Rising since 1988, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Arshad since 1977
Babies named Arshad per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 56 |
| 2000s | 91 |
| 2010s | 79 |
| 2020s | 65 |
Meaning & origin
Arshad, a name of Arabic origin meaning "most righteous," has been used in the United States since at least 1977, when it first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records. The name experienced a gradual rise in popularity through the late 20th century and into the early 2000s, reaching its peak rank of 7,194 in 2002. From 1988 onward, its trajectory has been generally rising, though it remains relatively rare, with an incidence of about 1 in every 155,280 male births as of 2025. The name is predominantly given to boys and is most commonly found among families of South Asian or Middle Eastern heritage. While no single state has a notably high concentration of Arshads, the name's steady presence reflects its enduring appeal within Muslim communities.
Arshad derives from the Arabic root r-sh-d, meaning "right guidance" or "rectitude." It is the elative form of Rashid, signifying "more righteous" or "most upright." The name has been used across the Muslim world for centuries, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East, often given in hopes that the child will embody moral integrity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Arsh
Variants: Arshad, Arshid
Sibling names for Arshad
Names that share Arshad's style, for a brother or sister.
