Shah Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Shah' originates from Persian, meaning 'king' or 'ruler'. It has evolved from Old Persian to Modern Persian, retaining its royal connotation throughout history. The name is associated with authority and leadership, has no biblical relevance, and is linked to significant historical figures.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shah"
Pronunciation
/ʃɑː/
Origin
Persian
Etymology
The word 'Shah' comes from the Persian language, meaning 'king' or 'ruler'. It has been used historically as a title for monarchs in Persia (now Iran).
Meaning
king, ruler
Language Evolution
Old Persian: xšāyaθiya, Middle Persian: šāh, Modern Persian: شاه
Historical Usage
The title 'Shah' has been used since ancient times in Persia, gaining popularity particularly during the Achaemenid Empire and later dynasties.
Variants & Derivatives
Shahbaz, Shahzada, Shahriar
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, 'Shah' is perceived as a symbol of authority and leadership, often associated with historical significance and royal lineage.
Famous People
Shah Jahan - Mughal Emperor known for building the Taj Mahal, Shah Abbas - Notable king of Persia during the Safavid dynasty
📊 Shah Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Shah Name Visualizations
✨ Shah Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 22 peak births in 2009
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Shah" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Shah". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Shah" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shah"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Shah"
"Shah" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5827th of 10718 | 46 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7805th of 16616 | 62 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6726th of 24088 | 168 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6847th of 23106 | 142 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Shah" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
58.11% 3001st/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
79.30% 3558th/4487 |
- | - |
Regional Popularity of "Shah" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shah"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shah" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shah" in the United States
The name Shah is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shah has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast. Across generations, 'Shah' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5827th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7805th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6726th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6847th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Shah' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.