Persia, with its glorious and beautiful past, has been a great example of a forward-thinking nation from ancient times. The Persian heritage and traditions are deep-rooted, even today. The storied culture has many unique and wonderful names, especially for girls. This modern Persian girls’ name list is inspired by various languages, customs, and tastes found in Persian culture.
These unique baby names are meaningful and elegant. This list can help parents choose a Persian name for their baby girl that honors heritage. Most of these names are still prevalent in modern Iran and you will hear them there, sweetly said. New parents are often conflicted when naming their baby girls. They are looking for a name that is beautiful, popular, chic, and virtuous. We’re here to help! Check out our favorite baby names for girls with Persian origins that would make for a winning name today!
25. Soraya
Soraya is an exquisite name made famous in the western world by the one-time empress of Iran, who lived in Europe, primarily in France. Soraya is a relation of Sarah and sisters Sarai, Zahara, Zara, and so on. Soraya has Persian origins and it means “jewel.”
24. Parisa
The name Parisa is a girl’s name of Persian, Iranian origin meaning “like a fairy.” It’s funny how one letter can turn a name from ordinary to genuine. Parisa is so much more distinctive than either Marisa or Paris. Parisa is a popular name today in Iran with Parisa Bakhtavar and Parisa Damandan Nafisi rocking the name.
23. Roxana
The name of the wife of Alexander the Great, more beautiful than the better-known Roxanne. Roxana was first used in the English-speaking world in the 1600s and was popularized by Daniel Defoe’s novel Roxana, published in 1724. Roxana enjoys Persian origins and has the splendid meanings of “dawn” or “little star.”
22. Darya
The exotic Darya is the name of a character in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. As a Russian name, it’s a spelling variation of Daria, while in Iran, it’s a girl’s name that means “the sea.” This could be the perfect, subtle nature name you’ve always dreamed of!
21. Mehri
While everyone will mistake this name for Mary in predominately English-speaking countries, Mehri is a gorgeous name that has Persian roots. The name, virtually unheard of in the US, has some of the most unbelievable meanings in “kind,” lovable,” and “sunny.” This name is practically irresistible.
20. Esme
Esme is a popular name in France and has emerged as a fast-rising option for parents in the US as it is now a top 500 name for baby girls. In French tradition this name means “esteemed” but in ancient Persia, the name was an alternative form of Isma’il which has Arabic origins and means “spoken to by God.”
19. Niloufar
Niloufar is a gorgeous Persian name used in Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. It has many alternate spellings including Nilofar, which is used by Urdu speakers. Rising musician, Nilüfer Yanya is based in London and, with unique spelling, is shining a spotlight on this magnificent name. Niloufar has Persian origins and means “water lily” or “lotus.”
18. Azami
The Persian name Azami is curiously found in Japanese tradition as well. In the Japanese tradition the name means “greatest” while in Iran today, the name is considered to mean “flower of the thistle.” This makes it an understated botanical name that could be perfect for your daughter.
17. Darsameen
Darsameen is a beloved Muslim name with Persian origins that can have a variety of meaning but is mostly associated with the meaning “valuable.” In addition to its costly meaning it can also been interpreted as meaning “splendid” or “glittering.” If you’re after a name with a golden sheen, this would be the one!
16. Azita
Azita is a thrilling-sounding name that has a desirable Z in it which has proven most attractive for contemporary parents. With its Persian origins, this name can mean “high-born,” “humble,” or “free.” The potentially belonged to an Iranian princess and a goddess of rain that predates Semitic tradition.
15. Farahnoush
Farahnoush is a name with a lot of variation and another popular form is simply Farnoush. Farahnoush shares the same Persian origin as many of her sisters on this list. The name means “glory” and “satisfaction.” It is made up of the Arabic word farah meaning happiness and a Persian word noush meaning eternal.
14. Laleh
A pretty Persian name with an equally evocative meaning, Laleh means “tulip.” Could it be the perfect name for a Spring baby? Probably! This name sounds friendly and approachable and would be an exotic-sounding option for parents in the US.
13. Anahita
Anahita is the name of the water goddess who rules, among other things, fertility and wisdom. Associated with Venue, Anahita is a stylish Iranian name for girls. With its Persian origins this name refers to the goddess and means “water ruler.” Palatable to English speakers, this gorgeous name has cross-cultural appeal as it is not far off from Anita.
12. Bakhita
Bakhita is an elegant name that you will find in a number of traditions including Arabic, Persian, and Nigerian. Thus, the name can mean a number of things like “gift of God,” or “the fortunate one.” Unfortunately, you do not encounter this name often in the US and we think that should change!
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11. Elaheh
Elaheh originates in the Persian language and means “like a goddess.” As a feminine given name it is mainly used in Iran, in the United States, it is very rare. Famous namesake known by this singular name, Elaheh entertained audiences with her singing and was one of the singers of the Golha program
10. Huma
A popular Arabic name that is beloved in the Muslim community, Huma is a name you will find in a number of naming traditions but for the sake of this list, we consider the name to mean “lucky bird” or “bird who brings joy.” The name also belongs to a village in Lorestan Province, Iran.
9. Nasrin
Nasrin, Nesrin, and Nazrin are popular baby names in modern Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. In fact, it is the most popular choice for baby girls born in Iran today. The floral meaning sweetens the name, “wild rose.” Curiously this fabulous name with its flowery meaning has not been adopted by many parents in the US.
8. Lila
Lila was derived from the Arabic word laylah, meaning “night.” It has separate roots in Sanskrit with the meaning “play.” In Hinduism, Lila is a conceptualism of the universe as a playground of the gods. Lilah and Lyla are variant spellings. The name is currently a top 500 pick for new parents naming their baby girl.
7. Fareena
Fareena is a name we would love to see take off everywhere. It is simply a handsome name for girls. Fareena has Persian origins and it means “charming,” “loved by all,” “kind,” and “merciful.” We would all be proud to have these qualities and be described with those descriptors!
6. Diba
Darius is the historic name of Emperor Darius the Great, a key figure in ancient Persian history, and several other Persian kings. Darius has both Greek and Persian origins that mean “fine silk” or “kingly.” The female form of the name, Diba is a cherished name for baby girls.
5. Avalie
Avalie is a remarkable-sounding name that can also be found spelled as Avaleigh and Avaley. It’s the perfect alternative to Emily as the names sound very similar. Avalie would be the perfect name for the powerful daughter you wish to raise as it means “strength.” Who would not love that quality in an appellation?
4. Gulzaar
Gulzaar is the Urdu form of Golzar and they are virtually the same name sharing the same meaning of “rose-cheeked.” How precious is that? Now, for most modern parents, this name has a harsh sound but we are rather fond of this one.
3. Estere
You could go with the more established name in the US, Esther, but Estere sounds closer to the original Persian name. The name comes from Old Persian stāra which means “star.” In the immortal words of Tyra Banks, “Shine bright, shine far, Don’t be shy, be a star! Where you live, where you are, be a star.” Please forgive us for getting that silly song stuck in your head!
2. Jasmine
Jasmine was derived from the Persian word yasmin, referring to the jasmine flower. Scented oil was made from the plant, and it was used as a perfume throughout the Persian Empire. This name is one of the most popular Persian names in the US ranking as the 131st most favored names for baby girls today.
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1. Zenda
Zenda is a girl’s name of Persian or Ukrainian origin meaning “sacred.” With the rise of Z-names among new parents and the emergence of the now popular name Zendaya, Zenda is an absolute possibility for parents seeking a unique name for their daughter.
There you go! We hope you feel inspired by these Persian names and will honor your heritage with a beloved name that’s used in Iran and around the world today. Each of these baby names for girls carries a special meaning and you would be wise to choose any of them. Choosing a name for a baby can be difficult but you can find inspiration in names loved around the world!
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