Jan (Arabic name)

Jan (Persian: جان‎‎) or Jaan (pronounced like John) is a Persian word originally meaning 'life' and 'soul', also used as a name with extended meanings 'beloved one' or 'dear'. In Farsi, it's often added to the end of a given name as a means of conveying affection, for example Ahmad Jan (dear Ahmad). It is also added to the end of the words for aunt or uncle, for example "Amoo jan" (Dear uncle). It is also often used as part of the names referring to grandmothers or grandfathers, such as Khanoom jan and Agha jan (Dear lady and Dear sir), as the first names of grandparents are never used as a sign of respect. Whenever "Jan" is used in Farsi, it implies a certain degree of closeness, familiarity, and affection. However, "Jan" is never added to the end of a surname (family name). Sometimes, "jan" is also used as a sign or exasperation, in the same way as "My dear lady" or "My dear sir" can be used in English. Being of Iranian origin, it is often used as a proper name in Azerbaijan, Turkey, Urdu-speaking India, Pakistan as well as in Afghanistan, Central Asia and other areas influenced by Iranian and Persian culture. It can also be used as a part of a name, for example Janbakhsh (he who grants life). As a name, "Jan" may refer to:

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