Haron is a masculine given name and surname commonly found in East Africa, as well as in other Muslim-influenced regions. It is a variant of Harun, the Arabic form of Aaron.Etymology and OriginThe name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name אַהֲרֹן (ʾAharon), meaning possibly of Egyptian origin. In the Old Testament, Aaron is the elder brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. The Arabic form Harun is well-known from the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid, featured in One Thousand and One Nights.Cultural and Geographical DistributionWhile Harun is widely used in Arabic-speaking countries and Turkey, the variant Haron is especially common in East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania. This likely reflects the adaptation of the name into Swahili and other local languages.Notable BearersGiven name Haron Amin (1969–2015), Afghan politician and diplomat Haron Din (1940–2016), Malaysian politician Haron Keitany (born 1983), Kenyan athlete Haron Koech (born 1990), Kenyan hurdler Haron Shakava (born 1992), Kenyan footballer Surname Abdul Halim Haron, Singaporean bodybuilder Abdullah Haron (1924–1969), South African imam and anti-apartheid activist Idris Haron (born 1966), Malaysian politician Ismail Haron (1946–2012), Singaporean singer Key FactsMeaning: Possibly "high mountain" or "exalted" (Hebrew), or of Egyptian originOrigin: Variant of Harun, Arabic form of AaronType: First nameUsage regions: East Africa, especially Kenya and Tanzania; also other Muslim countries