Persian Names - Given Names

Given Names

See also: Category:Persian masculine given names, Category:Persian feminine given names, Category:Iranian masculine given names, and Category:Iranian feminine given names

Since the Islamic conquest of Persia, many names in Iran have been derived from Arabic. Persian Christians had Arabic names indistinguishable from their Muslim neighbors but not exactly Muslim names like Muhammad. They can also use Arabic derivations of Christian names (e.g. saints' names), or Greek, Assyrian, or especially Armenian names. The latter is no surprise because most Christian Iranians are Armenian Iranians.

Many Persian names come from the great Persian literature book, Shahnameh (The Epic of Kings). This great book was composed in the 10th century by Ferdowsi and is considered by many the masterpiece of the Persian literature and is treasured by all Iranians. Approximately 10%-15% of all Persian names are from Shahnameh. A few examples are as follows; Abtin, Ardeshir, Armeen, Arzhang, Babak (Papak), Bijan, Bizhan, Bozorgmehr, Darab, Dariush (Darius), Esfandiar, Esfandyar, Faramarz, Farhad, Fariborz, Farshid and Farzad.

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Famous quotes containing the word names:

    Watt’s need of semantic succour was at times so great that he would set to trying names on things, and on himself, almost as a woman hats.
    Samuel Beckett (1906–1989)

    It is a sad truth, but we have lost the faculty of giving lovely names to things. Names are everything. I never quarrel with actions. My one quarrel is with words.... The man who could call a spade a spade should be compelled to use one. It is the only thing he is fit for.
    Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)