Qamar (Arabic: قمر) is an Arabic unisex name meaning "moon". It is also used as a surname, particularly in Pakistan. The name symbolizes beauty, light, and tranquility, evoking the celestial body that has inspired poetry and art across the Islamic world.EtymologyThe name derives directly from the Arabic noun قَمَر (qamar), which is thought to be related to the Semitic root Q-M-R connoting "whiteness" or "brightness." The moon holds a central place in Islamic culture, marking the lunar calendar and serving as a symbol in Islamic art and architecture.Usage and DistributionIn the United States, according to the 2010 Census, Qamar is the 34,149th most common surname, with 665 bearers, overwhelmingly (86%) of Asian/Pacific Islander ethnicity. As a given name, it is used across Arabic-speaking and Urdu-speaking communities, and its variant forms, such as the Comorian Kamaria, also mean "moon."Notable BearersShamshad Qamar – Indian-born British cricketer who played internationally.Saleha Qala-i Qamar – Afghan politician and women's rights activist.Cultural SignificanceIn Arabic and Urdu poetry, the beloved is often compared to the moon, making Qamar a classic romantic name. The moon also appears in Quranic symbolism as a marker of time and a sign of God's creation (Quran 10:5).Key FactsMeaning: MoonOrigin: ArabicType: Unisex given name; also surnameUsage regions: Middle East, South Asia (especially Pakistan), East Africa (Comoros)