Actually, Many years back, in an interview that I still recall, Rahman's mom had said:
My husband used to be strong believer. When Rahman was composing for first film, I went to see an astrologer(I forgot the name she mentioned). The astrologer said to put A.R before his name. I asked why, and astrologer said, just do so, he will go to great heights(I think you all remember, initially, Rahman was referred to as Abdul Rahman in most medias). I spoke with Maniratnam. Initially people said to use the name Dileep, as it would be familiar. But I requested Maniratnam that only A.R.Rahman should be used. [This was an interview many years back. I don't recall what print media it was from. Certainly, one of the popular weekly's I think. So I think there might be some truth in what the astrologer says]
