Asad
BoyArabic· “lion”
- Meaning
- lion
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- AH-sahd
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,919
- US babies 2025
- 81
- Best rank
- #1,824 (1994)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Asad
Asad is an Arabic name that means “lion”.
Asad is the Arabic word for lion, a symbol of courage and strength across the Middle East and South Asia. The title Asad Allah, lion of God, was given to Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, who was known for his bravery, and it has been applied to other heroes of early Islamic history. In Arabic astronomy al-Asad is also the name of the constellation Leo. The name is common among Muslim families and is pronounced AH-sahd. Assad is another spelling. Short and bold, it pairs easily with longer middle names such as Ibrahim or Rahman.
Popularity over time
Asad first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,824 in 1994, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 88 were named Asad. In 2025, 81 babies were named Asad, and it ranked #1,919 nationally. That is 125% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,164 in 1980, #2,198 in 2000, #2,918 in 2010, and #1,919 in 2025. Of the 1,991 US boys named Asad since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 480 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Theodor, Tahir, Kota, Izrael, and Zacari.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Asad ranked highest in Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #817 | 5 |
| New Jersey | #1034 | 5 |
| New York | #1059 | 11 |
| Pennsylvania | #1242 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1300 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Asad is usually pronounced AH-sahd, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-ad”.
Middle names for Asad
A few middle names that flow with Asad: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Asad
Similar names
Lists that include Asad
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Asad mean?
Asad is an Arabic name that means “lion”.
What is the origin of the name Asad?
Asad has Arabic roots. Asad is the Arabic word for lion, a symbol of courage and strength across the Middle East and South Asia.
Is Asad a popular name?
Not especially. Asad ranked #1,919 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Asad a boy or girl name?
Asad is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Asad?
Asad is usually pronounced AH-sahd. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings