"maturity, wisdom"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Rashad
Pronunciation: [ r-uhsh-AHD ]
Does Rashad flow with your last name?
An Arabic name for a soul of integrity
African-American
Arabic
Muslim
Strong
Spiritual
Classic
Bold
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Rashad
Rashad comes from the Arabic root rashada, meaning to follow the right path, have integrity, or be rightly guided. It is related to the Arabic word rashid, meaning rightly guided or mature in judgment. The name is deeply connected to Islamic values of moral guidance and wisdom, and has been popular across the Arab world and among Muslim communities globally.
Rashad gained significant popularity in African-American communities during the 1970s-1990s, partly through the success of athlete Ahmad Rashad. The name represents a generation of parents who embraced Arabic and Islamic names as expressions of cultural pride during that era.
In Islamic tradition, Rashad carries the meaning of being rightly guided on the spiritual path. It reflects the influence of Arabic naming traditions on African-American naming practices from the 1960s civil rights movement onward.
Historical Record
Rashad first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 16,151 babies have been named Rashad in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Rashad is past its peak , currently ranked #1,793 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The name shares its root with Rashid, meaning the rightly guided one, one of the 99 names of Allah in Islamic tradition
- Ahmad Rashad, born Bobby Moore Jr., adopted the name as a cultural statement in the 1970s
Rashad in Other Languages
Urdu
رشاد
Arabic
رشاد
Persian
رشاد
Turkish
Reşad
Popularity Over Time
#1,793
Current Rank
Peaked 1987
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Rashad
R
Rashad Jennings
Athlete
1985
NFL running back who played for the Giants and Raiders, later a Dancing with the Stars champion
R
Rashad Evans
Athlete
1979
American mixed martial artist and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
A
Ahmad Rashad
Athlete
1949
American NFL wide receiver and sportscaster who became a prominent NBC Sports journalist
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,793
- Total SSA Count
- 91
- Cultural Origins
- African-American Arabic Muslim
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Rash
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Rashad
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Rashad is also used as a girl name, ranked #33700.
View Rashad as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rashad
What does the name Rashad mean?
"maturity, wisdom" (from Arabic). Rashad comes from the Arabic root rashada, meaning to follow the right path, have integrity, or be rightly guided. It is related to the Arabic word rashid, meaning rightly guided or mature in judgment. The name is deeply connected to Islamic values of moral guidance and wisdom, and has been popular across the Arab world and among Muslim communities globally.
What is the origin of the name Rashad?
Rashad has Arabic, African-American, and Muslim origins. In Arabic, it means "maturity, wisdom".
Is Rashad a boy or girl name?
Rashad is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1793. As a girl name, it is ranked #33700. Rashad is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Rashad?
Rashad is pronounced r-uhsh-AHD.
How popular is the name Rashad?
Rashad is currently ranked #1793 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Rashad?
Common nicknames for Rashad include Rash.
What are good middle names for Rashad?
Popular middle name pairings include Rashad James, Rashad Michael, Rashad Lee, Rashad Wayne, Rashad Andre, Rashad Jerome, and Rashad Malik.
What are good sibling names for Rashad?
Names that pair well with Rashad as siblings include Darius, Malik, Tariq, Kezia, Amira, Layla, and Nasir.
How many syllables does Rashad have?
Rashad has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Rashad a common or rare name?
Rashad is an uncommon name, ranked #1793 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Rashad?
About the Name Rashad
Rashad is a boy name with African-American, Arabic, and Muslim origins . The name means "maturity, wisdom" in Arabic .
Is Rashad a boy or girl name? Rashad is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,793 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #33,700. Rashad is more commonly used as a boy name.
Rashad is currently ranked #1,793 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Rashad has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-uhsh-AHD, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Rashad include Rash. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Rashad include Rashawn, Rashaad, Rashid, Rasheed, Rashaun . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis