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Haider

♂ Boy

Pronounced AY-dar /ˈħaj.dar/Medium

Meaning: Lion, warriorMedium

In 30 seconds: Haider is an Urdu boy's name meaning 'lion' or 'warrior', a title with strong heroic weight.
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Origin MediumUrdu, Arabic
MeaningLion, warrior
U.S. rank (2024)#2137 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births69 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,005

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419852024

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

History & Origin

The name means lion and stands for courage and strength, and it is well known as an epithet of Ali, a revered figure in Islamic history. That association gives it deep significance in Muslim families, especially across South Asia and the Middle East. It carries the bearing of a fighter and a protector rather than a soft or decorative name.

The many spellings, including Haidar, Hyder, and Heydar, reflect how the name moves between Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and Azerbaijani. One historical bearer is Hyder Ali, the eighteenth-century ruler of Mysore in southern India, whose name is also written Haider.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Haider is 'lion, warrior', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name - Haider — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

HyderHaidarHayderHeydərHeydar

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Hyder Ali (c. 1720–1782)
    Sultan and de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India (name also spelled Haider).

If you like Haider…

Asad— Another Arabic-origin boy's name that also means lion.

Frequently Asked

What does the name Haider mean?

Haider is usually explained as meaning 'lion, warrior' and is most often linked with Urdu tradition.

How do you pronounce Haider?

It's commonly said AY-dar /ˈħaj.dar/.

Is Haider a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Haider is used as a boy name.

How popular is Haider?

In 2024, Haider ranked #2137 in the U.S. for boys, with 69 births recorded.