MallowbyNames

Aswad

أسودahs-WAHD · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from the Arabic word for 'black' or 'very dark'.

Peak popularity
1973
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Aswad since 1971

Babies named Aswad per year in U.S. Social Security records.

5914198020002020Most births 1973Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s85
1980s20
1990s24
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

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.

Sisters: Layla, Zara, Nadia, Samira, Yasmin

Brothers: Amir, Zayn, Rami, Khalid, Tariq

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

A is for Aswad, our favorite little boy.

A is for Aswad…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Aswad's letter becomes Aswad's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Aswad's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Aswad mean?
The meaning of Aswad is uncertain. It is often thought to derive from the Arabic word for 'black' or 'very dark', but this is debated among sources.
How popular is the name Aswad?
Aswad is very rare in the United States. It first appeared in Social Security records in 1971 and has never ranked among the top 1000 names. Its peak usage was in 1973.
Is Aswad a boy's name or a girl's name?
Aswad is almost exclusively used as a boy's name in U.S. birth records.