Katayun

Girl Name
Pronunciation:/ka.taˈjun/

Katayun: 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".

In Old Persian tradition, Katayun holds special significance as a feminine name representing Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Old Persian culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.

Quick Facts About Katayun

Quick facts about Katayun
OriginOld Persian
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

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 Katayun

Katayun is pronounced /ka.taˈjun/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

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

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

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

iranian
Frequently Asked Questions About Katayun
What does the name Katayun mean?
Katayun 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 Katayun 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. While not the most common choice, Katayun's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Katayun?
Katayun 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, Katayun 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 Katayun a boy or girl name?
Katayun 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, Katayun 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 Katayun?
Katayun is pronounced "/ka.taˈjun/". 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, Katayun is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Katayun can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root kata bânu > Katayun influences how Katayun sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Katayun?
Katayun is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Katayun offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Katayun'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, Katayun holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Katayun commonly used?
Katayun is used primarily in iranian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Katayun 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 Katayun into their naming traditions. A child named Katayun 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, Katayun 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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