Shaddad

Shaddad is an Arabic given name and, in some traditions, a legendary figure. The name derives from the Arabic root sh-d-d, meaning to be strong, severe, or mighty, and is typically used for males. In modern usage it appears in Arabic-speaking communities and among Muslims, with various transliterations such as Shaddad or Shaddad.

In Islamic and Arabian folklore, Shaddad is the name of a legendary tyrant-king of a pre-Islamic era. He is described in some medieval sources as a powerful ruler who oppressed his people and sought to build grand, extravagant projects. In certain tellings the stories connect him with a legendary city or kingdom, such as Iram of the Pillars, though the details vary and no historical evidence supports the figure as a real ruler. The legends emphasize hubris, wealth, and divine punishment, with Shaddad’s reign said to be brought to ruin by divine intervention or disaster. As with many legendary figures, the character of Shaddad exists in multiple versions and is treated as myth or allegory rather than history.

In contemporary usage, Shaddad remains primarily a given name in Arabic-speaking regions and among Muslim communities. It is sometimes employed in literature and media as an emblematic reference to tyranny or ancient power, reflecting its legendary associations.