Rising since 1989, #1,621 for boys today.
Popularity of Mahdi since 1959
Babies named Mahdi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 124 |
| 1990s | 271 |
| 2000s | 634 |
| 2010s | 824 |
| 2020s | 507 |
Meaning & origin
Mahdi is a name deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, referring to the prophesied redeemer figure. Its usage in the United States has been steadily rising since 1989, reaching its peak popularity in 2024, when it ranked 1621 with a 1-in-16424 incidence. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1959, and its growth mirrors increasing diversity and awareness of Islamic culture. Top states include Michigan, Virginia, and New York, reflecting communities with significant Muslim populations. For parents seeking a name with clear spiritual resonance and cross-cultural recognition, Mahdi offers a meaningful choice that honors heritage while remaining accessible in English-speaking contexts.
Mahdi (المهدي) is an Arabic masculine name meaning 'guided one' or 'the rightly guided.' It derives from the root h-d-y (هدى), 'to guide.' In Islamic tradition, Al-Mahdi is a prophesied figure who will appear before the Day of Judgment to restore justice. The name has been used across the Muslim world for centuries and gained visibility in the West through diaspora communities.
Where Mahdi is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Mahdi” around the world
Where Mahdi lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
95
babies in 2024
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mahd, Matt
Variants: Mehdi, Medhi
Sibling names for Mahdi
Names that share Mahdi's style, for a brother or sister.
