Katayoun

Girl Name
Pronunciation:/kɑˈta.jun/

Katayoun: a female name of Old Persian origin meaning "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology". It derives from the Old Persian word "kata bânu > Katayun".

Katayoun has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Old Persian roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.

Quick Facts About Katayoun

Quick facts about Katayoun
OriginOld Persian
GenderGirl name
PopularityUncommon

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology. She is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār. Her name means “Queen of the world.” It is sometimes used as a Georgian form of Katherine. Ketevan, the Martyr (~1560–1624), was a queen of Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia. She was killed at Shiraz, Iran, after prolonged tortures by the Safavid suzerains of Georgia for refusing to give up the Christian faith and convert to Islam. This name is of Old Persian origin, composed of two elements: “kata” (house, city, king, lord) plus “bânu” (wife). In turn, the name means “king’s wife, a woman of the house.”

Etymology & Details

Name Root

kata bânu > Katayun

Other Scripts

Persian (Fārsi) (کتایون)

How to Pronounce Katayoun

Katayoun is pronounced /kɑˈta.jun/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Kat-ay-oun
  2. Say it like: "KAT-AY-OUN"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Katayoun is predominantly used in iranian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

iranian
Frequently Asked Questions About Katayoun
What does the name Katayoun mean?
Katayoun means "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology. She is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār. Her name means “Queen of the world.” It is sometimes used as a Georgian form of Katherine. Ketevan, the Martyr (~1560–1624), was a queen of Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia. She was killed at Shiraz, Iran, after prolonged tortures by the Safavid suzerains of Georgia for refusing to give up the Christian faith and convert to Islam. This name is of Old Persian origin, composed of two elements: “kata” (house, city, king, lord) plus “bânu” (wife). In turn, the name means “king’s wife, a woman of the house.”". The name comes from kata bânu > Katayun. In its original form, the name derives from Katayun (کتایون). This old persian name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Katayoun for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology. She is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār. Her name means “Queen of the world.” It is sometimes used as a Georgian form of Katherine. Ketevan, the Martyr (~1560–1624), was a queen of Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia. She was killed at Shiraz, Iran, after prolonged tortures by the Safavid suzerains of Georgia for refusing to give up the Christian faith and convert to Islam. This name is of Old Persian origin, composed of two elements: “kata” (house, city, king, lord) plus “bânu” (wife). In turn, the name means “king’s wife, a woman of the house.”" as a quality they hope to see in their child. Katayoun offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Katayoun?
Katayoun is a old persian name. The name traces back to kata bânu > Katayun. The original form Katayun (کتایون) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Katayoun is written as Persian (Fārsi) (کتایون). The name remains closely tied to iranian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old persian meaning "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology. She is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār. Her name means “Queen of the world.” It is sometimes used as a Georgian form of Katherine. Ketevan, the Martyr (~1560–1624), was a queen of Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia. She was killed at Shiraz, Iran, after prolonged tortures by the Safavid suzerains of Georgia for refusing to give up the Christian faith and convert to Islam. This name is of Old Persian origin, composed of two elements: “kata” (house, city, king, lord) plus “bânu” (wife). In turn, the name means “king’s wife, a woman of the house.”" reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Katayoun a boy or girl name?
Katayoun is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In old persian tradition, Katayoun has historically been given to girls. The meaning "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology. She is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār. Her name means “Queen of the world.” It is sometimes used as a Georgian form of Katherine. Ketevan, the Martyr (~1560–1624), was a queen of Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia. She was killed at Shiraz, Iran, after prolonged tortures by the Safavid suzerains of Georgia for refusing to give up the Christian faith and convert to Islam. This name is of Old Persian origin, composed of two elements: “kata” (house, city, king, lord) plus “bânu” (wife). In turn, the name means “king’s wife, a woman of the house.”" carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Katayoun?
Katayoun is pronounced "/kɑˈta.jun/". This pronunciation follows pe language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Persian (Fārsi) (کتایون), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Katayoun is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Katayoun can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root kata bânu > Katayun influences how Katayoun sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Katayoun?
Katayoun is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Katayoun gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Katayoun's popularity may vary between old persian communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology. She is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār. Her name means “Queen of the world.” It is sometimes used as a Georgian form of Katherine. Ketevan, the Martyr (~1560–1624), was a queen of Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia. She was killed at Shiraz, Iran, after prolonged tortures by the Safavid suzerains of Georgia for refusing to give up the Christian faith and convert to Islam. This name is of Old Persian origin, composed of two elements: “kata” (house, city, king, lord) plus “bânu” (wife). In turn, the name means “king’s wife, a woman of the house.”" likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Katayoun holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Katayoun commonly used?
Katayoun is used primarily in iranian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Katayoun found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology. She is the wife of Goshtāsb and the mother of Esfandiār. Her name means “Queen of the world.” It is sometimes used as a Georgian form of Katherine. Ketevan, the Martyr (~1560–1624), was a queen of Kakheti, a kingdom in eastern Georgia. She was killed at Shiraz, Iran, after prolonged tortures by the Safavid suzerains of Georgia for refusing to give up the Christian faith and convert to Islam. This name is of Old Persian origin, composed of two elements: “kata” (house, city, king, lord) plus “bânu” (wife). In turn, the name means “king’s wife, a woman of the house.”" carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Katayoun into their naming traditions. A child named Katayoun will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Katayoun is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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