Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Iranian names are deeply rooted in Persian history and culture, with influences from Zoroastrianism and Islamic traditions. Many names, like Cyrus (Kourosh) and Roxana, reflect values of strength, beauty, and wisdom, often inspired by ancient kings, queens, and poetic literature. These names carry profound historical and cultural significance, representing Iran’s rich and diverse heritage.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ardeshir | Ardeshir means "one who upholds righteousness," of Persian origin. | Iranian, Persian, Zoroastrian | Boy | |
| Ashkan | Ashkan means "brave" in Persian; it originates from ancient Iran. | Iranian, Persian | Boy | |
| Bahadori | Bahadori: Iranian name meaning "brave," associated with strength and valor. | Iranian | Boy | |
| Bahman | Iranian, Persian, Zoroastrian | |||
| Davood | Davood means "beloved" in Persian; derived from the Hebrew name David. | Arabic, Iranian, Persian | Boy | |
| Delbari | Delbari: Persian name meaning "beloved," elegant, and culturally significant. | Iranian | Girl | |
| Farid | Farid: Arabic name meaning "unique," popular in Muslim cultures. | Arabic, Iranian, Muslim, Pakistani | Unisex | |
| Fariman | Fariman: Iranian name meaning "brave," unique, culturally significant, male-associated. | Iranian | Boy | |
| Farzadeh | Farzadeh: Iranian name meaning "noble," associated with male heritage. | Iranian | Boy | |
| Farzod | Farzod: Iranian name meaning "brave," gaining popularity in Persian regions. | Iranian | Boy | |
| Fatemehn | Fatemehn: Iranian name meaning piety, popular among Persian-speaking cultures. | Iranian | Girl | |
| Fereydoun | Fereydoun means "victorious," originating from Persian mythology and history. | Iranian, Persian | Boy | |
| Firuzja | Firuzja: Iranian name meaning "victorious," unique and culturally significant. | Iranian | Girl | |
| Fuzhan | Fuzhan: Iranian name meaning "wise," unique, and culturally significant. | Iranian | Boy | |
| Gholamreza | Gholamreza means "servant of the noble," originating from Persian culture. | Arabic, Iranian, Persian | Boy | |
| Heshmat | Heshmat means "honor" in Persian; it signifies dignity and respect. | Arabic, Iranian, Persian | Boy | |
| Hossein-Reza | Hossein-Reza: Iranian male name meaning good-looking and content. | Iranian | Boy | |
| Irani | Irani: Unisex name of Iranian origin, reflecting cultural heritage significance. | Iranian | Unisex | |
| Irantzu | Basque, Iranian | |||
| Kayhan | Kayhan means "universe" in Persian, symbolizing vastness and eternity. | Iranian, Persian | Boy | |
| Khashyar | Khashyar means "brave" in Persian; it has ancient Persian origins. | Iranian, Persian | Boy | |
| Manto | Manto: Greek name meaning "prophetess," associated with foresight and wisdom. | Greek, Iranian | Unisex | |
| Mehrdad | Mehrdad means "gift of the sun," popular in Persian culture. | Iranian, Persian | Unisex | |
| Mehrdadpour | Mehrdadpour is an Iranian male name meaning "son of love." | Iranian | Boy | |
| Meysam | Meysam: Persian name meaning "a person of good character." | Arabic, Iranian | Male | |
| Mojgan | Mojgan means "eyelash" in Persian, symbolizing beauty and delicacy. | Iranian, Persian | Female | |
| Omead | Omead: Iranian name meaning "hope," symbolizing optimism and positivity. | Iranian | Boy | |
| Omead | Omead: Iranian name meaning "hope," symbolizing optimism and positivity. | Iranian | Boy | |
| Omid | Omid means "hope" in Persian, originating from ancient Iranian culture. | Iranian, Persian | Boy | |
| Omidreza | Omidreza: Iranian name meaning hope and contentment, culturally significant choice. | Iranian | Boy |
The name 'Iranian' originates from the term 'Aryan,' which ancient Persians used to describe their lineage. This term was adopted in the early 20th century when Persia was renamed Iran, which means 'land of the Aryans.' The name reflects the country's history and the identity of its people.
Persia was officially renamed Iran in 1935 by Reza Shah Pahlavi to signal a new era and align with the country's Aryan heritage. The name change was also intended to emphasize the nation's broader cultural connections to other Indo-European peoples. 'Iran' is derived from the root 'Arya,' which is also the source of the name 'Aryan.'
The term 'Iranian' primarily refers to nationality, denoting a person from Iran. However, it can also imply a connection to the various ethnic groups within Iran that share a common Iranian cultural heritage. The term encompasses a diverse population with multiple ethnic backgrounds, including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, and others.
Yes, there is a difference between Persian and Iranian; Persian refers to an ethnic group, while Iranian denotes nationality. Persians are the largest ethnic group within Iran and the primary speakers of the Persian language (Farsi). All Persians are Iranians, but not all Iranians are Persians, as Iran is home to many ethnicities.
Iranians primarily speak Persian, also known as Farsi, which is the official language of Iran. Persian is an Indo-European language belonging to the Iranian branch of the linguistic family. Besides Persian, there are several other languages spoken in Iran, including Kurdish, Azeri, and Balochi.
The historical significance of the name 'Iranian' lies in its association with the ancient Aryan peoples of the Iranian plateau. It reflects the cultural and linguistic heritage that dates back thousands of years to the early Indo-European settlers in the region. The name has been used to denote the people of Iran since the country's name change from Persia to Iran in the 20th century.
The term 'Iranian' has evolved from its ancient roots as 'Aryan' to a modern national identity. Initially, it referred to the noble lineage of the Indo-European inhabitants of the plateau. Today, it encompasses the diverse cultural and ethnic identities that make up the nation of Iran.
The word 'Aryan' comes from the Sanskrit word 'ārya,' which means noble or honorable and is the etymological root of 'Iranian.' This term was used by Indo-Iranian peoples to describe themselves. Over time, 'Aryan' became associated with the region that is now Iran, leading to the modern name 'Iranian.'
The terms 'Iranian' and 'Aryan' are not interchangeable; 'Iranian' refers to the modern nationality, while 'Aryan' has historical and linguistic connotations. 'Aryan' historically referred to the Indo-European people, while 'Iranian' is a term for citizens of Iran regardless of their ethnic background. The confusion arises from the shared etymological roots but the meanings have diverged over time.
The Achaemenid Empire, as one of the earliest and most influential Persian empires, helped establish the identity that would later be known as 'Iranian.' The empire's use of the Old Persian language and promotion of Zoroastrianism contributed to a distinct cultural identity. This identity was a precursor to the modern concept of 'Iranian,' which encompasses the nation's rich historical and cultural legacy.
