Rashaad

“Rightly guided”

Arabic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#3969US 2023

28Births / yr

↓Falling

3.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 197400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Rashaad

RASH·AH·AD

/ˈræsh.ˈɑ.ˈæd/ · stress on RASH · 3 syllables

“Rightly guided”

Arabic origin · Boy name

What does Rashaad mean and where does it come from?

Rashaad is an Arabic name that denotes someone who is well-guided and shows good judgment. The name is often used in Arabic-speaking countries and has gained popularity in the United States, especially within the African American community. Notable people include Rashaad Penny, an NFL player.

Cultural significance

Rashaad has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rightly guided.

Peak popularity

Reached #882 in 1988 — currently #3969 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Rashaad?

Rashaad works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Rashaad Grace

How popular is Rashaad right now?

Falling — down 576 spots — currently #3969 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#3969 · Top 2.9%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3969	28	▼ down 576 · -20% births
2022	#3393	35	▲ up 83 · +6% births
2021	#3476	33	▼ down 339 · -8% births
2020	#3137	36	▼ down 142 · -8% births
2015	#2995	39	▼ down 909 · -40% births
2010	#2086	65	▲ up 198 · +25% births
2005	#2284	52	▼ down 896 · -43% births
2000	#1388	91	▼ down 446 · -35% births
1995	#942	140	▼ down 23 · +11% births
1990	#919	126	▲ up 721 · +223% births
1985	#1640	39	▼ down 403 · -30% births
1980	#1237	56	▲ up 1126 · +195% births
1975	#2363	19	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Rashaad

Best Year1990Rank #919

Peak Count140

Average Rank#2295

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

The story of Rashaad

Rashaad is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 3,266 total births recorded, Rashaad remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2363 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3969 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Rashaad in 1988:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua Andrew

Rashaad by decade

Rashaad peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	161
1980s	701
1990s ★	1,095
2000s	777
2010s	496
2020s	36

💎With 3,266 total births, Rashaad is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Rashaad?

Common

RasRaAshaad

Famous people named Rashaad

Rashaad (historical Arab ruler)

Rashaad held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Rashaad (Sufi mystic)

Rashaad used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Rashaad (Islamic scholar)

Rashaad bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

Rashaad (Quranic figure)

Rashaad appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

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What names sound and feel like Rashaad?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rashaad also consider these

Rashad

Arabic · Arabic

Ashaad

Arabic · He who possesses

Raschad

Arabic · The one who

Rashaan

American · Brilliant, full of

Roshaad

Arabic · derived from 'Rashid'

Farhaad

Arabic · A Arabic name

Common questions about the name Rashaad

What does the name Rashaad mean?

Rashaad means "Rightly guided" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Rashaad?

Rashaad is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Rashaad?

Rashaad originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Rashaad?

Rashaad is a three-syllable name pronounced R AE1 S HH AA1 AE1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Rashaad?

Rashaad pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.