Shad

“joyful”

Persian origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#6164US 2023

15Births / yr

↑Rising

4.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 194000.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Shad

SHAD

/ˈʃæd/ · stress on SHAD · 1 syllable

“joyful”

Persian origin · Boy name

What does Shad mean and where does it come from?

Shad is a name of Persian origin, meaning 'joyful' or 'happy', often linked with qualities of cheerfulness and vivacity. In English contexts, particularly in the United States, it can also reference a type of hunter or one who chases. The name is versitile, recognized for its uplifting meaning and s

Cultural significance

Shad has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of persian.

Peak popularity

Reached #402 in 1972 — currently #6164 in the US.

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How else can you spell Shad?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Shad?

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

Shad Grace

How popular is Shad right now?

Rising fast — up 3527 spots — currently #6164 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1940–2023#6164 · Top 4.5%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#6164	15	▲ up 3527 · +88% births
2022	#9691	8	▼ down 143
2021	#9548	8	▼ down 2496 · -27% births
2020	#7052	11	▼ down 3050 · -58% births
2015	#4002	26	▲ up 2080 · +86% births
2010	#6082	14	▼ down 3319 · -64% births
2005	#2763	39	▼ down 812 · -26% births
2000	#1951	53	▼ down 315 · -5% births
1995	#1636	56	▼ down 81 · +4% births
1990	#1555	54	▼ down 391 · -17% births
1985	#1164	65	▼ down 351 · -45% births
1980	#813	118	▼ down 317 · -55% births
1975	#496	261	▲ up 119 · +49% births
1970	#615	175	▲ up 591 · +327% births
1965	#1206	41	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Shad

Best Year1975Rank #496

Peak Count261

Average Rank#3662

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1940 - 202317 years

The story of Shad

Shad entered American naming records in 1940 and has been in use for over 84 years. With 4,791 total births recorded, Shad remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3932 in 1940, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6164 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Shad in 1972:

Michael Christopher James David John

Shad by decade

Shad peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1940s	5
1950s	21
1960s	388
1970s ★	2,582
1980s	726
1990s	538
2000s	338
2010s	182
2020s	11

💎With 4,791 total births, Shad is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Shad?

Common

ShadieShady

What names sound and feel like Shad?

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

Shah

Persian · Princess or noblewoman

American · Courageous heart

Common questions about the name Shad

What does the name Shad mean?

Shad means "Persian" — a name rooted in Persian 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 Shad?

Shad is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Shad have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Shad?

Shad originates from Persian tradition. Persian 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 Shad?

Shad is a one-syllable name pronounced SH AE1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Shad sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Shad flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Shad ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.