. 525-608)
Pre-Islamic Arabian warrior and poet, hero of the epic Sirat Antar, celebrated for valor and eloquence.

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By themerare arabic literary heroic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Antar mean?

It is an Arabic name honoring Antarah ibn Shaddad, a famed pre-Islamic warrior-poet; it is associated with valor and chivalry.

How do you pronounce Antar?

It is commonly said AHN-tar /ˈɑːn.tɑːr/ - two syllables.

Is Antar a boy or girl name?

Antar is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Antar?

It was always rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen boys a year around its peak in the late nineteen-seventies.