MallowbyNames

Mahad

mah-HAHD · Purpose, intention; or place of assembly

2025 rank (boys)
#6,143
Babies named in 2025
14
Peak popularity
2017
2025 frequency
1 in 122,005 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2018

Declining since 2018, #6,143 for boys today.

Popularity of Mahad since 1990

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

1428421990200020102020Most births 2017Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s79
2000s282
2010s293
2020s136

Meaning & origin

Mahad is a name of Arabic origin, rooted in the concept of purpose or intent. It entered U.S. records in 1990 and experienced its highest popularity in 2017. Since 2018 its use has been declining, but it remains a distinctive choice within Somali and broader Muslim communities. With a current rank of 6,143rd and a birth rate of 1 in 122,005, it stands out for its clarity and meaningful etymology. The name reflects cultural ties and a sense of direction, making it a subtle but significant option.

Mahad derives from the Arabic root h-d-d, carrying meanings of purpose, intention, or a designated place. It is used as a given name primarily in Somali and other East African Muslim communities. The name has seen modest use in the United States since the 1990s, reflecting immigration patterns.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mahi, Had

Variants: Mahad, Mahmud

Sibling names for Mahad

Names that share Mahad's style, for a brother or sister.

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

M is for Mahad, our favorite little boy.

M is for Mahad…”

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

Make Mahad's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Mahad mean?
Mahad means 'purpose' or 'intention' in Arabic, and can also refer to a place of assembly.
Is Mahad a popular name?
Mahad is a rare name in the United States. As of 2025, it ranked 6,143th with a birth rate of about 1 in 122,005 boys.
Is Mahad a boy's name?
Yes, Mahad is almost exclusively used as a masculine given name.