Saud

Saud is a masculine given name in Arabic and a surname. It is derived from the root س-ع-د and is associated with felicity, happiness, or prosperity; in naming, it signifies fortune or good fortune.

Most prominently, Saud is the name of the royal House of Saud, the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia. The dynasty traces its name to Muhammad bin Saud, the 18th‑century founder who allied with the Wahhabi movement. The modern state was established by Abdulaziz Ibn Saud (Ibn Saud) in 1932, and the family has maintained the throne since then.

Notable people with the given name include King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (king 1953–1964) and Saud bin Faisal Al Saud (Saud al-Faisal), long-serving foreign minister. The surname Al Saud is borne by current and former princes and officials of the Saudi government, including the present king Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Usage and transliteration: Saud is widely used in Saudi Arabia and other Arab-speaking communities. In English, the name is usually rendered as Saud; other transliterations exist, and separate names such as Suad/Souad exist for female forms.