Find out how popular the first name Rashad has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rashad by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rashad is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Rashad being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 108 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rashad.

The history of the first name Rashad

The name Rashad has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, dating back to the medieval period in the Middle East and North Africa. It is derived from the Arabic word "rashid," which means "rightly guided" or "on the right path."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rashad can be found in the historical chronicles of the Abbasid Caliphate, which ruled over a significant portion of the Islamic world from the 8th to the 13th century. During this time, the name was often associated with individuals who were considered wise, virtuous, and righteous.

In the realm of Islamic literature, the name Rashad is mentioned in several religious texts and scholarly works. For example, it appears in the writings of the renowned Islamic philosopher and theologian Al-Ghazali, who lived from 1058 to 1111 CE.

The earliest known historical figure bearing the name Rashad was Rashad al-Din Sinan, a prominent leader of the Ismaili Shi'a sect during the 11th and 12th centuries. He is famously known as the "Old Man of the Mountain" and played a significant role in the crusades against the Christian forces in the Levant.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have carried the name Rashad. One such person was Rashad al-Din Fazlullah, a Persian historian and writer who lived from 1247 to 1318 CE. He is renowned for his comprehensive work, the "Jami' al-Tawarikh," which chronicled the history of the Mongol Empire.

Another famous bearer of the name was Rashad al-Din Vatvat, a Persian poet and mystic who lived from 1292 to 1384 CE. His poetic works, which explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition, have been celebrated and studied for centuries.

In more recent history, Rashad Khalifa, an Egyptian-American biochemist and religious reformer, gained prominence in the 20th century. He founded the United Submitters International, a religious movement based on his interpretations of the Quran.

Rashad Hussain, an American lawyer and diplomat, also made a notable impact in the 21st century. He served as the United States Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation from 2010 to 2015, working to strengthen ties between the United States and Muslim-majority nations.

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 Rashad was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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