Shahed

Meaning of Shahed

Shahed, pronounced shah-HED, stems from the Arabic word “shāhid,” meaning “witness” and, by extension, “one who bears testimony.” Traditionally unisex—though it tilts masculine in parts of the Middle East and feminine in South Asia—the name conveys a quiet gravitas, hinting at someone who observes carefully before taking action. In Islamic literature, “Shahed” can also reference a spiritual martyr, giving the name a contemplative undertone without tipping into solemnity. Its journey into Anglo-American nurseries has been statistically modest: U.S. Social Security data show a steady trickle of five to fifteen newborns a year since 2001, a figure that would make a demographer reach for a magnifying glass yet suggests a certain staying power. Contemporary associations range from poetry—Shahed is a recurring pen-name in Urdu verse—to aerospace headlines, thanks to Iranian drones that share the spelling; parents who enjoy layered meanings may appreciate the juxtaposition of lofty ideals and cutting-edge tech. All told, Shahed offers a succinct, two-syllable option that feels familiar enough for Western ears while retaining the textured history of its Arabic roots.

Pronunciation

Arabic

• Pronunced as shah-HED (/ʃaːˈhɛd/)

• Shahin
• Shahir
• Shahbaz
• Shahid
• Shahryar
• Shahab
• Shahrokh