Ramadan

Meaning of Ramadan

Ramadan is an Arabic masculine given name derived from the designation of the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, during which observant Muslims undertake the fast of sawm, thereby conferring upon the name connotations of spiritual introspection, communal solidarity, and moral discipline. Pronounced rah-muh-DAHN (/rɑːməˈdɑːn/), it has been embraced within diverse cultural milieus—including Anglo-American Muslim communities—as a means of preserving religious heritage and articulating a commitment to the values embodied by this sacred period. Empirical data from the United States Social Security Administration indicate that Ramadan has sustained a modest yet consistent presence among male births since the late 1970s, with annual occurrences typically ranging from five to fifteen and rank positions fluctuating between approximately 659 in its earliest recorded decade and 930 in 2022; in 2024 alone, nine infants received the name, securing the 915th place in national popularity. Although relatively uncommon within the broader American naming landscape, its persistent usage reflects a deliberate parental choice to bestow a name imbued with historical depth and enduring spiritual resonance.