walid

Walid is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It means “newborn” or “child” and is derived from the Arabic root walad, related to birth and bearing. In classical usage the form al-Walid appears in historical and religious names, and the name is widely used across the Arab world and in Muslim communities worldwide.

Variants and forms include Waleed and Walīd, with transliterations varying by language and script. The feminine form Walida (or Walīda) is used in some contexts. The name is often given to boys with a cultural or familial connection to Arabic heritage.

Historically, al-Walid I (705–715) was an Umayyad caliph who oversaw territorial expansion and directed construction projects such as the Great Mosque of Damascus. al-Walid II (reigned 743–744) was another Umayyad caliph whose short, controversial tenure ended with his death. These figures contributed to the prominence of the name in early Islamic history.

In contemporary use, several notable people bear the name Walid. Walid Jumblatt (born 1949) is a prominent Lebanese Druze politician. Walid Regragui (born 1975) is a Moroccan football manager and former player. Walid Phares (born 1957) is a Lebanese-American political commentator. Walid Toufic (born 1959) is a Lebanese singer and actor. The name remains common among Arabic-speaking populations and in diaspora communities.