Harun

♂ Boy

Pronounced hah-ROON /hɑːˈruːn/High

Meaning: Exalted; enlightened; from Arabic Harun (the Arabic form of Aaron, from Hebrew Aharon: possibly 'exalted,' 'high mountain,' or 'enlightened')High

In 30 seconds: The Arabic form of Aaron meaning 'exalted' or 'enlightened.' Harun al-Rashid — the legendary Abbasid Caliph of One Thousand and One Nights fame — is the name's most famous historical bearer.

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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew

MeaningExalted; enlightened; from Arabic Harun (the Arabic form of Aaron, from Hebrew Aharon: possibly 'exalted,' 'high mountain,' or 'enlightened')

U.S. rank (2025)#2729 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births47 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,029

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

Harun is the Arabic form of Aaron (Hebrew Aharon), whose etymology is debated — possible meanings include 'exalted,' 'high mountain,' 'enlightened,' or 'messenger.' Harun al-Rashid (763–809 CE), the Abbasid Caliph, made the name legendary in Islamic history.

Harun is used across Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities globally. In the United States it ranked #2341 for boys in 2024, reflecting use in Arab American, Pakistani American, and broader Muslim communities.

Did you know? Harun al-Rashid (763–809 CE) ruled the Islamic Golden Age at its height — Baghdad under his reign was the world's largest city and foremost center of learning, science, and culture. He appears as a character in One Thousand and One Nights, often disguising himself to walk among his people.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Harun — Arabic/Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AaronHaroonHaron

Nicknames

Har

Famous Bearers

★Harun al-Rashid (763–809)
Fifth Abbasid caliph whose reign marked the height of the Islamic Golden Age; Baghdad flourished as a center of scholarship and he features in One Thousand and One Nights.

If you like Harun…

Haroon— the double-o spelling of the same Arabic name

Aaron— the English/Hebrew form of the same name

Ibrahim— Arabic form of Abraham, widely used in the same Muslim communities

Kareem— Arabic name with the same two-syllable dignified Islamic character

Khalid— Arabic name meaning eternal in the same Islamic naming tradition

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Harun mean?

Harun means 'exalted' or 'enlightened,' the Arabic form of Aaron (Hebrew Aharon). Harun al-Rashid is its most famous historical bearer.

How do you pronounce Harun?

It's said hah-ROON /hɑːˈruːn/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Harun a boy or girl name?

Harun is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Harun?

Harun ranked #2341 for U.S. boys in 2024.