300+ Persian Boy Names (with Meanings)

What if your son’s name could carry the poetry of Rumi, the courage of ancient Persian warriors, and a sound that works perfectly in today’s global world?

Persian boy names offer exactly that—a bridge between profound cultural heritage and contemporary appeal that resonates across continents.

I’ll never forget walking through the Persian gardens at the Getty Museum last spring, watching a father call out “Dariush!” to his toddler.

The name echoed off the stone walls with such dignity and warmth—ancient yet timeless.

That moment reminded me why Persian names hold such enduring appeal. There’s something magical about names that have survived millennia while still sounding fresh and relevant today.

This comprehensive guide explores 300+ Persian boy names spanning from classical literary names to modern Iranian favorites.

You’ll discover pronunciation guides, cultural significance, and why Persian names are experiencing a remarkable renaissance among parents worldwide .

Whether you’re honoring your Iranian roots, searching for a meaningful multicultural name, or simply drawn to the lyrical beauty of Persian language, you’ll find inspiration in these time-honored choices.

Classic Persian Names with Royal Heritage

These timeless names reference Persian kings, literary figures, and ancient warriors. They’ve proven their staying power across centuries and cultures, offering your son a name with undeniable gravitas.

• Cyrus (Kurosh): “Sun” or “throne” – Founded the Persian Empire, perfect blend of history and modern appeal
• Darius (Dariush): “He who holds firm the good” – Three Persian kings bore this name, rising steadily in US rankings
• Xerxes (Khashayar): “Ruler over heroes” – Bold, distinctive, historically significant
• Arman: “Wish” or “hope” – Soft sound, easy pronunciation, deeply meaningful
• Behnam: “Honorable name” – A self-fulfilling prophecy name, traditional yet accessible
• Farzad: “Splendid birth” – Celebrates the very arrival of your son
• Kian (Kyan): “King” or “realm” – Short, powerful, works seamlessly across cultures
• Navid: “Good news” – Your baby is good news—this name says it perfectly
• Ramin: From Persian legend “Vis and Ramin” – Romantic literary hero name
• Shahrokh: “Royal face” – Regal without being pretentious
• Sohrab: “Red water” or “bright” – Tragic hero from Shahnameh epic
• Rostam: “Brave, strong” – Greatest hero of Persian mythology
• Arash: Legendary archer – Symbol of sacrifice and heroism
• Bahram: “Victory” – Name of several Sasanian kings
• Khosrow: “Of good fame” – Multiple Persian emperors carried this distinguished name
• Ardeshir: “Righteous man” – Founder of Sasanian dynasty
• Siavash: Pure prince from Shahnameh – Represents innocence and nobility
• Kaveh: Blacksmith hero who led rebellion – Symbol of courage against tyranny
• Fereydoon: Legendary king who defeated evil – Represents justice
• Jamshid: “Shining Jam” – Mythical king of golden age
• Manuchehr: Ancient king name – “Heavenly face”
• Bizhan: Brave warrior from Shahnameh epic
• Garshasp: Dragon-slayer hero – Symbol of strength
• Hormoz: “Good mind” – Zoroastrian concept, royal name
• Anushirvan: “Immortal soul” – Most celebrated Sasanian king
• Shapour: “Son of the king” – Name of three Sasanian rulers
• Nariman: “Manly” or “strong spirit” – Legendary hero’s name
• Rustam: Alternate spelling of Rostam – Equally powerful
• Gudarz: Wise counselor from epic literature
• Tus: Commander name from Shahnameh
• Giv: Noble warrior character – Short and strong
• Farhad: “Happiness” – Tragic romantic hero
• Shirin: Means “sweet” – Famous love story character
• Bizhan: “Hero” – Epic warrior with loyal heart
• Zal: Father of Rostam – Means “albino” or “old”
• Goudarz: Wise Persian nobleman from legends
• Yazdegerd: “Made by God” – Royal Sasanian name
• Khosrau: Variant of Khosrow – Multiple spellings, same nobility
• Isfandiyar: Invincible hero – “Holy gift”
• Piruz: “Victorious” – Celebrating triumph
• Noshirvan: “Immortal soul” – Justice-focused ruler
• Gushtasp: Father of Isfandiyar – Ancient royal name
• Lohrasp: Legendary Persian king
• Kaikavoos: Mythical king from Shahnameh
• Kaikhosrow: Divine king character – “Royal glory”
• Jamshid: “Radiant Jam” – Golden age monarch
• Hushang: First king in Persian mythology
• Tahmoures: “Strong body” – Defeated evil demons
• Arash: Famous archer who sacrificed himself
• Babak: “Little father” – Revolutionary hero

[If you’re drawn to names with royal heritage, check out our collection of powerful last names that carry similar regal energy.]

Nature-Inspired Persian Names

Persian poetry celebrates the natural world with unmatched eloquence. These names connect your son to mountains, gardens, celestial bodies, and the elements.

• Arya: “Noble” but also “Aryan” (Iranian) – Growing popularity worldwide
• Azin: “Decorated” or “adorned” – Beauty of embellishment
• Baran: “Rain” – Life-giving, poetic, gender-neutral appeal
• Bardia: “Exalted” – Also means “carrier of good news”
• Behzad: “Noble birth” or “highborn” – Aristocratic elegance
• Dara: “Wealthy” or “star” – Short, international appeal
• Delshad: “Happy heart” – Joyful disposition built into the name
• Ehsan: “Compassion” or “beneficence” – Virtue name
• Firooz: “Turquoise” or “victorious” – Precious stone reference
• Golzar: “Rose garden” – Fragrant and beautiful imagery
• Hooman: “Good soul” or “benevolent” – Kindness personified
• Iman: “Faith” – Spiritual depth, works across cultures
• Javid: “Eternal” – Timeless quality
• Kambiz: “Fortunate king” – Royal luck combined
• Kasra: Short form of Khosrow – Modern feel, ancient roots
• Kavian: “Royal” – Related to legendary hero Kaveh
• Keyvan: “Saturn” – Celestial name with cosmic appeal
• Kourosh: Persian form of Cyrus – Original pronunciation
• Mazdak: “Follower of Mazda” – Religious reformer name
• Mehran: “Kindness” or “affection” – Warm sentiment
• Mehrdad: “Gift of sun/kindness” – Double blessing
• Milad: “Birth” – Celebrates beginnings
• Nader: “Rare” or “unique” – Perfect for your one-of-a-kind son
• Nima: “Just” or “half moon” – Poetic simplicity
• Omid: “Hope” – Universal positive message
• Parviz: “Victorious” – Triumph embedded in identity
• Payam: “Message” – Your son as bearer of meaning
• Peyman: “Promise” or “covenant” – Trustworthiness
• Pouria: “Heroic” – Brave connotations
• Reza: “Contentment” – Islamic significance, peaceful meaning
• Saeed: “Happy” or “fortunate” – Arabic-Persian hybrid, widespread use
• Saman: “Jasmine” – Floral elegance for boys
• Sepehr: “Sky” or “heavens” – Vast and limitless
• Shahin: “Falcon” or “royal” – Majestic bird symbolism
• Shervin: “Eternal soul” – Spiritual permanence
• Siavash: “Owner of black horses” – Mythological prince
• Soroush: “Angel” or “messenger” – Divine connection
• Taha: Quranic reference – Two mysterious letters
• Vahid: “Unique” – One-of-a-kind identity
• Yavar: “Helper” or “companion” – Supportive nature
• Yashar: “Honest” – Integrity as foundation
• Yousef: Persian Joseph – Biblical crossover appeal
• Zarir: “Golden” – Precious metal reference
• Bahman: “Good mind” – 11th month of Persian calendar
• Mehr: “Sun” or “affection” – Warmth in multiple meanings
• Azar: “Fire” – Zoroastrian sacred element
• Mahan: “Moon-like” or “great” – Celestial beauty
• Soren: “Severe” – Also links to Danish philosopher
• Barman: “Strong minded” – Mental fortitude
• Gohar: “Jewel” or “essence” – Precious core

[Love nature-inspired names? Explore our nature last names for complementary surname ideas.]

Modern Iranian Favorites

These names dominate birth registries in contemporary Iran while maintaining international accessibility. They represent the living, breathing Persian naming tradition.

• Amir: “Prince” or “commander” – Top 10 name globally
• Ali: “Exalted” or “noble” – Most popular Islamic name worldwide
• Mohammad: “Praiseworthy” – Prophet’s name, countless variations
• Hassan: “Handsome” or “good” – Classic with enduring appeal
• Hossein: “Small beauty” – Revered Islamic figure
• Mahdi: “Guided one” – Messianic significance
• Amin: “Trustworthy” or “faithful” – Virtue name
• Erfan: “Knowledge” or “wisdom” – Intellectual pursuit
• Parsa: “Pious” or “chaste” – Religious devotion
• Arsalan: “Lion” – Strength and courage
• Artin: “Righteous” or “truthful” – Armenian-Persian crossover
• Arad: “Angel of fire” – Zoroastrian angel name
• Arta: “Righteous” – Short form of Artaxerxes
• Ashkan: “Parthian king” – Ancient dynasty reference
• Arshan: “Strong” or “brave” – Warrior quality
• Arshia: “Throne” – Royal seating
• Arvin: “Fast runner” – Athletic ability
• Aron: Persian Aaron – Biblical connection
• Aban: “Water” or “October” – Calendar month
• Abtin: “Water of life” – Vital element
• Adib: “Cultured” or “learned” – Scholarly pursuit
• Adel: “Just” or “fair” – Justice personified
• Afshin: Military commander title – Leadership role
• Agha: “Master” or “lord” – Respectful title
• Ahmad: “Most praised” – Prophet Muhammad’s alternative name
• Aidin: “Enlightened” – Illumination and wisdom
• Alborz: Mountain range name – Geographic majesty
• Arad: “Angel” – Celestial being
• Arian: “Warrior” – Combat readiness
• Armin: “Guardian” – Protective instinct
• Arshad: “Pious” or “righteous” – Devout character
• Arzhang: “Worthy” or “valuable” – Precious quality
• Ashraf: “Most noble” – Superlative nobility
• Aslam: “Safer” or “sounder” – Security and wellbeing
• Atash: “Fire” – Elemental power
• Atefeh: “Affection” – Tender emotion
• Avid: “Hopeful” – Optimistic outlook
• Aydin: “Bright” or “intelligent” – Mental brilliance
• Azad: “Free” – Liberty and independence
• Babak: “Little father” – Diminutive endearment
• Baktash: “Given by fortune” – Lucky gift
• Baris: “Peaceful” – Tranquil nature
• Behruz: “Good day” – Fortunate timing
• Bijan: “Hero” – Courageous spirit
• Darioush: Full Persian form of Darius
• Ebrahim: Persian Abraham – Patriarch name
• Ehsan: “Excellence” – Superior quality
• Esfandiar: Variant of Isfandiyar – Invincible hero
• Esmail: Persian Ishmael – Biblical connection
• Faramarz: Son of Rostam – Epic heritage

Literary and Poetic Names

Persian literature gave the world Rumi, Hafez, and Saadi. These names honor that incredible poetic tradition that continues inspiring millions today.

• Hafez: “Guardian” or “memorizer” – Greatest Persian lyric poet
• Saadi: After poet Saadi Shirazi – “Fortunate” or “happy”
• Rumi: After Jalal ad-Din Rumi – “Roman” (Byzantine)
• Ferdowsi: After epic poet – “Paradisical”
• Khayyam: After Omar Khayyam – “Tentmaker” profession
• Attar: After Sufi poet – “Perfumer” or “apothecary”
• Nezami: After poet Nizami Ganjavi – “Orderly” or “systematic”
• Jami: After poet Nur ad-Din Jami – “Gathering”
• Sanai: After Sufi poet – “Brilliant” or “radiant”
• Rudaki: After father of Persian poetry
• Anvari: After medieval poet – “Luminous”
• Farrokhi: After court poet – “Fortunate” or “blessed”
• Manuchehri: After poet – Royal name
• Unsuri: After epic poet
• Daqiqi: After early Persian poet
• Asadi: After poet of Garshasp-nama
• Shahid: After poet Shahid Balkhi
• Bidel: After Indian-Persian poet
• Urfi: After Persian poet – “Mystic knowledge”
• Fighani: After poet – “Lamenting”
• Amir Khusrow: Complete name of poet-musician
• Baba Taher: After poet “Naked Mystic”
• Naser Khosrow: Philosopher-poet name
• Qatran: After poet Qatran Tabrizi
• Masud: After poet Masud Saad Salman – “Fortunate”

[If you appreciate names with literary depth, explore our shakespearean boy names for similar poetic inspiration.]

Zoroastrian and Ancient Names

Before Islam reached Persia, Zoroastrianism shaped Persian identity for over a millennium. These names carry that pre-Islamic spiritual heritage.

• Zarathustra: Prophet founder – “Golden camel” or “old camel”
• Ahura: “Lord” – From Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord)
• Mazda: “Wisdom” – Divine wisdom concept
• Mithra: Ancient deity – “Covenant” or “friendship”
• Kavad: “Royal” – Multiple Sasanian kings
• Gushtasp: “Whose horses are let loose” – Zoroastrian convert king
• Vishtaspa: Original form of Gushtasp
• Zartosht: Persian pronunciation of Zarathustra
• Ardeshir: “Righteous ruler” – Empire founder
• Shapur: “Son of king” – Royal lineage
• Narseh: “Manly” – Sasanian king name
• Bahram: “Smiting of resistance” – War deity Verethragna
• Varahran: Original form of Bahram
• Hormizd: From Ahura Mazda – Divine connection
• Yazdegerd: “Made by God” – Last Sasanian king
• Peroz: “Victorious” – Multiple rulers
• Jamasp: Zoroastrian high priest name
• Adurbad: “Protected by fire” – Sacred fire reference
• Azar: “Fire” – Most sacred element
• Atash: Alternate fire reference
• Sorush: Angel name – “Obedience”
• Rashnu: Angel of justice – “Judge”
• Mithra: Yazata of covenant and oath
• Tir: Yazata of rain and fertility
• Amordad: “Immortality” – One of Amesha Spentas

Names Meaning Strength and Courage

Persian culture celebrates bravery and masculine virtues. These names embody warrior spirit and physical prowess.

• Arash: Legendary archer – Ultimate sacrifice for homeland
• Rostam: “I grow” or “strong” – Mightiest hero
• Arsalan: “Lion” – King of beasts
• Babr: “Tiger” – Fierce predator
• Palang: “Leopard” – Agile hunter
• Shir: “Lion” – Courage incarnate
• Bahador: “Brave” or “courageous” – Direct virtue
• Daler: “Brave” – Fearless heart
• Jasur: “Brave” – Valiant spirit
• Ghader: “Powerful” – Raw strength
• Zoor: “Strength” – Physical power
• Tawana: “Powerful” or “strong” – Might
• Niru: “Force” or “power” – Energy
• Zooravar: “Very strong” – Superlative strength
• Pahlavan: “Hero” or “champion” – Wrestler title
• Jang: “War” or “battle” – Combat readiness
• Razm: “Battle” – Warfare context
• Sitad: “Combat” – Fighting spirit
• Sepah: “Army” – Military collective
• Lashkar: “Army” or “troop” – Organized force
• Sardar: “Commander” or “chief” – Leadership role
• Amir: “Commander” – Military authority
• Nezam: “Order” or “army” – Military organization
• Sipahi: “Soldier” – Warrior profession
• Jangavar: “Warrior” – Combat specialist

Names Meaning Light and Wisdom

Persian philosophy values enlightenment and intellectual pursuit. These names celebrate knowledge and illumination.

• Noor: “Light” – Pure illumination
• Roshan: “Bright” or “illuminated” – Clarity
• Farhang: “Culture” or “wisdom” – Intellectual heritage
• Danish: “Knowledge” or “wisdom” – Learning
• Elm: “Knowledge” or “science” – Education
• Agah: “Aware” or “conscious” – Mindfulness
• Hooshang: “Good thought” – Mental clarity
• Kherad: “Wisdom” or “intellect” – Philosophy
• Daanesh: “Knowledge” – Understanding
• Erfan: “Wisdom” or “gnosis” – Deep knowing
• Fazl: “Grace” or “learning” – Educational excellence
• Fazel: “Learned” or “scholarly” – Academic achievement
• Alim: “Scholar” or “learned” – Educational attainment
• Daneshvar: “Possessing knowledge” – Wisdom holder
• Hooshyar: “Intelligent” or “alert” – Mental sharpness
• Zehn: “Mind” or “intellect” – Mental capacity
• Aql: “Reason” or “intellect” – Rational thinking
• Fekr: “Thought” – Contemplation
• Andisheh: “Thought” or “idea” – Intellectual creation
• Bina: “Insight” or “vision” – Perception
• Basir: “Seeing” or “wise” – Visual wisdom
• Zahir: “Bright” or “shining” – Visible light
• Munir: “Shining” or “illuminating” – Light source
• Zia: “Light” or “splendor” – Radiance
• Forough: “Light” or “brightness” – Illumination

[For more names celebrating wisdom and intellect, check out our names that mean wisdom collection.]

Names Meaning Peace and Joy

Not all Persian names focus on warriors and kings. These celebrate happiness, tranquility, and life’s pleasures.

• Aramesh: “Peace” or “tranquility” – Calmness
• Sohl: “Peace” or “ease” – Comfortable existence
• Aman: “Safety” or “peace” – Security
• Solh: “Peace” – Conflict resolution
• Ashti: “Peace” or “reconciliation” – Harmony restoration
• Shadi: “Joy” or “happiness” – Delight
• Khorram: “Joyful” or “pleasant” – Cheerful disposition
• Khosh: “Happy” or “pleasant” – Positive state
• Shadan: “Happy” or “joyful” – Cheerfulness
• Masrur: “Happy” or “glad” – Contentment
• Gohar: “Essence” or “jewel” – Core beauty
• Farah: “Joy” or “happiness” – Celebration
• Behrouz: “Good day” – Fortunate circumstances
• Nekbakht: “Good fortune” – Lucky destiny
• Farkhondeh: “Happy” or “auspicious” – Blessed
• Mobarakh: “Blessed” – Divine favor
• Barakhat: “Blessing” – Good fortune
• Movafagh: “Successful” – Achievement
• Kamran: “Successful” or “fortunate” – Prosperity
• Kamyab: “Successful” – Goal achievement
• Behmam: “Blessed” – Divine approval
• Saadat: “Happiness” or “felicity” – Joyful state
• Sabr: “Patience” – Virtuous waiting
• Tahamol: “Tolerance” – Accepting nature
• Mehrabani: “Kindness” – Gentle compassion

Short and Modern Persian Names

These streamlined names work beautifully in multilingual environments while maintaining Persian authenticity. Perfect for parents seeking international accessibility.

• Amir: “Prince” – Two syllables, universal appeal
• Reza: “Contentment” – Easy pronunciation globally
• Omid: “Hope” – Simple yet profound
• Arya: “Noble” – Rising dramatically in popularity
• Kian: “King” – Ultra-short, ultra-powerful
• Dara: “Star” or “wealthy” – Four letters, big meaning
• Nima: “Just” – Minimalist elegance
• Siamak: Ancient king – “Black hair”
• Bijan: “Hero” – Short and strong
• Kaveh: “Blacksmith hero” – Legendary simplicity
• Kian: “Royal” – Kingship distilled
• Mehr: “Sun” – Single syllable power
• Azar: “Fire” – Elemental simplicity
• Ramin: Literary hero – Easy flow
• Saman: “Jasmine” – Botanical beauty
• Siavash: Tragic prince – Poetic brevity
• Sepehr: “Sky” – Vast in few letters
• Soroush: “Angel” – Mystical shortness
• Shervin: “Eternal soul” – Compact spirituality
• Taha: Quranic letters – Two-syllable mystery
• Vahid: “Unique” – Singular identity
• Yavar: “Helper” – Supportive simplicity
• Yousef: Joseph – Biblical crossover
• Zarir: “Golden” – Precious metal
• Adib: “Cultured” – Sophistication simplified

[Looking for even more options? Browse our comprehensive unique boy names guide for cross-cultural inspiration.]

The Persian Name Renaissance

Persian names are having a genuine moment. According to naming database Nameberry, searches for Persian boy names increased 47% between 2023-2025, with parents citing “meaningful heritage connections” and “distinctive yet pronounceable” as their top reasons for choosing these names. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural reclamation and celebration.

Social media tells the same story. Instagram hashtag #PersianBabyNames has grown to over 185,000 posts, with millennial and Gen Z parents sharing naming stories that beautifully blend Iranian heritage with Western accessibility. These parents are rejecting one-size-fits-all naming conventions in favor of names with substance and history.

Here’s what makes this particularly fascinating: Persian names draw from 3,000+ years of documented history spanning the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE), Islamic Golden Age literature, and ancient Zoroastrian traditions.

That’s an unmatched depth compared to many trending names that emerged in the last century. When you choose a Persian name, you’re connecting your son to poets like Hafez and Saadi, warriors like Rostam, and philosophers who shaped human civilization.

The Persian language itself emphasizes poetic beauty and layered meaning. Most Persian names work as complete words with philosophical significance—they’re not just pleasant sounds, but compact expressions of hope, virtue, or natural beauty.

This linguistic richness gives parents something increasingly rare: names that are both deeply meaningful and elegantly simple.

How to Choose the Perfect Persian Name for Your Son

Choosing from 300 options might feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow down your choices thoughtfully:

Consider pronunciation ease: Say the name out loud 20 times. Does it flow naturally? Will your family members—both Persian and non-Persian—be able to say it without struggle? Names like Kian, Dara, and Arya tend to work effortlessly across languages, while names like Khashayar or Isfandiyar require more explanation.

Research family connections: Talk to your parents and grandparents about naming traditions in your specific family line. Many Persian families have patterns—naming firstborn sons after grandfathers, or choosing names that start with certain letters. These traditions create beautiful generational threads worth preserving.

Test nickname potential: Persian names often lend themselves to affectionate shortenings. Dariush becomes Dari, Mohammad becomes Mammad or Mo, Behrouz becomes Beh. Think about whether you like these natural nicknames or if you’d prefer a name that stands alone.

Balance heritage with accessibility: There’s no wrong answer here—some families prioritize preserving exact Persian pronunciation even if it requires correction, while others adapt slightly for easier Western use. Names like Cyrus (instead of Kurosh) or Darius (instead of Dariush) represent that middle ground beautifully.

Explore meanings deeply: Persian names pack philosophical depth. Spend time understanding not just dictionary definitions but cultural associations. The name Soroush doesn’t just mean “angel”—it references the Zoroastrian concept of divine inspiration. That layered meaning might resonate with your family’s values.

Say it with your surname: The rhythm matters. If your last name has multiple syllables, a shorter first name often sounds more balanced. If your surname is brief, you have more flexibility with longer first names. Say the full name combination repeatedly—you’ll use it thousands of times!

Consider sibling coordination: If you have other children or plan to, think about naming themes. Some families choose all nature names, all literary references, or all names from specific Persian time periods. This creates a cohesive sibling set without being overly matched.

The Cultural Significance of Persian Naming Traditions

Understanding the why behind Persian names enriches your choice. Persian naming isn’t random—it’s a sophisticated system reflecting millennia of cultural values.

Trust me, Persian names carry weight that goes far beyond mere identification. In traditional Persian culture, a person’s name shapes their destiny. That’s why you’ll find so many virtue names like Behnam (“honorable name”) or Farkhondeh (“auspicious”). Parents believed—and many still do—that naming a child “wise” or “brave” would encourage those qualities to flourish.

The connection between Persian names and poetry cannot be overstated. Persians are poetry people. The same linguistic beauty that created Rumi’s mystical verses and Hafez’s lyrical ghazals flows through everyday names. Notice how Persian names often have multiple syllables with flowing sounds? That’s no accident—it’s the same prosody that makes Persian one of the world’s most melodious languages.

Here’s something fascinating: Zoroastrian influence persists even in modern Muslim Persian families. Names referencing fire (Azar, Atash), light (Noor, Roshan), and ancient deities (Mithra, Bahram) remain popular across religious lines. That’s because these names represent Persian identity first, religious identity second. They’re cultural anchors connecting contemporary Iranians to their pre-Islamic roots.

The Shahnameh—Ferdowsi’s epic masterwork—functions as a naming encyclopedia. Parents draw from its cast of heroes, kings, and mythical figures, keeping those stories alive generation after generation. When you name your son Rostam or Sohrab, you’re not just choosing sounds—you’re connecting him to narratives of heroism, loyalty, and moral courage that have defined Persian identity for a thousand years.

Persian Names in the Diaspora Experience

For Iranian families outside Iran, naming becomes even more meaningful. It’s often the most visible marker of heritage in assimilated environments.

Picture this: You’re at a suburban American playground, and you call out “Dariush!” to your toddler. Other parents turn, intrigued. That moment—repeated throughout your son’s life—becomes a teaching opportunity. His name opens conversations about Persian culture, history, and identity in ways that nothing else can.

Second and third-generation Iranian-Americans report complex relationships with their Persian names. Some faced childhood teasing and wished for more “American” names, only to deeply appreciate their distinctive names as adults. Others embraced their names from the start, using them as proud declarations of difference. Your naming choice influences which path your son walks.

Many diaspora families use a Persian first name with a more accessible middle name, giving their child options. Mohammad-Ryan or Cyrus-James allows your son to choose how he presents himself in different contexts. Some families do the reverse—American first name, Persian middle name—as a compromise between tradition and assimilation.

[Navigating multicultural identity through names? Our guide to hispanic baby names explores similar diaspora considerations.]