Khatoon
Khatoon is a Muslim girl name meaning “Lady, noblewoman”.
| Meaning | Lady, noblewoman |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Turkic, via Persian |
| Arabic spelling | خاتون |
| Pronunciation | khaa-TOON |
| Muslim name? | Used by Muslims |
Meaning and origin of Khatoon
Khatoon began as a title rather than a personal name. In the Turkic and Mongol courts of Central Asia, khatun was the word for a queen, a khan's consort or a noblewoman, and the title carried real rank. As it passed into Persian and then Urdu and Bengali, its meaning softened into a respectful 'lady', so that today it conveys dignity and good standing rather than royalty. Translations of 'lady', 'noblewoman' and 'woman of rank' are all fair; the difference is only in how much of the old courtly sense they keep.
The title spread through the Seljuk, Mongol and later Turkic-Persian dynasties, in which royal women were routinely known by it. In South Asia it settled into women's names as a kind of honorific suffix, much like Begum, so many women carry it after their given name, as in Fatima Khatoon or Rahima Khatun. In Bangladesh the spelling Khatun is usual, in Turkey the word survives as Hatun, and Iran uses Khatoun. It is pronounced kha-TOON, with the 'kh' sound of the Scottish 'loch', and written خاتون in Persian and Urdu script.
Is Khatoon a Muslim name?
Yes, it is used by Muslims. Khatoon is a Turkic title meaning 'lady' rather than an Arabic name, but it has long been part of Muslim women's names in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Iran.
Where is the name Khatoon used?
Very common as a second name or title for women in South Asia and Iran.
Gifts with the name Khatoon
- Khatoon name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Khatoon baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Khatoon
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More girl names like Khatoon
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Khatoon mean?
Khatoon means 'Lady, noblewoman'. It comes from Turkic, via Persian.
Is Khatoon a Muslim name?
Yes, it is used by Muslims. Khatoon is a Turkic title meaning 'lady' rather than an Arabic name, but it has long been part of Muslim women's names in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Iran.
How do you write Khatoon in Arabic?
Khatoon is written خاتون in Arabic script.
How do you pronounce Khatoon?
Khatoon is pronounced khaa-TOON.
Can Khatoon be used as a first name?
It is most often added after a personal name, as in Fatima Khatoon, but some families do use it on its own or as a middle name.
How do you write Khatoon in Urdu?
Khatoon is written خاتون in Urdu and Persian script.
Is Khatoon an Arabic word?
No. Khatoon comes from a Turkic title for a queen or noblewoman and reached South Asia through Persian, though it has long been part of Muslim women's names.