Shahrzad Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: shahr-ZAHD /ʃɑːrˈzæd/
Origin: Persian; Arabic
Meaning: Persian: 'born of the city'; Arabic: 'noble'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shahrzad has its roots in Persian, deriving from the elements "shahr" meaning "city" and "zad" meaning "born of" or "daughter of." This etymology reflects a connection to urban life and heritage, suggesting a lineage tied to a significant city or civilization. The name is often associated with the legendary figure Scheherazade from the "One Thousand and One Nights," a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age, which spans from the 8th to the 14th centuries.
The tales recount the story of Scheherazade, who tells captivating stories to delay her execution by the king, thereby symbolizing intelligence, creativity, and the power of storytelling. Historically, the narrative of Scheherazade has had a profound impact on literature and culture, influencing countless adaptations and interpretations across various artistic mediums.
The tales themselves were originally composed in Arabic, with the earliest known manuscript dating back to the 9th century. They were later translated into Persian and then into European languages, notably during the 18th century, which helped to popularize the character of Scheherazade in Western literature.
This cross-cultural exchange highlights the significance of the name Shahrzad in the context of storytelling and the preservation of cultural heritage. Culturally, Shahrzad embodies themes of wisdom, resilience, and the importance of narrative in human experience.
The name is often associated with feminine strength and ingenuity, reflecting the character's role as a clever and resourceful woman who uses her intellect to navigate perilous circumstances. The enduring legacy of Scheherazade has ensured that the name Shahrzad remains a symbol of literary and cultural richness, resonating through centuries as a representation of the power of stories to transcend time and place.
Fictional characters named Shahrzad
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Shahrzad was first seen in the United States in 1976. Shahrzad has ranked as high as #1114 nationally, which occurred in 1979, and has been most popular in California. In the past 5 years the name Shahrzad has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Shahrzad (1987)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1976 | 5 |
| 1977 | 5 |
| 1979 | 12 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1982 | 8 |
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 10 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 2001 | 5 |