Find out how popular the first name Iran has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iran by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Iran is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 70% of people named Iran being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Iran.

The history of the first name Iran

The name Iran is believed to have its origins in the ancient Persian language, which is a branch of the Indo-Iranian language family. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Old Persian word "aryanam," meaning "land of the Aryans." This term was used to refer to the region that is now known as Iran, as well as parts of neighboring countries.

The first recorded use of the name Iran can be traced back to the Achaemenid Empire, which ruled over the Persian realm from around 550 BCE to 330 BCE. During this time, the name was used to describe the vast territory that stretched from modern-day Iran to parts of Central Asia and the Middle East.

In ancient Persian texts, such as the Avesta and the Shahnameh, the name Iran is mentioned frequently as a reference to the land and its people. These texts provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of the name during that era.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Iran was Iran Khodadad, a Persian poet who lived during the 12th century CE. He is known for his contributions to Persian literature and his works that celebrated the beauty and culture of his homeland.

Another notable figure with the name Iran was Iran Diba, a former Empress of Iran who was married to the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. She was born in 1936 and played a significant role in promoting Iranian culture and arts during her time as the First Lady of Iran.

In the realm of ancient history, the name Iran is associated with the legendary king Fereydun, who is described in the Shahnameh as one of the earliest rulers of the Iranian plateau. According to the epic, Fereydun was responsible for uniting the various tribes and territories that would eventually become known as Iran.

During the Sassanid Empire, which ruled over Iran from 224 CE to 651 CE, the name Iran continued to be used as a reference to the land and its people. This period saw a resurgence of Persian culture and identity, further solidifying the significance of the name.

Another notable figure bearing the name Iran was Iran Yazdani, a prominent Iranian artist and sculptor who lived during the 20th century. He is known for his contributions to modern Iranian art and his works that explored themes of Persian mythology and culture.

While the name Iran has a rich historical legacy, it is essential to note that its usage as a personal name has been more prevalent in certain regions and cultures within the broader Iranian sphere of influence. The name continues to hold cultural and historical significance for many people of Persian descent.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Iran was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Iran, please contact us.

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