Find out how popular the first name Mashal has been for the last 33 years (from 1990 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mashal by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Mashal is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 92% of people named Mashal being female.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Mashal.

It's also interesting to see that despite Mashal being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2022 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Mashal.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Mashal in 2022, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Mashal

The name Mashal has its origins rooted in the Arabic language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Arabic word "mishal," which means "example" or "parable." The name is often associated with wisdom, guidance, and metaphorical teachings.

One of the earliest recorded appearances of the name Mashal can be found in Islamic literature, specifically in the Quran, where it is used in reference to parables and metaphorical stories used to convey moral lessons. This association with wisdom and guidance has contributed to the name's enduring popularity within the Arabic-speaking world.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Mashal. One of the earliest recorded examples is Mashal al-Jili, a renowned Sufi scholar and mystic who lived in the 13th century (1232-1309 CE). He is best known for his influential work, "Al-Insān al-Kāmil" (The Perfect Man), which explored the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of human existence.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Mashal was Mashal ibn Abi al-Walid al-Azdi, a renowned Arab poet and literary figure who lived in the 8th century (714-785 CE). His poetry and literary works were highly regarded and celebrated for their eloquence and metaphorical language.

In more recent times, Mashal Bin Fahad Al Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family, held various positions within the Saudi government, including serving as the Minister of Education from 1992 to 1996.

Mashal Armanazi, an Egyptian writer and novelist, gained recognition for his contributions to Arabic literature in the 20th century (1920-2002). His works often explored themes of social justice and the human condition.

Mashal Malik, a Pakistani politician and activist, has been a prominent figure in the country's political landscape. She served as the chairperson of the Pakistan People's Party from 2019 to 2022 and has been a vocal advocate for human rights and democratic reforms.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the name Mashal, each leaving their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and intellectual discourse.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mashal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mashal, please contact us.

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