Rising since 2002, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Azad since 1918
Babies named Azad per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 12 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 10 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 28 |
| 2000s | 37 |
| 2010s | 120 |
| 2020s | 137 |
Meaning & origin
Azad, meaning 'free' or 'independent' in Persian, is a name with deep cultural resonance. While its first recorded use in the United States dates to 1918, the name has seen a notable rise in popularity since 2002. It reached its peak rank in 2023, and as of 2025 it sits at rank 4,539, with approximately 1 in 77,640 baby boys receiving the name. The name is most popular in California, reflecting the state's diversity. Azad is a distinctive choice that conveys a strong sense of liberty and nobility, though it remains rare enough to stand out.
Azad is a Persian name derived from the word āzād (آزاد), meaning 'free' or 'independent.' It is also used in Kurdish and other Iranian languages. The name has been borne across the Persian-speaking world and into South Asia, often appearing in poetry and historical contexts as a symbol of liberty.
Where Azad is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Azad” around the world
Where Azad lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Azad
Names that share Azad's style, for a brother or sister.
