The earliest recorded name was AROR or ALOR, and then it became City of Pattan, Phul Wada, Noshehra and now Rahim Yar Khan.

The ancient tower of Pattan Minarah stands 13 km to the south of the city center in its original form.

Umayyads led by Muhammad Bin Qasim conquered the cities of Aror, Uch and Multan after conquest of Sindh.

[3] Rahim Yar Khan region was part of Multan province of Mughal Empire.

The district derives its name from its headquarters, the city of Rahim Yar Khan, which was known as "Naushehra" until 1881.