Holding steady, #6,803 for boys today.
Popularity of Shah since 1972
Babies named Shah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 40 |
| 1980s | 18 |
| 1990s | 79 |
| 2000s | 106 |
| 2010s | 108 |
| 2020s | 79 |
Meaning & origin
Shah has been recorded in the United States since 1972. It reached its peak popularity in 2009, though overall usage remains uncommon. As of 2025, it ranked 6803 with a frequency of about 1 in 142,340 newborn boys. The trajectory of the name has been stable, suggesting consistent but low-level usage. While it does not appear in the top states by popularity, its association with Persian culture and the historic title for a monarch lends it a distinctive character. Shah is a short, strong name that may appeal to families looking for a name with cultural depth and simplicity.
The name Shah is primarily a Persian word meaning 'king' or 'monarch,' used as a title throughout Persian history. As a given name, it may derive from this title or from related surnames. It has seen some use in South Asia and among diaspora communities, but its exact etymology as a personal name is not firmly established.
Sibling names for Shah
Names that share Shah's style, for a brother or sister.
