fareed

Fareed is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It is commonly interpreted to mean “unique,” “singular,” or “matchless,” derived from the Arabic root f-r-d, which relates to individuality. The name has several transliterations, including Farid and Farīd, with Fareed being a common English rendering.

The name is widely used in the Middle East, South Asia, and among Muslim communities worldwide, including in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and India, as well as in diaspora communities in Europe and North America. In Urdu- and Hindi-speaking communities the spelling Fareed is common, while Farid remains prevalent in many Arabic-speaking contexts. The name appears across languages that borrow from Arabic naming traditions and can be found in various cultural contexts.

Notable individuals bearing the given name include Fareed Zakaria (born 1964), an Indian-American journalist and author who hosts CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS. Beyond this public figure, the name Fareed is used across many Muslim-majority communities and has a presence in contemporary culture and public life.