Rashad
Primarily a boy's name of Arabic origin with 16,151 recorded births. Also given to 85 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A male given name from Arabic, common in African American communities since the mid-1970s.
Rashad is a boy's and girl's baby name of Arabic origin, from the Arabic rashīd meaning 'rightly guided,' 'wise,' or 'mature.' It entered American consciousness in the late 1970s-80s, particularly in African-American communities, partly through its association with Cosby Show actor Rashad (Ahmad Rashad).
Over 16,150 U.S. births are recorded, with its peak in the 1980s-1990s. Rashad combines Arabic spiritual guidance with a smooth, modern American sound.
EtymologyShow more
Rashad first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1973. First appearing in the 1970s, Rashad emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Arabic classification suggests a path from arabic linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Rashad was #723 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1797, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 618 | #1483 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 2,471 | #903 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 3,276 | #662 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 4,693 | #477 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 3,774 | #479 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 1,319 | #1252 | — |
The Story of Rashad
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1990, Rashad is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Rashad are most likely born between 1980 and 2000.
How rare is Rashad?
Only about 1 in every 39,560 babies born in 2024 was named Rashad — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1973, peaked in the 1990s with 4,693 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Rashad by the numbers
- Would fill 336 school buses
- Meeting one Rashad per day would take 44.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(52 years, 1973–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 91 | #1797 |
| 2023 | 108 | #1620 |
| 2022 | 140 | #1343 |
| 2021 | 131 | #1404 |
| 2020 | 148 | #1251 |
| 2019 | 202 | #1031 |
| 2018 | 195 | #1044 |
| 2017 | 210 | #981 |
| 2016 | 185 | #1071 |
| 2015 | 223 | #943 |
| 2014 | 234 | #919 |
| 2013 | 244 | #870 |
| 2012 | 262 | #835 |
| 2011 | 320 | #715 |
| 2010 | 396 | #622 |
| 2009 | 407 | #617 |
| 2008 | 379 | #648 |
| 2007 | 439 | #584 |
| 2006 | 348 | #660 |
| 2005 | 219 | #842 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Rashad as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Rashad has also been given to 85 girls in the U.S. since 1979.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rashad a boy's or girl's name?
When was Rashad most popular?
How popular is the name Rashad?
Can Rashad be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1973–2024