Timur: a male name of Old Persian origin meaning "This name derives from the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron".It derives from the Old Persian word "Timūr-i > Timūr".
Timur has maintained its appeal as a masculine name in modern times while preserving its Old Persian roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Timur
Quick facts about Timur
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 the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron.” In turn, this name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Timūr-i > Timūr,” the same meaning “iron.” Timur, Tarmashirin Khan, was a Turkic ruler who conquered West, South, and Central Asia and founded the Timurid dynasty. He was the grandfather of Ulugh Beg, who ruled Central Asia from 1411 to 1449, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Babur Beg, founder of the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia for centuries.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Timūr-i > Timūr
Other Scripts
Russian (Тимур)
How to Pronounce Timur
Timur is pronounced /ˈtiː.mʊr/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Tim-ur
Say it like: "TIM-UR"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across russian, and turkish speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
russianturkish
Frequently Asked Questions About Timur
What does the name Timur mean?
Timur means "This name derives from the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron.” In turn, this name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Timūr-i > Timūr,” the same meaning “iron.” Timur, Tarmashirin Khan, was a Turkic ruler who conquered West, South, and Central Asia and founded the Timurid dynasty. He was the grandfather of Ulugh Beg, who ruled Central Asia from 1411 to 1449, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Babur Beg, founder of the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia for centuries.". The name comes from Timūr-i > Timūr. In its original form, the name derives from Timūr (تیمور). This old persian name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Timur for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron.” In turn, this name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Timūr-i > Timūr,” the same meaning “iron.” Timur, Tarmashirin Khan, was a Turkic ruler who conquered West, South, and Central Asia and founded the Timurid dynasty. He was the grandfather of Ulugh Beg, who ruled Central Asia from 1411 to 1449, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Babur Beg, founder of the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia for centuries." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Timur's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Timur?
Timur is a old persian name. The name traces back to Timūr-i > Timūr. The original form Timūr (تیمور) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Timur is written as Russian (Тимур). From its old persian roots, Timur spread to become common in russian, turkish. The old persian meaning "This name derives from the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron.” In turn, this name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Timūr-i > Timūr,” the same meaning “iron.” Timur, Tarmashirin Khan, was a Turkic ruler who conquered West, South, and Central Asia and founded the Timurid dynasty. He was the grandfather of Ulugh Beg, who ruled Central Asia from 1411 to 1449, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Babur Beg, founder of the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia for centuries." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Timur a boy or girl name?
Timur 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, Timur has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron.” In turn, this name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Timūr-i > Timūr,” the same meaning “iron.” Timur, Tarmashirin Khan, was a Turkic ruler who conquered West, South, and Central Asia and founded the Timurid dynasty. He was the grandfather of Ulugh Beg, who ruled Central Asia from 1411 to 1449, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Babur Beg, founder of the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia for centuries." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Timur?
Timur is pronounced "/ˈtiː.mʊr/". This pronunciation follows pe language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian (Тимур), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Timur is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in russian, turkish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Timur can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Timūr-i > Timūr influences how Timur sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Timur?
Timur is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Timur offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Timur'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 the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron.” In turn, this name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Timūr-i > Timūr,” the same meaning “iron.” Timur, Tarmashirin Khan, was a Turkic ruler who conquered West, South, and Central Asia and founded the Timurid dynasty. He was the grandfather of Ulugh Beg, who ruled Central Asia from 1411 to 1449, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Babur Beg, founder of the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia for centuries." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Timur holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Timur commonly used?
Timur is common in russian and turkish naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Timur found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Mongolian “Temür / Tömör,” meaning “iron.” In turn, this name derives from the Persian (Fārsi) “Timūr-i > Timūr,” the same meaning “iron.” Timur, Tarmashirin Khan, was a Turkic ruler who conquered West, South, and Central Asia and founded the Timurid dynasty. He was the grandfather of Ulugh Beg, who ruled Central Asia from 1411 to 1449, and the great-great-great-grandfather of Babur Beg, founder of the Mughal Empire, which ruled South Asia for centuries." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Timur into their naming traditions. A child named Timur 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, Timur 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.