Ketevan

Girl Name
Pronunciation:/ˈkɛ.te.vɑːn/

Ketevan: 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".

Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Ketevan, drawn to its Old Persian heritage and beautiful significance: "Katāyoun is a female figure in Shāhnāme and Iranian mythology". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Ketevan

Quick facts about Ketevan
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

Georgian (ქეთევან)

How to Pronounce Ketevan

Ketevan is pronounced /ˈkɛ.te.vɑːn/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Ket-ev-an
  2. Say it like: "KET-EV-AN"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Usage & Popularity

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

georgian
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketevan
What does the name Ketevan mean?
Ketevan 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 Ketevan 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, Ketevan's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Ketevan?
Ketevan 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, Ketevan is written as Georgian (ქეთევან). The name remains closely tied to georgian 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 Ketevan a boy or girl name?
Ketevan 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, Ketevan 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 Ketevan?
Ketevan is pronounced "/ˈkɛ.te.vɑːn/". This pronunciation follows fa language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Georgian (ქეთევან), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Ketevan is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Ketevan can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root kata bânu > Katayun influences how Ketevan sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Ketevan?
Ketevan is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Ketevan offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Ketevan'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, Ketevan holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Ketevan commonly used?
Ketevan is used primarily in georgian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Ketevan 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 Ketevan into their naming traditions. A child named Ketevan 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, Ketevan 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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