The name Khan, of Persian and Arabic origin, is derived from the word 'khān', which means 'ruler' or 'chief'. It was originally a title given to a powerful or influential figure. In Islamic history, it became a surname for descendants of the Mongol rulers who converted to Islam. Today, Khan is prevalent among Muslim communities worldwide.
The name Khan experienced a significant increase in popularity over the decades, with a steady rise from the late 1960s to a peak in recent years. The total number of births named Khan reached 419 by the end of 2023.