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Last Name Shahidi

What is the origin of the last name Shahidi?

The last name Shahidi is of Persian origin, derived from the word "shahid," meaning "martyr" or "witness." It is a common surname in Iran and other Persian-speaking regions.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Shahidi

Regarding ethnicity, the Decennial U.S. Census data shows shifts among those with the Shahidi surname between 2000 and 2010. The majority identify as White, increasing from 79.64% in 2000 to 83.98% in 2010. There was a drop in those identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander or Two or more races, down by 5.2% and 37.21% respectively. Meanwhile, those identifying as Hispanic appeared for the first time in 2010, accounting for 3.26% of the total, while the percentages for Black, American Indian, and Alaskan Native remained at zero.

20002010Change
White79.64%83.98%5.45%
Two or More Races16.07%10.09%-37.21%
Hispanic0%3.26%0%
Asian/Pacific Islander2.5%2.37%-5.2%
Black0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Shahidi

The meaning and origin of the last name Shahidi

The surname Shahidi is of Persian origin, deriving from the word "shahid" which means "martyr" or "witness" in Persian. This surname is commonly found among Muslim families, particularly in Iran and Afghanistan, where it is often used as an honorific title to denote someone who has witnessed or experienced significant events in their life. The surname Shahidi may also indicate a connection to Islamic religious figures or historical martyrs. Over time, the surname Shahidi has spread to other regions where Persian influence is present, such as Central Asia and parts of India. Its prevalence in these areas reflects the enduring significance of martyrdom and witnessing in Islamic culture and history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Shahidi

The last name Shahidi is predominantly found in Iran, with a significant concentration in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. Due to historical migrations and diaspora communities, the surname can also be found in other countries with significant Iranian populations, such as the United States, Canada, and Germany. In Iran, the name Shahidi is most common among families of Persian descent, particularly those with roots in the central and southern regions of the country. The dispersion of the Shahidi surname outside of Iran can be attributed to factors such as emigration, marriage, and cultural exchange. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Shahidi reflects the historical and contemporary connections of Iranian communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Shahidi

The last name Shahidi can be spelled in various ways including Shahedy, Shaahdi, Shakhidi, Shaahidee, and Shahidee. These variations may occur due to differences in regional accents, transliterations from other languages, or individual preferences. Despite these different spellings, they all refer to the same family name and are used by individuals and families with connection to the Shahidi surname. It is important to note that the spelling of last names can sometimes be influenced by historical factors or changes in language conventions over time. Regardless of the specific spelling variation, the last name Shahidi retains its cultural and familial significance for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is an Iranian-American actress and activist known for her roles in the TV shows "Black-ish" and "Grown-ish." Ali Shahidi is her younger brother, who is also an actor and is known for his role in the TV series "Dave." Their mother, Keri Shahidi, is a well-known actress and model. Yara and Ali's father, Afshin Shahidi, is a photographer who has worked with celebrities such as Prince and Lenny Kravitz. The Shahidi family is known for their talent and contributions to the entertainment industry, with Yara Shahidi especially gaining recognition for her advocacy work and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

Genealogical research on the last name Shahidi

The surname Shahidi is of Persian origin and typically found in Iran and other Persian-speaking regions. It is believed to be a combination of the Persian words "Shah" meaning "king" and "idi" meaning "descendant of", suggesting a noble lineage. The Shahidi surname may be associated with individuals who trace their ancestry back to royal or aristocratic families in Iran. Genealogical research on the Shahidi surname may involve exploring historical records, archives, and oral traditions to uncover specific ancestral connections and lineages within the Persian cultural context. The surname Shahidi is not commonly found outside of Persian-speaking communities, and its significance is rooted in the rich history and traditions of Iran.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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