Zaid

♂ Boy

Pronounced ZAYD /zeɪd/High

Meaning: From Arabic zayd or ziyad meaning growth, abundance, or increase; Zayd ibn Harithah was a companion and adopted son of the Prophet Muhammad, giving the name significant Islamic historical importanceHigh

In 30 seconds: A clean, one-syllable Arabic name meaning growth and abundance, Zaid carries the memory of Zayd ibn Harithah, the Prophet's beloved adopted son, and is one of the most historically meaningful names in Islam.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic zayd or ziyad meaning growth, abundance, or increase; Zayd ibn Harithah was a companion and adopted son of the Prophet Muhammad, giving the name significant Islamic historical importance

U.S. rank (2025)#677 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births402 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,458

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Zaid (also spelled Zayd or Zaid) comes from Arabic, meaning growth, abundance, or increase — a positive, prosperous meaning. The name is historically significant in Islam through Zayd ibn Harithah (died c. 629 CE), who was the Prophet Muhammad's freed slave, adopted son, and one of his closest companions. His story is referenced in the Quran (Surah 33:37).

Zaid is widely used across the Muslim world, from the Arab countries to South Asia and beyond. In the United States it has been rising steadily among Muslim communities and has also attracted attention from parents outside those communities who appreciate its clean, one-syllable simplicity and profound meaning. Today Zaid charts in the U.S. top 400 boys' names.

Did you know? Zayd ibn Harithah was so beloved by the Prophet Muhammad that he was initially called Zayd ibn Muhammad (son of Muhammad) — he was the first adult male to convert to Islam and remains one of the most honored companions in Islamic tradition.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Zaid — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ZaydZayedZaid

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

★Zayd ibn Harithah (c. 581–629)
Companion and adopted son of the Prophet Muhammad, the only companion mentioned by name in the Quran.

If you like Zaid…

Samir— shares the Arabic classic origin and the same smooth, confident sound

Omar— fellow one-or-two syllable Arabic classic with the same grounded Islamic heritage

Malik— shares the Arabic origin and the same strong, regal Islamic classic character

Tariq— another classic Arabic name with the same dignified Islamic cultural resonance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zaid mean?

Zaid means growth, abundance, or increase in Arabic. It is a name of positive, prosperous meaning.

How do you pronounce Zaid?

It is said ZAYD /zeɪd/ — one syllable.

Is Zaid a Muslim name?

Zaid is a historically significant Islamic name, borne by Zayd ibn Harithah, one of the Prophet Muhammad's closest companions.

Is Zaid the same as Zayd?

Zaid and Zayd are alternate romanizations of the same Arabic name; both spellings are used.