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Shams
Pronounced SHAMS /ˈʃams/Medium
Meaning: From the Arabic shams, 'sun' — also the name of the 91st chapter of the Quran, Ash-Shams. Used as a given name and as the first element of names such as Shamsuddin ('sun of the faith').Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Shams is the Arabic word for 'sun', used across the Arabic-speaking world and beyond as a name on its own and as the first half of compounds like Shamsuddin. The word also titles the Quranic chapter Ash-Shams, a point we note respectfully. Short, warm, and unmistakably bright (said 'SHAMS').
In the U.S. it appears only rarely, carried mainly by Muslim and Arabic-speaking families. Rare, one-syllable, and radiant.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Shams mean?
Shams is Arabic for 'sun'. It also titles the Quran's 91st chapter, Ash-Shams.
How do you pronounce Shams?
It's said SHAMS /ˈʃams/ — one syllable.
Is Shams a boy or girl name?
Shams is used here as a boy's name, though the word itself is grammatically feminine in Arabic.
How popular is Shams?
Shams is a rare name for boys in the U.S.