Find out how popular the first name Shah has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shah by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Shah is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Shah being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shah.

The history of the first name Shah

The name Shah has its origins in the Persian language, tracing back to ancient Persia, modern-day Iran. It is derived from the Old Persian word "khshayathiya," meaning "king" or "sovereign." The name's roots can be traced back to the Achaemenid Empire, which ruled over a vast territory from around 550 BCE to 330 BCE.

One of the earliest known references to the name Shah can be found in the Behistun Inscription, a monumental rock relief carved on Mount Behistun in modern-day Iran. This inscription, dating back to around 520 BCE, records the accomplishments of King Darius I, who is known as Darius the Great. The inscription refers to Darius as "khshayathiya khshayathiyanam," meaning "king of kings."

Throughout the history of Persia and the subsequent Islamic empires, the title "Shah" was used by numerous rulers and monarchs. Some of the most notable individuals who bore this name include:

1. Ardashir I (180 CE - 242 CE), the founder of the Sasanian Empire, which ruled over a vast territory spanning modern-day Iran, Iraq, and parts of Central Asia.
2. Shah Abbas I (1571 - 1629), one of the most influential rulers of the Safavid Empire, known for his military campaigns, cultural achievements, and architectural projects.
3. Shah Jahan (1592 - 1666), the fifth Mughal emperor of India, who commissioned the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.
4. Shah Ismail I (1487 - 1524), the founder of the Safavid Dynasty and the first to establish Shia Islam as the official religion of Persia.
5. Shah Rukh (1377 - 1447), a Timurid ruler and the son of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), known for his patronage of art, literature, and architecture.

The name Shah has been deeply intertwined with the history and culture of the Persian civilization, representing power, authority, and sovereignty. It has been a significant part of the Persian royal tradition and has been carried by many influential rulers and monarchs throughout the centuries.

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

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

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