Persian Names for Girls

This name was given a lithe and graceful image by ballerina Gelsey Kirkland, but was later far surpassed by Kelsey and Chelsea.

Anyone who remembers the classic novel or film "The Prisoner of Zenda" would find this an odd choice.

The name Parastoo currently seems unusual to the Western ear, with that "too" ending rare in traditional English names. It is sometimes spelled Parastu. Pari or Parisa would make easier imports.

Cute in Persian, verboten here.

Leave the Z behind, please. You're better off with the classic Jasmine spelling -- though all of this name's variations have been falling in popularity in recent years.

One of the less frequently seen spellings of this popular name.

In English, this Persian name looks harsher than its sound or meaning. But we think it has a lot of dignity; and if Dagmar can get a look it, why not Golnar?

This name gets given to a handful of Persian girls each year in both the USA and the UK.