Meaning & History
In Arabic, Atheer refers to the "luster/light which reflects off a sword."A notable person with this name was the Arab scholar/historian, Ibn al-Athir (1160-1233). The word itself is not gendered -- it's a noun with a positive, poetic meaning that can be applied to either sex. That said, in contemporary naming practices, especially in Egypt, Lebanon, and parts of the Levant, Atheer is primarily considered a feminine name.In Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc.) it can be unisex, though still more common for females.So, while it can be used for males, be aware that in some regions it might be perceived as a feminine name. If you're considering it for a boy, and cultural perception matters, you might want to pair it with a traditionally masculine middle name.