Waheed

Waheed is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It is a transliteration of Wahid, meaning “one” or “unique,” and it is widely used in Urdu- and Persian-speaking communities. The feminine form Waheeda exists, and the name is occasionally found as a surname in some regions. It is common in Pakistan, India, and other parts of South Asia, as well as in the Arab world and among diaspora communities.

Variants and regional usage include Wahid and Vahid, with spelling often reflecting language and transliteration practices. In Turkish and Persian contexts, the form Vahid is common, while Arabic contexts typically use Wahid. The name carries associations with unity and singularity within Islamic tradition.

Notable bearers of the name include Waheed Murad, a well-known Pakistani film actor who began his career in the 1960s and remained influential in South Asian cinema. Beyond this, individuals named Waheed have appeared in literature, academia, and public life across South Asia and the Middle East, reflecting the name’s broad cultural distribution.