Maher is a masculine given name rooted in Arabic, deriving from the triliteral root m-h-r and conveying notions of skill, expertise, and dexterity. In Modern Standard Arabic it is enunciated MAH-hair (/mɑːr/), while in English-speaking contexts it typically aligns with MAY-er (/ˈmeɪər/). United States Social Security data show that Maher has maintained a modest but steady presence since the early 1980s—its rank has fluctuated between the mid-600s and mid-900s, with 28 recorded male births and a rank of 896 in 2024. Its semantic emphasis on proficiency, combined with clear cross-linguistic adaptability, makes Maher an analytically appealing choice for parents seeking a name that bridges technical resonance and international heritage.
| Maher Zain is a Lebanese Swedish singer, songwriter and producer known for his Islamic music and internationally successful debut album Thank You Allah. |
| Maher El-Adawy is an Egyptian diplomat who served as ambassador to Malawi and Liberia. |
| Maher Hasnaoui is a Tunisian cyclist. |
| Maher Bitar is an American government official who served in the Obama and Biden administrations. |
| Maher Al-Sayed is a Syrian former football midfielder who scored 29 goals in 109 appearances for the national team. |