120+ Popular & Common Persian Last Names (With Meanings & Origins)

Persian last names are more than just identifiers; they carry stories of ancestry, professions, geography, and even personal traits. Whether you’re exploring your own heritage or simply fascinated by Persian culture, understanding these surnames offers a glimpse into Iran’s rich history and traditions.

In this post, we’ve categorized 120+ Persian surnames along with their meanings and origins. Let’s dive in!

Last Names Based on Occupations

Many Persian surnames stem from ancestral professions, reflecting the family’s historical trade or role in society.

Ahmadi – Derived from “Ahmad,” meaning “most commendable” or “most praiseworthy.”
Asadi – Means “lion-like,” from “Asad” (lion), often linked to bravery.
Bazargan – Means “merchant” or “trader.”
Dabir – Means “scribe” or “secretary.”
Farrash – Refers to a “carpet spreader” or servant.
Hadad – Linked to blacksmithing (from “haddad”).
Javadi – Means “jeweler” or “goldsmith.”
Khalaji – Refers to a “swordsmith” or blade-maker.
Mirza – Originally a title for scribes or educated men.
Najjar – Means “carpenter.”
Rahimi – Derived from “Rahim,” meaning “compassionate.”
Saadat – Means “happiness” or “prosperity.”
Tabib – Means “physician” or “healer.”
Vaziri – Refers to a “vizier” (high-ranking official).
Zargar – Means “goldsmith.”

Last Names Based on Geography & Places

Many Persian surnames indicate a family’s origin from a specific city, region, or landmark.

Ahvazi – From Ahvaz, a city in Iran.
Ardabili – From Ardabil, a historic city.
Esfahani – From Isfahan.
Gilanpour – From Gilan province.
Hamadani – From Hamadan.
Kermani – From Kerman.
Khorasani – From Khorasan region.
Mashhadi – From Mashhad.
Qazvini – From Qazvin.
Rashti – From Rasht.
Shirazi – From Shiraz.
Tabrizi – From Tabriz.
Tehrani – From Tehran.
Yazdani – From Yazd.

Last Names Based on Personal Traits

Some surnames describe physical or personality traits of ancestors.

Agha – Means “master” or “sir.”
Aziz – Means “beloved” or “dear.”
Bahar – Means “spring,” symbolizing renewal.
Delavar – Means “brave-hearted.”
Gohar – Means “jewel” or “precious.”
Hakim – Means “wise” or “doctor.”
Kamran – Means “successful” or “fortunate.”
Mehr – Means “kindness” or “sun.”
Naderi – From “Nader,” meaning “rare” or “unique.”
Pouya – Means “seeker” or “striver.”
Ramin – Means “wise” or “intelligent.”
Soroush – Means “messenger” or “angel.”

Last Names Based on Nature & Elements

Persian culture deeply values nature, leading to many nature-inspired surnames.

Abdi – Means “of the water” or “servant of God.”
Atash – Means “fire.”
Barani – Means “related to rain.”
Darya – Means “sea.”
Golzar – Means “rose garden.”
Khorshid – Means “sun.”
Mehrabi – From “Mehr” (sun) + “Abi” (water).
Niloufar – Means “water lily.”
Pardis – Means “paradise” or “garden.”
Sahar – Means “dawn.”
Shadi – Means “happiness.”
Tala – Means “gold.”

Last Names with Religious & Spiritual Significance

Many Persian surnames have roots in Islam, Zoroastrianism, or other spiritual traditions.

Allahyari – Means “helper of God.”
Emami – Refers to descendants of Imams.
Hosseini – From Imam Hossein (a revered figure in Shia Islam).
Jafari – Linked to Imam Jafar al-Sadiq.
Mohammadi – Derived from the Prophet Muhammad.
Mousavi – Descendants of Imam Musa al-Kadhim.
Razavi – Linked to Imam Reza.
Rezaei – Derived from “Reza,” meaning “contentment.”
Soltani – Means “royal” or “related to kingship.”

Last Names Based on Royalty & Nobility

Some surnames reflect aristocratic or royal lineage.

Afshar – A noble Turkic-Persian dynasty.
Pahlavi – Linked to the Pahlavi dynasty.
Qajar – From the Qajar dynasty.
Shahbazi – Means “son of the king.”
Shahriari – Means “royal” or “kingly.”

Common Persian Last Names Ending with “-ian” or “-yan”

Many Persian surnames end with -ian/-yan, meaning “descendant of” or “belonging to.”

Arian – Means “noble” or “ancient Persian.”
Babakian – Descendant of Babak.
Darian – Means “possessing wealth.”
Jafarian – Descendant of Jafar.
Kianian – Refers to the Kiani crown (royal lineage).
Mirkiani – Means “related to princes.”
Rafatian – Derived from “Rafat,” meaning “high status.”

Other Popular Persian Last Names

Ansari – Means “supporter” or “helper.”
Danesh – Means “knowledge” or “wisdom.”
Ebrahimi – From “Ibrahim” (Abraham).
Farahani – From Farahan region.
Ghorbani – Means “sacrificial” or “devoted.”
Karimi – Means “generous.”
Mahmoudi – From “Mahmoud,” meaning “praised.”
Nouri – Means “light.”
Omidvar – Means “hopeful.”
Salari – Means “commander” or “leader.”

Last Names with Poetic & Literary Roots

Persian culture has a deep love for poetry, and many surnames are inspired by classical literature, epic tales, and philosophical concepts.

Ferdowsi – Honors the great Persian poet, Ferdowsi, author of the Shahnameh.
Hafizi – Derived from Hafez, the revered Persian poet.
Khayyami – Linked to Omar Khayyam, the famous poet and mathematician.
Roudaki – Named after Rudaki, the “father of Persian poetry.”
Saadi – From Saadi Shirazi, a master of Persian literature.
Vahshi – Means “wild” or “untamed,” sometimes used poetically.

Last Names Based on Historical & Mythological Figures

Some surnames trace back to legendary warriors, kings, and heroes from Persian mythology and history.

Afrasiabi – From Afrasiab, a mythical Turanian king in the Shahnameh.
Arash – Named after Arash the Archer, a heroic figure in Persian legend.
Cyrus (Kourosh) – Honors Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire.
Darius (Daryush) – From the great Achaemenid king, Darius.
Esfandiyari – Linked to Esfandiyar, a legendary warrior in the Shahnameh.
Rostami – From Rostam, the greatest hero of Persian mythology.
Siavash – Named after a noble prince in the Shahnameh.

Last Names with Tribal & Ethnic Origins

Many Persian surnames reflect tribal affiliations, especially from nomadic or clan-based communities.

Bakhtiari – From the Bakhtiari tribe, known for their resilience.
Baluchi – Indicates Baloch ethnic origin.
Kordestani – From the Kurdish people of Iran.
Lur – Associated with the Lur ethnic group.
Qashqai – From the Qashqai nomadic tribe.
Shahsavari – Linked to the Shahsavan tribe.
Turkmen – Indicates Turkmen ancestry.

Last Names with Compound & Unique Meanings

Some Persian surnames combine two words to create a deeper significance.

Ahmadiyan – “Praiseworthy” + “descendant of.”
Farhangian – Means “cultured” or “educated.”
Mehrdad – “Sun” (Mehr) + “given” (Dad), meaning “gift of the sun.”
Nourbakhsh – “Light” (Nour) + “bestower” (Bakhsh), meaning “giver of light.”
Shahmoradi – “King” (Shah) + “wished for” (Morad), meaning “desired king.”
Yazdanpanah – “Divine” (Yazdan) + “refuge” (Panah), meaning “protected by God.”

Rare & Uncommon Persian Last Names

These surnames are less common but carry beautiful meanings.

Anjomani – Means “related to gatherings” or “societal.”
Bijan – Means “hero” or “fearless.”
Dariush – Another form of “Darius,” meaning “he who holds firm to good.”
Farrokh – Means “fortunate” or “blessed.”
Keyhani – Refers to the “universe” or “cosmic.”
Mojtabavi – Means “chosen one” or “selected.”
Parvin – Refers to the Pleiades star cluster.
Shahin – Means “falcon,” symbolizing nobility.
Tousi – From the city of Tus, associated with scholars like Avicenna.
Zand – Linked to the Zand dynasty.

Modern & Gender-Neutral Persian Last Names

Some surnames are popular today due to their melodic sound and universal appeal.

Arya – Means “noble” or “honorable.”
Kiani – Refers to the royal Kiani crown.
Navid – Means “good news” or “bearer of glad tidings.”
Peyman – Means “promise” or “covenant.”
Sahar – Means “dawn,” symbolizing new beginnings.

Final Thoughts

Persian last names are a beautiful blend of history, culture, and identity. Whether rooted in professions, nature, or spirituality, each name tells a story.

Did we miss any? Let us know your favorite Persian surname in the comments!

Like this post? Share it with fellow Persian culture enthusiasts!