Iran etymology

Etymology of Iran

The name "Iran" has Indo-European roots and has evolved over time:

  • Proto-Indo-Iranian: Āryanam ("land of the Aryans")
  • Old Persian: Ariyānām (Classical Persian: Ariyānām Xšaçam "Kingdom of the Aryans")
  • Middle Persian: Ērān or Ērānšahr ("country of the Aryans")
  • Modern Persian: ایران (īrān)

Meaning of Iran

Iran means "land of the Aryans." The term "Aryan" refers to the Indo-European peoples who migrated into the Iranian Plateau around 1500 BC. Over time, the term became associated with the Iranian people and their culture.

Origin of the Name

The name "Iran" was first used as a formal name for the Persian Empire by Darius the Great (reigned 522-486 BC). Darius inscribed the name "Ariyānām Xšaçam" on the Behistun Inscription, which commemorated his victory over various rebellions. The name continued to be used as the official name of the Persian Empire until its fall in 651 AD.

Other Names for Iran

Throughout history, Iran has been known by various names, including:

  • Persia (from the Greek word for the province of Fars)
  • Parthia (from the name of a dynasty that ruled Iran from 250 BC to 224 AD)
  • Sassanid Empire (from the name of a dynasty that ruled Iran from 224 to 651 AD)

Iran relate terms

  • Aryan

    Etymology The name Aryan has Indo European origins It is derived from the Proto Indo E

  • Iran

    Etymology of Iran The name Iran has Indo European roots and has evolved over time Pr

  • Caucasian

    Etymology Caucasus Derived from the ancient Greek Kaukasos the name of a mountain r

  • Japhetic

    Etymology of Japhetic Derived from the name of Japheth one of the three sons of No

  • Arian

    Etymology The name Arian is derived from the Proto Indo European root h₂er meaning

  • Indo European

    Etymology Indo European is a compound word derived from Indo short for Indic r

  • Persia

    Etymology English Persia Ancient Persian Pārsa Modern Persian Fārs Meaning L

  • Iranian

    Etymology The name Iran has its roots in Old Persian where it was known as Aryānam

  • Iran

    Etymology of Iran The name Iran has Indo European roots and has evolved over time Pr

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  • aspire

    Etymology Old French aspirer Latin aspirare ad towards spirare to breathe Me

  • praise

    Etymology of Praise Origin Old French preisier 12th century Relation to Other Lan

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    Etymology and Origin Persepolis is derived from the Ancient Greek Περσέπολις

  • Shiraz

    Etymology The name Shiraz is derived from the Persian word sheeraz which means abo

  • cope

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