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Shah
Pronounced SHAH /ΛΚΙ/High
Meaning: From Persian shah, 'a king, a monarch, an emperor' (a royal title)Medium
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
Shah comes from Persian shah, 'a king, a monarch, an emperor' (from Old Persian xΕ‘Δyathiya; the title of the kings of Persia and Iran, and part of 'padishah' and 'shahanshah', 'king of kings'). A bold, regal name and title; it is also a very common South Asian surname (said 'SHAH'; nickname Shah).
In the U.S. it appears in Persian and South Asian families. Rare as a given name, a-king at the root, and regal.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Shah mean?
Shah is Persian for 'a king, a monarch, an emperor'.
How do you pronounce Shah?
It's said SHAH /ΛΚΙ/ β one syllable.
Is Shah a boy or girl name?
Shah is a boy's name.
How popular is Shah?
Shah is a rare given name in the U.S.