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Jihad
Pronounced jee-HAHD /dΚiΛhΙd/Medium
Meaning: From Arabic jihad, 'striving, struggle, exertion' β in the religious sense, the effort to live faithfully and do goodMedium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Jihad comes from Arabic jihad, 'striving, struggle, exertion' β in its primary religious sense, the personal effort to be faithful and do good (the 'greater jihad'). A strong, earnest name across the Arab world; we note honestly that the word also carries contested political connotations in English.
In the U.S. it appears in Arab and Muslim families. Rare, striving at the root, and earnest.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Jihad mean?
Jihad is Arabic for 'striving, struggle, effort' β chiefly the effort to live faithfully.
How do you pronounce Jihad?
It's said jee-HAHD /dΚiΛhΙd/ β two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Jihad a boy or girl name?
Jihad is a boy's name.
How popular is Jihad?
Jihad is a rare name in the U.S.