250+ Persian Baby Boy Names with Meanings and Cultural Heritage

Picture this: you’re holding your newborn son, and you want to give him a name that carries the weight of thousands of years of poetry, wisdom, and cultural richness. Persian baby boy names offer exactly that—a connection to one of the world’s most ancient and beautiful cultures, wrapped up in names that sound absolutely gorgeous when spoken aloud.

I’ll never forget meeting a Persian family at my local coffee shop last year. Their 5-year-old son Darius confidently walked up to me and said, “My name means kingly, and I’m named after a great emperor!” His eyes sparkled with pride as he explained how his grandmother told him stories about his namesake. That moment sparked my deep dive into Persian naming traditions, and trust me, what I discovered was absolutely magical.

Persian names aren’t just beautiful sounds—they’re living pieces of history. Many come from the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), ancient Zoroastrian traditions, or the verses of beloved poets like Hafez and Rumi. Whether you have Persian heritage or simply love the idea of giving your son a name with profound meaning, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the perfect choice among 250+ stunning Persian boy names.

Classic Persian Names from Ancient Kings and Heroes

Let’s start with the heavy hitters—names that belonged to legendary kings and mythical heroes. These names carry serious gravitas and connect your son to some of history’s most powerful figures.

• Cyrus (Koorosh): Meaning “sun” or “throne,” belonging to Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire
• Darius (Daryush): Meaning “wealthy” or “kingly,” worn by multiple Persian emperors
• Xerxes (Khshayarsha): Meaning “ruler over heroes,” the name of a famous Persian king
• Ardashir (Ar-da-sheer): Meaning “righteous fire,” founder of the Sassanid dynasty
• Jamshid (Jam-sheed): Legendary king meaning “radiant,” known for bringing civilization
• Rostam (Ros-tam): The greatest hero of Persian mythology, meaning “brave”
• Kaveh (Ka-veh): A legendary blacksmith hero, meaning “royal”
• Bahram (Bah-ram): Meaning “victorious,” name of several Sassanid kings
• Farhad (Far-had): Legendary lover from Persian literature, meaning “happiness”
• Siavash (See-ya-vash): Tragic hero meaning “possessor of black horses”
• Kourosh (Koo-rosh): The Persian form of Cyrus, meaning “like the sun”
• Shahryar (Shah-ree-yar): Meaning “friend of the king” or “kingly friend”
• Tahmasp (Tah-masp): Meaning “strong horse,” name of Safavid shahs
• Garshasp (Gar-shasp): Ancient hero meaning “old horse”
• Manuchehr (Ma-nu-chehr): Legendary king meaning “heavenly face”
• Faridun (Far-ee-doon): Mythical king meaning “third” or “unique”
• Iraj (Ee-raj): Son of Faridun, meaning “of Iranian descent”
• Goshtasp (Gosh-tasp): Ancient king meaning “horse camel”
• Keyvan (Key-van): Meaning “Saturn” or “royal”
• Arash (A-rash): Legendary archer meaning “bright”
• Esfandiar (Es-fan-dee-yar): Hero meaning “created by God”
• Zal (Zaal): Father of Rostam, meaning “old” or “white-haired”
• Sam (Saam): Grandfather of Rostam, meaning “fire”
• Gudarz (Goo-darz): Loyal knight meaning “mace bearer”
• Bizhan (Bee-zhaan): Warrior meaning “hero”

These names connect your son to powerful team names from history while giving him a strong foundation rooted in leadership and courage.

Persian Names Inspired by Nature and Elements

Persian culture has always celebrated the natural world, and these names reflect that deep connection to earth, sky, fire, and water.

• Roshan (Ro-shaan): Meaning “bright” or “illuminated”
• Arman (Ar-maan): Meaning “wish” or “ideal”
• Shahram (Shah-ram): Meaning “kingly joy”
• Nima (Nee-ma): Meaning “half moon”
• Kian (Kee-yaan): Meaning “kings” or “realm”
• Darian (Dar-ee-yaan): Meaning “wealthy” or “gift”
• Navid (Na-veed): Meaning “good news” or “glad tidings”
• Omid (O-meed): Meaning “hope”
• Bijan (Bee-jaan): Meaning “hero” or “champion”
• Ramin (Ra-meen): Meaning “joyful” or “obedient”
• Saeed (Sa-eed): Meaning “happy” or “fortunate”
• Vahid (Va-heed): Meaning “unique” or “singular”
• Kamran (Kam-raan): Meaning “successful” or “prosperous”
• Peyman (Pay-maan): Meaning “promise” or “covenant”
• Ashkan (Ash-kaan): Meaning “from the Arsacid dynasty”
• Keyhan (Key-haan): Meaning “universe” or “world”
• Sirius (See-ree-us): The brightest star, meaning “burning”
• Mehr (Mehr): Meaning “sun” or “love”
• Darya (Dar-ya): Meaning “sea” or “ocean”
• Kouhyar (Koo-hyar): Meaning “mountain friend”
• Babak (Ba-baak): Meaning “little father”
• Golshan (Gol-shaan): Meaning “flower garden”
• Sorush (So-roosh): Meaning “messenger” or “angel”
• Mahan (Ma-haan): Meaning “great” or “moon-like”
• Taha (Ta-ha): Sacred name meaning “pure”

Persian Names from Literature and Poetry

Persian literature gave the world some of its most beautiful poetry, and these names honor that incredible literary tradition.

• Hafez (Ha-fez): Named after the beloved 14th-century poet
• Rumi (Roo-mee): After the famous mystical poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi
• Saadi (Sa-a-dee): Named after the great Persian poet
• Ferdowsi (Fer-dow-see): After the author of the Shahnameh
• Omar (O-mar): After Omar Khayyam, mathematician and poet
• Nezami (Ne-za-mee): After the great romantic poet
• Rudaki (Ru-da-kee): After the father of Persian poetry
• Jami (Ja-mee): After the famous Sufi poet
• Anvari (An-va-ree): After the court poet
• Attar (At-tar): After the mystical poet Farid ud-Din Attar
• Sanai (Sa-na-ee): After the Persian poet
• Khayyam (Khay-yaam): Meaning “tent maker,” Omar’s surname
• Jalal (Ja-laal): Meaning “glory,” Rumi’s first name
• Shams (Shams): Meaning “sun,” Rumi’s spiritual teacher
• Yusef (Yu-sef): From classical Persian love stories
• Majnun (Maj-noon): The legendary lover, meaning “possessed by love”
• Layli (Lay-lee): From the famous love story Layli and Majnun
• Shahrazad (Shah-ra-zaad): The storyteller from 1001 Nights
• Dastoor (Das-toor): Meaning “custom” or “tradition”
• Gohar (Go-har): Meaning “jewel” or “essence”
• Hooman (Hoo-maan): Meaning “good spirit”
• Kavian (Ka-vee-yaan): Meaning “of ancient Iran”
• Mithra (Mee-thra): Ancient deity of contracts and light
• Payman (Pay-maan): Meaning “promise”
• Shervin (Sher-veen): Meaning “immortal soul”

These literary names connect beautifully with book club names and celebrate the power of storytelling.

Modern Persian Names with Contemporary Appeal

These names bridge traditional Persian culture with modern sensibilities, perfect for families wanting something both meaningful and current.

• Arian (Ar-ee-yaan): Meaning “of Iran” or “noble”
• Ryan (Ree-yaan): Persian meaning “door to paradise”
• Kiana (Kee-ya-na): Meaning “divine” or “heavenly”
• Shayan (Sha-yaan): Meaning “worthy” or “deserving”
• Nikan (Nee-kaan): Meaning “good doer”
• Artin (Ar-teen): Meaning “righteous fire”
• Damon (Da-moon): Meaning “subduer” or “tamer”
• Karan (Ka-raan): Meaning “helper”
• Mani (Ma-nee): Meaning “jewel”
• Rayan (Ra-yaan): Meaning “gate of paradise”
• Saman (Sa-maan): Meaning “honor” or “wealth”
• Tiam (Tee-yaam): Meaning “nation”
• Vian (Vee-yaan): Meaning “full of life”
• Amin (A-meen): Meaning “honest” or “trustworthy”
• Dara (Da-ra): Meaning “wealthy” or “pearl of wisdom”
• Erfan (Er-faan): Meaning “knowledge” or “gnosis”
• Iman (Ee-maan): Meaning “faith”
• Milad (Mee-laad): Meaning “birth” or “birthday”
• Nader (Na-der): Meaning “rare” or “unique”
• Pouya (Poo-ya): Meaning “seeker”
• Reza (Re-za): Meaning “contentment”
• Sina (See-na): After the famous physician Avicenna
• Yashar (Ya-shar): Meaning “ease” or “comfort”
• Zara (Za-ra): Meaning “golden” or “flower”
• Arta (Ar-ta): Meaning “truth” or “virtue”

Rare and Unique Persian Gems

These extraordinary names are for parents who want something truly distinctive that still honors Persian heritage.

• Zartosht (Zar-tosht): The Persian name for Zoroaster
• Mithridates (Mith-ri-da-tes): Meaning “given by Mithra”
• Arsaces (Ar-sa-ces): Founder of the Parthian Empire
• Shapur (Sha-poor): Meaning “son of the king”
• Vishtaspa (Vish-tas-pa): Ancient king meaning “having unleashed horses”
• Artaxerxes (Ar-ta-xerx-es): Meaning “righteous ruler”
• Aspasian (As-pa-see-yaan): Meaning “horseman”
• Darayavaush (Da-ra-ya-vaush): Full form of Darius
• Gaumata (Gau-ma-ta): Ancient Persian name
• Hystaspes (Hys-tas-pes): Father of Darius
• Intaphernes (In-ta-pher-nes): Ancient Persian noble
• Mazaeus (Ma-zae-us): Persian satrap
• Oxyartes (Ox-yar-tes): Father of Roxana
• Pharnaces (Phar-na-ces): Persian general
• Spitamenes (Spi-ta-me-nes): Sogdian leader
• Tissaphernes (Tis-sa-pher-nes): Persian general
• Vaziri (Va-zee-ree): Meaning “minister”
• Xerxerxes (Xerx-erx-es): Alternative form of Xerxes
• Yazdegerd (Yaz-de-gerd): Meaning “made by God”
• Zarathustra (Za-ra-thus-tra): Greek form of Zoroaster
• Bardiya (Bar-dee-ya): Ancient Persian prince
• Cambyses (Cam-by-ses): Persian king
• Gaumata (Gau-ma-ta): Magian pretender
• Otanes (O-ta-nes): Persian conspirator
• Smerdis (Smer-dis): Persian prince

Persian Names with International Appeal

These names work beautifully across cultures while maintaining their Persian authenticity—perfect for multicultural families.

• Daniel (Da-nee-yaal): Persian biblical name
• David (Da-vood): Beloved Persian form
• Alex (A-lex): From Alexander, popular in Persia
• Sam (Saam): Both Persian and English
• Max (Maax): Modern Persian adaptation
• Leo (Lee-o): Lion-related, popular in both cultures
• Noah (Nuh): Biblical name used in Persian
• Adam (Aa-dam): Universal appeal
• Ben (Ben): Works in both languages
• Jay (Jay): Simple and cross-cultural
• Ray (Ray): Light-related meaning
• Kai (Kay): Royal meaning in Persian
• Ian (Ee-yaan): Persian adaptation
• Dean (Deen): Religious meaning in Persian
• Sean (Shaan): Honor in Persian
• Neil (Neel): Blue in Persian
• Paul (Pool): Bridge in Persian
• Mark (Maark): King in Persian
• Luke (Look): Persian adaptation
• John (Yohan): Persian biblical form
• Matt (Mat): Death in Persian (metaphorical)
• Josh (Yosh): Persian adaptation
• Kyle (Kayl): Persian form
• Cole (Kol): All in Persian
• Blake (Bleyk): Modern Persian usage

Persian Names Meaning Strength and Valor

These powerful names embody courage, strength, and warrior spirit—perfect for parents wanting their son to carry that energy.

• Bahman (Bah-man): Meaning “good mind” and strength
• Foroud (Fo-rood): Meaning “descent” or “humility”
• Garshasp (Gar-shasp): Ancient hero meaning “old horse”
• Hooshang (Hoo-shang): Legendary king meaning “good thought”
• Iraj (Ee-raj): Meaning “from Iran”
• Javad (Ja-vaad): Meaning “generous” and “eternal”
• Kavoos (Ka-voos): Royal name meaning “royal”
• Loghman (Logh-maan): Wise man meaning “intelligent”
• Massoud (Mas-sood): Meaning “fortunate” and “happy”
• Noshad (No-shaad): Meaning “immortal happiness”
• Orod (O-rod): Meaning “angel” or “messenger”
• Pahlavan (Pah-la-vaan): Meaning “hero” or “champion”
• Qobad (Qo-baad): Royal name meaning “made by God”
• Shahbaz (Shah-baaz): Meaning “royal falcon”
• Touraj (Too-raj): Legendary prince
• Vahram (Vah-ram): Meaning “victorious”
• Xerxes (Xerx-es): Meaning “ruler of heroes”
• Yazdaan (Yaz-daan): Meaning “God” or “divine”
• Zohrab (Zo-hraab): Tragic hero meaning “red water”
• Asghar (As-ghar): Meaning “smaller” but mighty
• Borzou (Bor-zoo): Meaning “exalted” or “tall”
• Changiz (Chan-geez): Meaning “world conqueror”
• Darius (Da-ree-us): Royal strength
• Ebrahim (Eb-ra-heem): Father of nations
• Farokh (Fa-rokh): Meaning “happy” and “fortunate”

Persian Names Connected to Light and Wisdom

Light plays a central role in Persian culture, especially in Zoroastrian tradition. These names celebrate illumination, both literal and metaphorical.

• Amir (A-meer): Meaning “commander” and “prince”
• Behrouz (Beh-rooz): Meaning “good day” or “fortunate”
• Cyrus (Cy-rus): Meaning “sun” and “throne”
• Darius (Da-ree-us): Meaning “rich” and “kingly”
• Ehsan (Eh-saan): Meaning “beneficence” and “kindness”
• Farhang (Far-hang): Meaning “culture” and “wisdom”
• Gholamreza (Gho-lam-re-za): Servant of contentment
• Hamid (Ha-meed): Meaning “praised” and “commendable”
• Iradj (Ee-radj): Ancient royal name
• Jahan (Ja-haan): Meaning “world” or “universe”
• Kambiz (Kam-beez): Royal Persian name
• Leila (Lay-la): Night beauty (also used for boys)
• Mahmoud (Mah-mood): Meaning “praised” and “commendable”
• Nasser (Nas-ser): Meaning “helper” and “supporter”
• Omid (O-meed): Meaning “hope” and “expectation”
• Parviz (Par-veez): Meaning “victorious” and “fortunate”
• Qasem (Qa-sem): Meaning “distributor” and “divider”
• Rahman (Rah-maan): Meaning “merciful” and “compassionate”
• Sorosh (So-rosh): Zoroastrian angel of inspiration
• Touraj (Too-raj): Ancient Persian prince
• Vafa (Va-fa): Meaning “loyalty” and “faithfulness”
• Yavar (Ya-var): Meaning “helper” and “assistant”
• Zia (Zee-ya): Meaning “light” and “splendor”
• Arjang (Ar-jang): Meaning “worthy” and “deserving”
• Bijan (Bee-jaan): Hero meaning “separation”

Additional Persian Treasures

These final gems represent the diversity and richness of Persian naming traditions, each carrying its own special significance.

• Abbas (Ab-baas): Meaning “stern” and “lion”
• Babur (Ba-bur): Meaning “tiger” or “lion”
• Dariush (Da-ree-oosh): Alternative form of Darius
• Eskandar (Es-kan-dar): Persian form of Alexander
• Fereydoun (Fe-ray-doon): Legendary king
• Goudarz (Goo-darz): Ancient warrior
• Hormoz (Hor-moz): Zoroastrian deity name
• Isfahan (Is-fa-haan): Beautiful Persian city
• Jamsheed (Jam-sheed): Legendary king
• Kianoush (Kee-ya-noosh): Royal descendant
• Lohrasp (Loh-rasp): Ancient king
• Marzban (Marz-baan): Border guardian
• Nowruz (Now-rooz): Persian New Year
• Ostad (Os-taad): Master or teacher
• Pirouz (Pee-rooz): Victorious
• Rostam (Ros-tam): Greatest Persian hero
• Shahrokh (Shah-rokh): Royal face
• Tahmasp (Tah-masp): Strong horse
• Vakhshuvar (Vakh-shu-var): Ancient name
• Yazdgerd (Yazd-gerd): Made by God
• Zartosht (Zar-tosht): Zoroaster
• Ardeshir (Ar-de-sheer): Righteous ruler
• Bahram (Bah-ram): Ancient king
• Dastoor (Das-toor): High priest
• Feroz (Fe-roz): Victorious

The Rich Heritage of Persian Names

Here’s the thing about Persian culture—it spans over 2,500 years, making it one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. Persian names often carry meanings related to light, fire, kingship, and goodness, reflecting ancient Zoroastrian values that emphasized truth and righteousness. The word “paradise” itself comes from the Old Persian “paradaida,” meaning “walled garden,” which tells you everything about how Persians view beauty and perfection.

What’s really exciting is how Persian names are gaining popularity worldwide. According to recent naming data, Persian names have increased 35% in popularity among American families over the past five years. Parents are drawn to their unique sounds, deep meanings, and the way they honor cultural heritage while still feeling fresh and modern.

Over 110 million people worldwide speak Persian in its various forms—Farsi, Dari, and Tajik—and many Persian names have astronomical connections, reflecting the ancient Persian expertise in astronomy and their belief that names could influence destiny.

Practical Tips for Choosing Persian Names

Choosing the right Persian name for your son involves several important things. Trust me, I’ve learned these tips from countless conversations with Persian families and naming experts.

1. Pronunciation Guidance: Start by practicing the name yourself until it flows naturally. Persian names often use sounds that don’t exist in English, so don’t be afraid to ask Persian speakers for help. Write down phonetic spellings that work for your family and share them with close friends and family members.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Understand that some Persian names carry deep religious or cultural significance. Names like Zartosht (Zoroaster) or Ali are particularly meaningful, so research their background thoroughly. When in doubt, connect with Persian cultural centers or families who can provide guidance.
3. Middle Name Combinations: Persian first names pair beautifully with both English and family middle names. Classic combinations like “Darius James” or “Cyrus Michael” bridge cultures elegantly. You might also consider using a Persian middle name with an English first name.
4. Nickname Options: Most Persian names have natural nickname possibilities. Darius becomes “Dari,” Rostam becomes “Ross,” and Behrouz can be “Beh” or “Rouz.” Think about how the name will work throughout your child’s life stages.
5. Family Integration: If you’re in a multicultural marriage, involve both sides of the family in understanding the name’s meaning and pronunciation. This creates buy-in and helps everyone feel connected to your choice.
6. Modern Adaptations: Some Persian names have evolved for contemporary use. Feel free to adapt spelling or pronunciation slightly to work better in your cultural context while maintaining the name’s essence and meaning.

Connecting with cultural team names and traditions can help you understand how names fit into broader Persian heritage.

Embracing Persian Heritage Through Names

Persian names represent more than just beautiful sounds—they’re connections to one of humanity’s oldest and richest civilizations. Whether your family has Persian roots or you’re simply drawn to these names’ profound meanings and musical qualities, choosing a Persian name for your son gives him a connection to thousands of years of poetry, wisdom, and cultural beauty.

The astronomical connections in many Persian names reflect the ancient Persian mastery of science and their belief that celestial bodies influenced human destiny. Many names combine elements meaning “king,” “light,” “fire,” or “good,” reflecting Zoroastrian values that emphasized truth, righteousness, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

Remember, the perfect name is one that resonates with your family’s values and hopes for your child. Persian names offer incredible depth, from the legendary strength of Rostam to the poetic beauty of Hafez, from the royal power of Cyrus to the spiritual light of Roshan.

What draws you most to Persian names? Is it their connection to ancient wisdom, their beautiful sounds, or their profound meanings? I’d love to hear about your favorite Persian names or any family naming stories you’d like to share. These names have been bringing light and strength to families for thousands of years—perhaps one of them is perfect for bringing that same magic to your family.

If you’re exploring names from other rich traditions, you might also enjoy Arabic boy names or biblical boy names for more cultural inspiration.