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It is derived from that meaning (ruler) but over time became less of a title and more of a last name used by Islamic people in areas like Afghanistan. Khan Acad
by blackeyeblitzar 2y ago
It is derived from that meaning (ruler) but over time became less of a title and more of a last name used by Islamic people in areas like Afghanistan. Khan Academy is named for its founder, whose ancestry is from the Afghan region. The Mongol empire, where Khan was a title for rulers, did extend over the region of present day Afghanistan and the entire Middle East.
- abhinavk 2y agoIn India and Pakistan too, it's a common surname like "Singh" or "Patel" but for Muslims. It doesn't mean anything. Also, Sal Khan's family is Bengali originating from India and Bangladesh.
- blackeyeblitzar 2y agoYou’re correct about immediate origin, but I was referring to earlier family history. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sal_Khan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sal_Khan > They are descendants of Rahmat Khan, a 16th-century Pashtun chieftain