Shams

♀ Girl

Shams Pronunciation

Shams is pronounced SHAHMS /ˈʃɑms/High

Meaning: From Arabic shams, 'the sun' — also the name of Rumi's beloved teacher, Shams of TabrizHigh

In 30 seconds: The sun itself, in one blazing syllable: Shams is Arabic for the sun — and the name of the wandering mystic who set Rumi's poetry on fire. Radiant, unisex, and profound.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic shams, 'the sun' — also the name of Rumi's beloved teacher, Shams of Tabriz

U.S. rank (2024)#3800 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births40 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 300

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Shams comes from Arabic shams, 'the sun' — an ancient Semitic root shared with Hebrew shemesh. Borne by Shams of Tabriz, the spiritual companion of the poet Rumi, it is given to daughters and sons across the Arab and Persian worlds; this page covers its girls' use.

In the U.S. it appears in Arab and Muslim families. Rare, sun at the root, and mystic-bright.

Did you know? Shams of Tabriz was the dervish whose friendship transformed Rumi into history's best-loved mystic poet — Rumi named his great work the 'Divan of Shams' in his honor.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Shams — etymology

Variations

ShamsaShamsiaChams

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Shams…

Noor— the companion 'light' favorite

Zia— a fellow 'light, splendor' name

Soraya— the Persian star-cluster sister name

Reem— a fellow Arabic choice

Leen— lands in the same popularity range

→ See all names like Shams

Browse the whole category: All Arabic names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Shams?

Shams is pronounced SHAHMS (/ˈʃɑms/). Press play above to hear Shams said aloud.

How do you say Shams?

Shams is said SHAHMS (/ˈʃɑms/). Press play above to hear Shams said aloud.

What does the name Shams mean?

Shams is Arabic for 'the sun'; it was the name of Rumi's beloved teacher, Shams of Tabriz.

Is Shams a boy or girl name?

Shams is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Shams?

Shams is a rare name in the U.S.