Even though the kingdom of Persia has long since gone the way of the dodo, its cultural influence continues to dominate the region now known as Greater Iran. Naturally, babies born here still receive plenty of lovely Persian names every day–including baby girls.
Many modern Persian girl names have roots in Arabic, Islamic, and even Christian traditions. One example of this is Aleah, which means “exalted or favored by God.” Its popularity has rocketed here in the States within the past decade, with 2011 seeing over a 120% increase in the name’s popularity.
Another popular Persian name inspired by religion is Jasmine, which simply means “gift from God.” Like Aleah, it’s a popular choice in the United States: it’s currently the 131st-most popular name for girls here.
There’s also Avaleigh, which means “the desired song.” It can also be shortened to Ava, which is a common girl’s name in itself. There’s also Dilara, which means “ornamental beauty.” This name is actually made up of two Persian words: “del,” which means heart, and “ara,” which means ornament or beauty.
We also love Layla, which is actually the namesake of a character from one of the Arab world’s most popular romance stories, Layla & Majnun. The name is also popular in the U.S., thanks to Eric Clapton’s 80s rock hit of the same name. The moniker itself has a pretty unassuming meaning, though, as it simply means “night” or “night time.”
For more Persian girl names, keep reading–we have a pretty extensive list just below.
Abru
Meaning: An honour
Origin: Persian
Aleah
Meaning: Exalted or favored by God
Origin: Persian
Avaleigh
Meaning: The desired song
Origin: Persian
Azita
Meaning: Noble
Origin: Persian
Bahar
Meaning: Spring
Origin: Persian
Bakhita
Meaning: The fortunate one
Origin: Persian
Berina
Meaning: Best, highest
Origin: Persian
Bolour
Meaning: A woman who is like a crystal
Origin: Persian
Caspara
Meaning: She who is the keeper of treasure
Origin: Persian
Cyra
Meaning: Moon faced
Origin: Persian
Daria
Meaning: Trustworthy natured person
Origin: Persian
Diba
Meaning: A priceless brocade
Origin: Persian
Dilara
Meaning: Ornamental beauty
Origin: Persian
Elaheh
Meaning: They are the moon goddess
Origin: Persian
Esther
Meaning: Sweet
Origin: Persian
Etty
Meaning: Star
Origin: Persian
Fariba
Meaning: A woman who plays tricks on people
Origin: Persian
Fehmeeda
Meaning: The one who has a clever mind
Origin: Persian
Finnegan
Meaning: Fair
Origin: Persian
Friya
Meaning: The girl who is loving
Origin: Persian
Gelsomina
Meaning: A kind of shrub with white color sweet smelling flowers
Origin: Persian
Giti
Meaning: World
Origin: Persian
Gordie
Meaning: They have good abilities of leadership
Origin: Persian
Haleh
Meaning: Halo
Origin: Persian
Heer
Meaning: Power, riches, pure
Origin: Persian
Homa
Meaning: Pheonix
Origin: Persian
Jahan
Meaning: Universe
Origin: Persian
Jasmine
Meaning: Gift from God
Origin: Persian
Kaameh
Meaning: Goal, wish
Origin: Persian
Kobrina
Meaning: Dominant
Origin: Persian
Ksaman
Meaning: Beautiful like a Jasmine
Origin: Persian
Kyra
Meaning: Throne, Sun
Origin: Persian
Margaret
Meaning: Pearl
Origin: Persian
Layla
Meaning: Night time
Origin: Persian
Leilia
Meaning: She who is born in the night
Origin: Persian
Liana
Meaning: A lady that glows
Origin: Persian
Mahatab
Meaning: Moonlight
Origin: Persian
Malakeh
Meaning: A beautiful queen who is also a messenger
Origin: Persian
Meggy
Meaning: One who is the child of the light
Origin: Persian
Monireh
Meaning: A shining person
Origin: Persian
Naadiya
Meaning: The one who calls
Origin: Persian
Nahal
Meaning: A young plant
Origin: Persian
Negin
Meaning: The priceless gem or valuable gemstone
Origin: Persian
Oldooz
Meaning: The Moon
Origin: Persian
Parastoo
Meaning: A bird
Origin: Persian
Pegah
Meaning: One who is like early moning light
Origin: Persian
Rexelle
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Persian
Robabeh
Meaning: A musical instrument’s name
Origin: Persian
Ruslana
Meaning: A woman as powerful as a lioness
Origin: Persian
Yasmina
Meaning: Jasmine flower
Origin: Persian