Sohrab: a male name of Old Persian origin meaning "This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining".It derives from the Old Persian word "Sohrāb / Suhrāb".
Sohrab is a masculine name that means "This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining". Its Old Persian origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.
Quick Facts About Sohrab
Quick facts about Sohrab
Origin
Old Persian
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately 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
This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining.” It is a character from the Shahnameh or the kings’ tales by Ferdowsi in Rostam and Sohrab’s tragedy. He was Rostam’s son, an Iranian warrior, and Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangam, a neighboring country. He was slain at a young age by his father, Rostam.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Sohrāb / Suhrāb
Other Scripts
Persian (Fārsì) (سهراب)
How to Pronounce Sohrab
Sohrab is pronounced /soʊˈrɑːb/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Soh-rab
Say it like: "SOOORAHB"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Sohrab is predominantly used in iranian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
iranian
Frequently Asked Questions About Sohrab
What does the name Sohrab mean?
Sohrab means "This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining.” It is a character from the Shahnameh or the kings’ tales by Ferdowsi in Rostam and Sohrab’s tragedy. He was Rostam’s son, an Iranian warrior, and Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangam, a neighboring country. He was slain at a young age by his father, Rostam.". The name comes from Sohrāb / Suhrāb. In its original form, the name derives from Sohrāb / Suhrāb (سهراب). This old persian name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Sohrab for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining.” It is a character from the Shahnameh or the kings’ tales by Ferdowsi in Rostam and Sohrab’s tragedy. He was Rostam’s son, an Iranian warrior, and Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangam, a neighboring country. He was slain at a young age by his father, Rostam." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Sohrab's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Sohrab?
Sohrab is a old persian name. The name traces back to Sohrāb / Suhrāb. The original form Sohrāb / Suhrāb (سهراب) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Sohrab is written as Persian (Fārsì) (سهراب). The name remains closely tied to iranian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old persian meaning "This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining.” It is a character from the Shahnameh or the kings’ tales by Ferdowsi in Rostam and Sohrab’s tragedy. He was Rostam’s son, an Iranian warrior, and Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangam, a neighboring country. He was slain at a young age by his father, Rostam." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Sohrab a boy or girl name?
Sohrab is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In old persian tradition, Sohrab has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining.” It is a character from the Shahnameh or the kings’ tales by Ferdowsi in Rostam and Sohrab’s tragedy. He was Rostam’s son, an Iranian warrior, and Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangam, a neighboring country. He was slain at a young age by his father, Rostam." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Sohrab?
Sohrab is pronounced "/soʊˈrɑːb/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Persian (Fārsì) (سهراب), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Sohrab is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Sohrab can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Sohrāb / Suhrāb influences how Sohrab sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Sohrab?
Sohrab is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Sohrab offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Sohrab's popularity may vary between old persian communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining.” It is a character from the Shahnameh or the kings’ tales by Ferdowsi in Rostam and Sohrab’s tragedy. He was Rostam’s son, an Iranian warrior, and Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangam, a neighboring country. He was slain at a young age by his father, Rostam." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Sohrab holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Sohrab commonly used?
Sohrab is used primarily in iranian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Sohrab found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining.” It is a character from the Shahnameh or the kings’ tales by Ferdowsi in Rostam and Sohrab’s tragedy. He was Rostam’s son, an Iranian warrior, and Tahmineh, the daughter of the king of Samangam, a neighboring country. He was slain at a young age by his father, Rostam." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Sohrab into their naming traditions. A child named Sohrab 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, Sohrab is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.