Zayd

♂ Boy

Pronounced ZAYD /zeɪd/High

Meaning: From Arabic zayd (زيد), from the root z-y-d meaning 'to increase,' 'to grow,' or 'abundance.' Zayd ibn Haritha was a freed slave and beloved companion of the Prophet Muhammad.High

In 30 seconds: Zayd is a crisp Arabic name meaning 'growth' and 'abundance,' honored in Islamic history as the name of the Prophet Muhammad's adopted son. Its clean single syllable gives it a modern, punchy appeal.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic zayd (زيد), from the root z-y-d meaning 'to increase,' 'to grow,' or 'abundance.' Zayd ibn Haritha was a freed slave and beloved companion of the Prophet Muhammad.

U.S. rank (2025)#633 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births442 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,887

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Zayd derives from the Arabic root z-y-d, meaning 'to increase' or 'to grow.' It was borne by Zayd ibn Haritha, who was a freed slave adopted as a son by the Prophet Muhammad — a groundbreaking act in 7th-century Arabia. Zayd's name appears directly in the Quran, making it uniquely revered.

The name has been used throughout the Arab world and Muslim communities for fourteen centuries. In the West, it gained popularity alongside other short Arabic names in the 2010s. The alternate spelling Zaid is also common; both forms appear in the U.S. top 1000.

Did you know? Zayd ibn Haritha holds the unique distinction of being the only companion of the Prophet Muhammad — other than the Prophet himself — to be mentioned by name in the Quran (Surah 33:37), making this among the most theologically significant names in Islam.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Zayd — etymology and Islamic contextU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ZaidZayedZaidan

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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

If you like Zayd…

Zain— shares the same crisp, single-syllable Arabic structure and modern feel

Omar— fellow classic one-or-two-syllable Arabic name widely used in Muslim communities

Bilal— another name of a close companion of the Prophet, similarly honored

Ibrahim— shares the Islamic heritage and cross-cultural appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zayd mean?

Zayd is an Arabic name meaning 'growth,' 'increase,' or 'abundance.' It is the name of Zayd ibn Haritha, the Prophet Muhammad's adopted son.

How do you pronounce Zayd?

Zayd is pronounced ZAYD /zeɪd/ — one syllable rhyming with 'jade.'

Is Zayd a boy or girl name?

Zayd is used exclusively as a boys' name.

What is the difference between Zayd and Zaid?

Zayd and Zaid are alternate transliterations of the same Arabic name. Both are correct; Zayd is closer to classical Arabic pronunciation.