Tarek

Tarek is a male first name with Arabic roots and is considered a variant of the name Tariq. Its meanings include 'the night visitor', 'the one who knocks (and asks for entry)', as well as literally 'the knocker'.

What does the name Tarek mean?

The name Tarek has Arabic origins and is considered a male first name. It means 'the night visitor' and 'the one who knocks (and asks for entry)'. A literal translation could also be 'the knocker' or 'the hammerer'. The term derives from the Arabic word ṭāriq (طَارِق‎), which stands for 'the one who knocks on the door' or 'night visitor', and goes back to the original verb ṭaraqa (طرق), which means 'to knock' or 'to hammer'. Furthermore, Tariq in Arabic is also associated with 'the Venus' and 'the morning star', leading to interpretations such as 'the star of penetrating brightness' and 'the bright star'. The name at-Tāriq, which refers to the morning star, is mentioned in the Quran in Surah 86. A well-known bearer of this name is Tariq ibn Ziyad, who became known in the 8th century as an Islamic commander who conquered Spain for the Umayyad Caliphate. Other variants of the name include Tarik and Tareq.

Where does the name Tarek come from?

The name Tarek has Arabic roots and means 'the night visitor'.

How do you pronounce Tarek?

The pronunciation of Tarek is clear and two-syllable. In German, it is pronounced as 'Ta-rek' [ˈtaːʁɛk]. It begins with an open, long A sound that conveys strength. The rolled or aspirated 'r' provides a distinctive middle, while the hard K ending gives the name conciseness. Tarek radiates a powerful and straightforward presence, appearing self-assured and is internationally familiar.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Tarek enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 990th on the list of the most common male first names. Its best ranking was in 2005 at 347th place. In the last ten years, Tarek has been given as a first name approximately 520 times, placing it 855th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 818th.

Nicknames & pet names

Bartek / Bohrkopf / DaDrek / Der Nubische / Klingone / Recki / Rex / Spockie / Startrek / T-Rex / Taddel / Taki / Tareko / Tari / Tarik / Taro / Tartua / Taruka / Tarusch / Terek / Torak / Tuareg / Tuarek / Turban / Tärry / Türek / Türklopfer / Türkol

Similar first names

Famous people

• Tarek Al-Wazir (politician)
• Tarek Ali Hassan (Egyptian musician)
• Tarek Amer (footballer from Egypt)
• Tarek Ammoura (Algerian football player)
• Tarek Benaissa (wrestler from Algeria)
• Tarek Berguiga (Algerian football player)
• Tarek Boukensa (Algerian)
• Tarek Boukhmis (Algerian handball player)
• Tarek Chahed (German football player)
• Tarek Dzinaj (German writer)
• Tarek Ebene (rapper (K.I.Z.))
• Tarek El Ali (football player from Lebanon)
• Tarek El Ashry (footballer from Egypt)
• Tarek El Said (Egyptian football player)
• Tarek El Taib (Libyan football player)
• Tarek El-Said (Egyptian football player)
• Tarek El-Sayed (Egyptian football player)
• Tarek Elrich (Australian football player)
• Tarek Eltayeb (writer from Egypt)
• Tarek Hamed (football player)