Hayat

Hayat is an Arabic word and name meaning life. It has traveled into other languages, including Persian and Urdu, where families may use it within their own naming traditions. Its meaning is direct and substantial, without needing to be expanded into a promise about the length or character of a child's life.

Usage differs across communities: Hayat is often a girl's name in Arabic-speaking settings, while it is also used for boys in South Asia. The original word remains the same even when those naming customs differ. For parents, Hayat can express gratitude for a new life while preserving a recognizable language and family connection.