Holding steady.
Popularity of Aswad since 1971
Babies named Aswad per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 85 |
| 1980s | 20 |
| 1990s | 24 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Aswad is an extremely rare given name in the United States, first recorded by the Social Security Administration in 1971. Its usage peaked in 1973, after which it declined steadily. The name has never ranked among the top 1000 names, reflecting its rarity. In 2025, it remains stable in its obscurity, with no notable resurgence. Aswad's etymology is uncertain; the most common theory links it to the Arabic word for 'black', but this is debated. The name has not been recorded in any top states, indicating its scattered and infrequent use across the country.
Aswad is likely a transliteration of the Arabic word أسود (ʾaswad), meaning 'black' or 'very dark'. It is sometimes used as a given name in Arabic-speaking cultures, though it remains uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name's usage is debated, and some sources suggest it may also be a variant of the Hebrew name 'Asher' or a Swahili name meaning 'blessed', but these connections are not well-attested.
Sibling names for Aswad
Names that share Aswad's style, for a brother or sister.

