Shahid is a male given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "shaheed," which means "witness" or "martyr." The name has significant historical and religious importance, particularly in Islam.
In Islamic tradition, Shahid refers to someone who dies as a martyr while defending their faith. This concept is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran, the holy book of Muslims, where the term "shaheed" is used to describe individuals who are killed for their beliefs.
The name Shahid has been popular among Muslim communities around the world, with notable figures carrying this name including prominent scholars, poets, and historical figures. One such example is Muhammad Ali Jinnah, often referred to as "Quaid-e-Azam" or "Great Leader," who was a Pakistani lawyer, politician, and the founder of Pakistan. His full name was Mohammed Ali Jinnah, but he was widely known by his middle name, Shahid.
While the name Shahid has a serious and significant meaning, it is also quite appealing as a given name due to its melodic sound and strong historical roots. It has been used in various cultures and communities, not just within Muslim communities, reflecting its universal appeal.
In conclusion, Shahid is a name with deep historical and religious significance, originating from the Arabic word for "witness" or "martyr." Its meaning makes it particularly meaningful among Muslims but has also made it appealing to people of diverse backgrounds.
The name Shahid has been given to babies born in the United States over the past five decades, with a total of 703 recorded births during this period. The popularity of the name has varied over time, with peaks and troughs in its usage.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the name Shahid was given to between five and fourteen babies each year. However, it began to gain more traction in the mid-1970s, with fifteen births recorded in 1975 and eighteen in 1976. This trend continued into the 1980s, with a high of twenty births in 1992.
The 1990s saw a decline in the usage of the name Shahid, with fewer than fifteen births recorded each year between 1995 and 2000. However, the turn of the century brought about another increase in its popularity, with twenty-four babies named Shahid in the year 2000 alone.
The early to mid-2000s saw a steady usage of the name Shahid, with between ten and nineteen births recorded each year. Since then, the number of babies named Shahid has fluctuated, with peaks of twenty births in both 2017 and 2020, and lows of seven and eight births in 2021 and 2023 respectively.
Overall, the name Shahid has been given to a total of 703 babies born in the United States over the past five decades. While its popularity has waxed and waned over time, it remains a unique and distinct name that continues to be chosen by parents today.