Farhad is a male given name of Persian origin. It comes from the Middle Persian name Pahrad, which in turn is derived from the Old Iranian word "pah" meaning "high", and "hrada" meaning "fame". Therefore, Farhad means "renowned or famous for his height".
The name Farhad is significant in Persian culture as it appears in several traditional tales. One of the most notable is the tragic love story of Farhad and Shirin, first recorded by the 10th-century Persian poet Ahmad Gorgani. In this story, Farhad is a skilled stone carver who falls deeply in love with Princess Shirin, but his low social status prevents him from winning her hand in marriage.
Throughout history, Farhad has been used as a given name for males. It has also appeared in various forms of literature and art, often associated with themes of love, tragedy, and perseverance. Today, Farhad remains popular among families of Persian descent and those drawn to its unique sound and rich historical context.
The name Farhad experienced periods of popularity with a notable spike in the late 70s to early 80s, peaking at 13 births in 1981. However, it has since become less common, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1996 onwards and just 5 or 6 births in recent years (2018, 2022).