Shahad is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the root word "sha-hada" which means "to witness". In Islamic tradition, Shahada is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, referring to the declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." Thus, the name Shahad is often associated with this important concept in Islam.
The use of the name Shahad can be traced back to medieval Islamic history. It was popular among Muslims during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions where Arabic culture had a significant influence. However, it is important to note that the popularity of any given name can vary greatly over time and across different cultures and communities.
In some Muslim families, Shahad may be chosen as a given name for a child in hopes that they will grow up to embody the qualities associated with the concept of Shahada, such as faith, honesty, and truthfulness. Additionally, some parents may choose this name because it has a distinct sound and spelling, making it memorable and unique.
Today, Shahad is still used as a given name among Muslim communities around the world. While its meaning and origins are rooted in Islamic tradition, people of various backgrounds may appreciate the name's phonetics or cultural significance when choosing names for their children. Ultimately, the popularity and use of any given name are influenced by a multitude of factors, including personal preferences, cultural traditions, and historical contexts.
The name Shahad has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past two decades in the United States, with fluctuations in birth numbers year by year.
From 1998 to 2004, the number of births with the name Shahad was relatively low, ranging from 5 to 11 per year. However, there was a significant increase starting in 2011, with 17 births that year, marking the highest point so far.
The years following saw another rise and fall in popularity, reaching a peak of 22 births each in both 2016 and 2018. Since then, it has fluctuated between 7 and 11 births annually up until 2023.
Overall, over the course of these two decades (1998 to 2023), there have been a total of 256 babies named Shahad born in the United States. This statistic indicates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Shahad has maintained a consistent presence among newborns throughout this period.