What does Shahab mean and where does it come from?
Shahab (شهاب) is of Persian and Arabic origin, broadly meaning 'shooting star' or 'meteor.' It symbolizes brightness and is often associated with good fortune or divine light. The name is common in Persian-speaking countries and has cultural relevance in Islamic traditions. Notable people include Ir
Cultural significance
Shahab has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of shooting star.
Peak popularity
Reached #5325 in 1987 — currently #10626 in the US.
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Related Reading
Persian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shahab?
Shahab works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shahab Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shahab Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shahab Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shahab Claire
French influence · crisp
Shahab Jane
Literary · strong
Shahab Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shahab right now?
Rising fast — up 1453 spots — currently #10626 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10626 | 7 | ▲ up 1453 · +17% births |
| 2022 | #12079 | 6 | ▼ down 174 |
| 2021 | #11905 | 6 | ▲ up 489 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #12394 | 5 | ▼ down 4655 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #7739 | 8 | ▼ down 1034 |
| 1995 | #6705 | 8 | ▼ down 1043 · -11% births |
| 1990 | #5662 | 9 | ▲ up 457 · +50% births |
| 1980 | #6119 | 6 | — |
The story of Shahab
Shahab is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 163 total births recorded, Shahab remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6119 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10626 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shahab in 1987:
Shahab by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 16 | |
| 1980s | 33 | |
| 1990s ★ | 46 | |
| 2000s | 30 | |
| 2010s | 33 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Shahab has only 163 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shahab?
Common
ShaShahShahieShahyAhab
What names sound and feel like Shahab?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shahab also consider these
Common questions about the name Shahab
What does the name Shahab mean?
Shahab means "shooting star" — 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 Shahab?
Shahab is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Shahab have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Shahab?
Shahab 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 Shahab?
Shahab is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 AE1 B. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shahab trending right now?
Shahab is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.