Find out how popular the first name Riyad has been for the last 49 years (from 1976 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Riyad by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Riyad is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 17 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Riyad.

The history of the first name Riyad

The name Riyad finds its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Arabic word "riyad," which means "gardens" or "meadows." The name is believed to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula during the early Islamic era, around the 7th century AD.

In Arabic literature and poetry, the word "riyad" is often used as a metaphor for beauty, fertility, and paradise. The name Riyad is therefore associated with concepts of paradise, lush greenery, and tranquility. It is a popular name among Arabic-speaking communities, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Riyad can be found in the "Kitab al-Aghani" (Book of Songs), a famous anthology of Arabic poetry and songs compiled in the 9th century AD. The book mentions a poet named Riyad al-Qurtubi, who lived in the 8th century AD in the city of Cordoba, which was part of the Umayyad Caliphate at the time.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Riyad. One of the most famous was Riyad Pasha (1835-1911), an Ottoman statesman and the longest-serving Prime Minister of the Sublime Ottoman State, holding office from 1878 to 1909. Another well-known individual was Riyad al-Maliki (1922-2004), an Iraqi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Iraq from 1966 to 1967.

In the field of literature, Riyad Qassem (1923-2003) was a prominent Syrian novelist and short story writer, known for his works that explored social issues and the complexities of human relationships. Riyad Ismat (1918-2007) was a renowned Egyptian actor and comedian who appeared in numerous films and television shows, and is considered one of the most influential figures in Arabic cinema.

Riyad Farid Hijab (born 1966) is a Syrian politician and former Prime Minister of Syria, serving from 2012 to 2016. He currently leads the Syrian National Coalition, an opposition group seeking to overthrow the government of Bashar al-Assad.

The name Riyad has remained popular among Arabic-speaking communities worldwide, with its association with beauty, tranquility, and paradise continuing to resonate with many parents in their choice of names for their children.

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

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

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