Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
If you're expecting a baby and looking for a unique name with cultural significance, Parsi baby names might be just what you need. Parsis, the Iranian Zoroastrian's descendants, are the micro-minority community in India. They originally came from the Iranian region of Pars and fled religious persecution to settle in India. Due to centuries of separation, present-day Parsis and Iranian Zoroastrians may speak different languages, follow distinct religious calendars, and observe different ritual practices (1). Nevertheless, these peace-loving people mainly select Persian names for first names, such as Godrej, Tata, and Sorab, mainly to preserve their identity. While most Indian surnames reflect the lineage or caste, Parsi surnames reflect their business or occupation, with some surnames ending with ‘wala.’ This is primarily due to the influence of the British. But it wasn’t always the same. Until the middle of British rule, Parsis followed the patronymic system for naming their children, in which the first name would be the chosen name and the second name would be the father’s name. In the 19th century, the Parsis adopted the European system of surnames, in which the family name would be handed down through the generations. This doesn’t mean the middle names or patronymic names aren’t in use. They are still in use, especially amongst traditional Parsi families. Parsi parents take great care in selecting meaningful names for their babies that reflect the community's heritage and spiritual values. For example, 'Porgav' signifies a boy with abundant cattle, representing wealth and prosperity. Likewise, the name 'Kerbanu' connotes a girl with remarkable strength and happiness within. Similarly, 'Sheherbaraz' conveys a sense of elevated status, indicating a person of high standing within the community. These names are just a few examples of how Parsi culture emphasizes the significance of names and their meanings. Below is our straightforward and comprehensive list of Parsi baby names with meaning in an easy-to-navigate format.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Orvadasp |  |  Boy | The one with swift horses |
| Parichehr | |  Girl | A girl with a face as beautiful as a fairy |
| Porgav | | Boy | The one having abundant cattle |
| Pouruchisti | | Girl | A person full of wisdom; The name of Zarathushtra's daughter |
| Purgav | | Girl | A woman possessing several cows |
| Rointan | | Boy | One having a body of brass |
| Rudabeh | | Girl | River or water; Name of a Persian mythological female figure in the epic Shahnameh |
| Ruxshin | | Girl | One with a shining and bright personality |
| Samannaz | | Girl | Beautiful lily of the valley; Name of Zabulistan's daughter |
| Samanrukh | | Girl | A woman with a patient face |
| Sarvazad | | Girl | A child as noble as Cypress |
| Shahdokht | | Girl | Daughter of the monarch |
| Shakernaz | | Girl | A woman who is as delicate as sweet words |
| Shanaz | |  Unisex | Princess, elegant, graceful |
| Shapur | | Boy | He who is the son of a king; A prince |
| Sheherbaraz | | Boy | The exalted person of the realm |
| Sheherivar | | Girl | Power at will; The name of an archangel; Name of the fourth day and sixth month |
| Shirdokht | | Girl | A brave lady |
| Simbar | | Girl | A girl with a white complexion |
| Sindokht | | Girl | Rustam's female ancestor |
| Srutatfedhri | | Girl | Having a renowned father; The name of the mother of one of the three saviors of the earth |
| Sudabeh | | Girl | A life filled with lustrous profit |
| Tajbanu | | Girl | Queen or lady of the crown |
| Tehmina | | Girl | Strong and confident woman |
| Tishtar | | Girl | Name of the angel of rain |
| Tokhmesarv | | Girl | One with a stature like a cypress |
| Vahbiz | | Girl | The one bestowed by God |
| Vispanfriva | | Girl | One loved by all |
| Zal | | Boy | White or albino |
| Zamrod | | Girl | A version of Jamrud derived from the Jam River flowing through a town near Peshawar |
| Zarinchinar | | Girl | The golden poplar |
| Zarmandokht | | Girl | The daughter of time |
| Zer | | Girl | Gold |
| Zoish | | Girl | The invoker; Name of Zarathushtra's grandmother |
Parsi baby names are a beautiful way to honor the rich culture and traditions of the Parsi community. With our list of names and their meanings given, parents can choose a name that sounds lovely and has a significant and positive connotation. Parsi culture has something to offer whether you're looking for a traditional or modern name. We hope you find a name to make your little one proud of their heritage.
Infographic: Powerful Parsi Baby Names With Meanings
Parsi baby names are rich in significance and also pay homage to their vibrant culture and history. The infographic below presents Parsi baby names and their meanings, giving readers a fascinating glimpse into this ancient tradition. You may also bestow your child with a name that resonates with you.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Persian and Parsi different?
Parsis are essentially Persian Zoroastrians who migrated from Persia (Modern day-Iran) to India, specifically Gujarat, from Iran to avoid persecution by the Muslims (2).
2. What is the significance of Parsi baby names?
Parsis are an ethnoreligious group in India that follow the Zoroastrianism faith. Parsi baby names take inspiration from their religion. Many Parsi names are related or directly connected to their faith, like Adarfra, which means ‘fire of glory’ in Zoroastrianism, Adorbad, which is a form of Zoroastrian religious writings, and Ardafravash, denoting ‘holy guardian spirit.’
3. What are some gender-neutral Parsi baby names?
Elham meaning ‘inspiration,’ Khurshid or Khorshid, which means ‘shining sun,’ and Mehr, which means ‘love,’ ‘friendship,’ and ‘kindness,’ are some gender-neutral Parsi names.
References
- Parsi; The Pluralism Project.
https://pluralism.org/parsi - Parsi Ceremonies & Rituals.
https://zagny.org/parsi-ceremonies-rituals/
