Girl name · Persian
Mahtab
“moonlight”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Mahtab.
Explore Mahtab further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Mahtab — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Mahtab is Persian mah (moon) plus tab (shine, radiance) — the light the moon throws rather than the moon itself. Mah is one of the most productive elements in Persian naming, giving Mahsa, Mahnaz, Mahin and a dozen more.
It is ordinary in Iran and Afghanistan and used among Persian-speaking families abroad. It has never appeared in US rankings, and both syllables are straightforward for English speakers.
Mah works as a short form and is a name by itself. Two syllables want two or three (Mahtab Roya, Mahtab Yasmin). On our vibe map it is Celestial with Soft & Dreamy diffusion.
More Persian names
Mahtab sits in our Persian set — these share its roots.
All Persian names →Mahtab — common questions
Is Mahtab a boy or girl name?
Mahtab is traditionally a girl name of Persian origin.
What does the name Mahtab mean?
Mahtab means “moonlight” of Persian origin. Mahtab is Persian mah (moon) plus tab (shine, radiance) — the light the moon throws rather than the moon itself. Mah is one of the most productive elements in Persian naming, giving Mahsa, Mahnaz, Mahin and a dozen more.
Where does the name Mahtab come from?
Mahtab is Persian in origin. It is ordinary in Iran and Afghanistan and used among Persian-speaking families abroad. It has never appeared in US rankings, and both syllables are straightforward for English speakers.
What are common nicknames for Mahtab?
Mah and Tabi — the short-forms parents most often use for Mahtab.
How popular is Mahtab?
Mahtab did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Mahtab you might want for the nursery.