What does Shahid mean and where does it come from?
Shahid (شَهِيد) is an Arabic name meaning 'witness', and it is often used in both Islamic and secular contexts. In Urdu, it can also refer to a 'martyr', which reflects its use in many South Asian countries as a term of honor. It is a name associated with many notable figures, including scholars, po
Cultural significance
Shahid has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of witness.
Peak popularity
Reached #2542 in 1979 — currently #9595 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shahid?
Shahid works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shahid Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shahid Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shahid Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shahid Claire
French influence · crisp
Shahid Jane
Literary · strong
Shahid Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shahid right now?
Falling — down 1395 spots — currently #9595 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9595 | 8 | ▼ down 1395 · -20% births |
| 2022 | #8200 | 10 | ▲ up 2397 · +43% births |
| 2021 | #10597 | 7 | ▼ down 3521 · -36% births |
| 2020 | #7076 | 11 | ▼ down 1004 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #6072 | 14 | ▲ up 1634 · +40% births |
| 2010 | #7706 | 10 | ▼ down 3192 · -47% births |
| 2005 | #4514 | 19 | ▼ down 1042 · -21% births |
| 2000 | #3472 | 24 | ▼ down 417 · +4% births |
| 1995 | #3055 | 23 | ▲ up 824 · +53% births |
| 1990 | #3879 | 15 | ▼ down 160 · +25% births |
| 1985 | #3719 | 12 | ▼ down 348 · -8% births |
| 1980 | #3371 | 13 | ▲ up 495 · +44% births |
| 1975 | #3866 | 9 | — |
The story of Shahid
Shahid is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 678 total births recorded, Shahid remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3866 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9595 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shahid in 1979:
Shahid by decade
Shahid peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 14 | |
| 1970s | 107 | |
| 1980s | 111 | |
| 1990s ★ | 159 | |
| 2000s | 158 | |
| 2010s | 118 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎Shahid has only 678 total recorded births since 1968 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shahid?
Common
ShaShahShahieShahyAhid
Famous people named Shahid
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Shahid (historical Arab ruler)
Shahid held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Shahid (Arab poet)
Shahid carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
S(
Shahid (historical Arab ruler)
Shahid held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Shahid (Sufi mystic)
Shahid used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Shahid?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shahid also consider these
How is Shahid written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Shahid
What does the name Shahid mean?
Shahid means "witness" — 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 Shahid?
Shahid 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 Shahid?
Shahid 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 Shahid?
Shahid is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 HH IH1 D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shahid a common or rare name?
Shahid is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.