Is Syed a boy's or girl's name?

Syed is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 11 recorded births.

When was Syed most popular?

Syed reached its peak popularity in 2000 with 224 births that year. It is currently ranked #1633 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Syed?

Syed is currently ranked #1633 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 5,864 babies since 1965.

Syed

An uncommon Arabic pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsArabicDeclining

#1633▼ 309in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Alternative spelling of Sayyid.

Syed is a boy's and girl's baby name of Arabic origin, an honorific title and given name meaning 'lord,' 'master,' or 'chief.' Historically, it is a title of distinction given to male descendants of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, making it deeply significant across Muslim communities worldwide.

In South Asian naming traditions especially — Pakistan, Bangladesh, India — Syed functions as both a first name and a family name, denoting lineage and spiritual honor. Over 5,800 births are recorded in U.S. SSA data.

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Popularity Over Time

Syed was #1127 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1633, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Syed
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	650	#1413	▼
2010s	1,440	#1259	▼
2000s	1,603	#1068	▲
1990s	1,316	#978	▲
1980s	608	#1270	▲
1970s	222	#2460	▲
1960s	25	#3994	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(59 years, 1965–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Syed
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	104	#1633	-40 (-27.8%)
2023	144	#1324	+3 (2.1%)
2022	141	#1338	+14 (11.0%)
2021	127	#1432	-7 (-5.2%)
2020	134	#1339	+8 (6.3%)
2019	126	#1406	-11 (-8.0%)
2018	137	#1327	-11 (-7.4%)
2017	148	#1244	-9 (-5.7%)
2016	157	#1207	-3 (-1.9%)
2015	160	#1166	+21 (15.1%)
2014	139	#1284	-17 (-10.9%)
2013	156	#1160	+16 (11.4%)
2012	140	#1263	+10 (7.7%)
2011	130	#1316	-17 (-11.6%)
2010	147	#1213	+10 (7.3%)
2009	137	#1288	-19 (-12.2%)
2008	156	#1164	0
2007	156	#1147	+15 (10.6%)
2006	141	#1193	+6 (4.4%)
2005	135	#1189	-6 (-4.3%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Syed as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Syed has also been given to 11 girls in the U.S. since 1994.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

1994

Peak year

Compare Syed as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Syed be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Syed is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1633. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1965–2024) · Methodology