Rising since 2003, #3,577 for girls today.
Popularity of Shams since 1993
Babies named Shams per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | 16 |
| 2000s | 28 | 13 |
| 2010s | 130 | 31 |
| 2020s | 179 | 46 |
Meaning & origin
Shams is a unisex name of Arabic origin meaning 'sun.' In the United States, its use has been steadily rising since 2003, and it reached its peak rank of 3,577 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 38,268 newborns receiving the name. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1999, reflecting its adoption among diverse communities. Top states include Michigan, Illinois, and California, indicating a concentration in areas with significant Arab American populations. While less common than some traditional Arabic names, Shams offers a concise and meaningful choice with celestial imagery.
Shams is the Arabic word for 'sun.' It is used as a given name across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities, sometimes as part of compound names like Shams al-Din (Sun of the Faith). The name carries connotations of brightness and warmth.
Where Shams is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Shams” around the world
Where Shams lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shami
Sibling names for Shams
Names that share Shams's style, for a brother or sister.
