Habib is an Arabic name meaning "beloved" or "dear friend," derived from the root word habba which means "to love." It holds great religious importance among Muslims, as Prophet Muhammad was known as Habibullah. Historically, notable figures like Tunisia's first president Habib Bourguiba and literary references such as Jorge Luis Borges' short story "El evangelio según Habib" contribute to its cultural significance. Today, Habib remains popular among Arabic-speaking communities and has gained global popularity due to its endearing meaning.