What does Shahida mean and where does it come from?
Shahida is a popular name in Arabic and South Asian cultures, often linked to themes of sacrifice and faith. The term 'Shahid' (شَهيد) in Arabic refers to a martyr, and 'Shahida' can signify a female counterpart. The name embodies strength of character and devotion. Notable figures include Shahida M
Cultural significance
Shahida has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of witness; martyr.
Peak popularity
Reached #5807 in 1970 — currently #17375 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Shahida?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Shahida?
Shahida works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shahida Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Shahida Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Shahida Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Shahida Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Shahida Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Shahida Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Shahida right now?
Falling — down 5470 spots — currently #17375 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #17375 | 5 | ▼ down 5470 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #11905 | 6 | ▼ down 508 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #11397 | 5 | ▼ down 3549 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #7848 | 8 | ▲ up 2043 · +60% births |
| 1975 | #9891 | 5 | ▼ down 4084 · -44% births |
| 1970 | #5807 | 9 | — |
The story of Shahida
Shahida is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 130 total births recorded, Shahida remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5807 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #17375 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Shahida in 1970:
Shahida by decade
Shahida peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 31 | |
| 1980s ★ | 48 | |
| 1990s | 34 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 12 | |
💎Shahida has only 130 total recorded births since 1970 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shahida?
Common
ShaShahShahieShahyIda
Famous people named Shahida
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Shahida (Sufi mystic)
Shahida used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Shahida (Arab poet)
Shahida carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
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Shahida (historical Arab ruler)
Shahida held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Shahida (Sufi mystic)
Shahida used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Shahida?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shahida also consider these
Common questions about the name Shahida
What does the name Shahida mean?
Shahida means "witness; martyr" — 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 Shahida?
Shahida is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Shahida?
Shahida 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 Shahida?
Shahida is a four-syllable name pronounced SHAH-HEYE-DAH. 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 Shahida?
Shahida 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.