Jihad

♂ Boy

Jihad Pronunciation

Jihad is pronounced jee-HAHD /dʒiˈhɑd/Medium

Meaning: From Arabic jihad, 'striving, struggle, exertion' — in the religious sense, the effort to live faithfully and do goodMedium

In 30 seconds: Striving and effort: Jihad is Arabic for 'striving, struggle' — the effort to live faithfully. Strong and earnest (we note its meaning honestly).

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic jihad, 'striving, struggle, exertion' — in the religious sense, the effort to live faithfully and do good

U.S. rank (2024)#4617 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births22 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,035

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Jihad comes from Arabic jihad, 'striving, struggle, exertion' — 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.

Did you know? Jihad means 'striving, struggle, exertion' in Arabic — in Islamic teaching, principally the inner effort to live a good, faithful life; a strong, earnest name. We note the word's broader connotations honestly.

Overall data confidence 70%

Arabic references — jihad — meaning noted honestly

Variations

JehadGihad

Nicknames

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Jihad?

Jihad is pronounced jee-HAHD (/dʒiˈhɑd/). Press play above to hear Jihad said aloud.

How do you say Jihad?

Jihad is said jee-HAHD (/dʒiˈhɑd/). Press play above to hear Jihad said aloud.

What does the name Jihad mean?

Jihad is Arabic for 'striving, struggle, effort' — chiefly the effort to live faithfully.

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.