zahid

Zahid is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It derives from the root z-h-d, which relates to asceticism, abstinence, and piety. In classical Arabic, zahid describes a person who renounces worldly pleasures and pursues spiritual devotion. As a personal name, Zahid conveys connotations of humility and self-discipline.

Usage and distribution: The name is common across Muslim-majority regions and diasporas, including the Arab world, South Asia (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), Iran, and Southeast Asia. It is also used among Turkish and Central Asian communities, and can appear in various scripts depending on language. While primarily a given name, Zahid can also be found as a surname in some contexts.

Variants and transliterations: Depending on language and script, the name is rendered as Zahid, Zahed, or Zohid. In Persian and Urdu usage, it is typically written as زاہد, reflecting the same meaning.

Onomastic notes: Zahid is often chosen for its religious and moral associations within Muslim naming traditions, where names invoking virtue, piety, or asceticism are valued. The core meaning stems from its historical-linguistic roots rather than a single agreed-upon interpretation, and nuances can vary by culture and period.