Ishtiaq

“he who is worthy”
Arabic origin · Boy name
♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls
#1702US 2023
10Births / yr
→Stable
Top 1.3%Percentile

What does Ishtiaq mean and where does it come from?

Ishtiaq is derived from the Arabic root 'ishtiqaq', meaning to be worthy or deserving.

Cultural significance
The name is commonly used in South Asian Muslim communities, reflecting cultural and religious significance.
Peak popularity
Reached #1702 in 2015 — currently #1702 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Ishtiaq?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Ishtiaq?

Ishtiaq works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ishtiaq Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Ishtiaq John
One syllable · timeless choice
Ishtiaq Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Ishtiaq Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Ishtiaq Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Ishtiaq Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Ishtiaq
Browse ideas →

How popular is Ishtiaq right now?

Holding steady — currently #1702 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2019–2023#1702 · Top 1.3%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#170210stable
2022#170210stable
2021#170210stable
2020#170210stable
2019#170210—
💎Ishtiaq is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Ishtiaq?

Common
Ish

Famous people named Ishtiaq

IA
Ishtiaq Ahmed
A prominent Pakistani author and political scientist.
IH
Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi
A noted Pakistani historian and author.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
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Common questions about the name Ishtiaq

What does the name Ishtiaq mean?
Ishtiaq means "he who is worthy" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ishtiaq?
Ishtiaq is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ishtiaq?
Ishtiaq originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Ishtiaq a common or rare name?
Ishtiaq is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Ishtiaq more of a girl or boy name?
Ishtiaq is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.