Azad is a name of Persian origin, derived from the Persian word "āzād" which means "free" or "independent". It is often used as both a given name and a surname in countries where Persian is widely spoken, such as Iran, Afghanistan, and India.
The name Azad has a significant historical context. It was popularized by the Iranian poet and philosopher, Ferdowsi, who lived during the 10th to 11th centuries. Ferdowsi wrote the Shahnameh, the national epic of Iran, and in this work, he used the name Azad for one of his characters.
The name has also been associated with notable figures throughout history. For instance, Azad Masudi was a famous Persian soldier who fought against the Mongols during the 13th century. Additionally, "Azadi" is Urdu word for freedom and it's often used as a symbol of independence in South Asian countries.
In terms of its usage today, Azad remains a popular name choice among families with Persian heritage or those simply drawn to its unique sound and powerful meaning. Despite its historic roots, the name feels fresh and modern, making it an appealing option for parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Azad has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded year for the name is 1918, with a total of 7 births that year. The number of births fluctuated significantly throughout the decades, with periods of higher frequency occurring in the late 1970s to early 1980s, and again from the late 1990s onwards.
The peak years for Azad's popularity were recently recorded, with a significant jump from 12 births in 2017 to 36 births in 2023. This indicates a growing trend of choosing the name Azad for newborns in recent times. Overall, since 1918 until now, there have been a total of 337 births with the name Azad recorded in the United States.
It is encouraging to see that despite its variable popularity over the years, the name Azad has maintained a consistent presence among baby names in the U.S., reflecting the unique tastes and preferences of parents throughout different eras. This data may serve as useful information for expectant parents considering the name Azad for their child or those interested in tracking trends related to this specific name.