Zurab: 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".
The name Zurab carries a rich history rooted in Old Persian culture. Derived from "Sohrāb / Suhrāb", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from Persian (Fārsi) “sohrāb / suhrāb,” meaning “illustrious, shining. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Old Persian-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Zurab
Quick facts about Zurab
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
Georgian (ზურაბ)
How to Pronounce Zurab
Zurab is pronounced /zuˈrɑːb/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Zur-ab
Say it like: "ZOORAHB"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Zurab is predominantly used in georgian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
georgian
Name Relationships
Zurab is a variant form of Sohrab, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Zurab 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 Zurab 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, Zurab's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Zurab?
Zurab 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, Zurab is written as Georgian (ზურაბ). The name remains closely tied to georgian 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. Zurab developed as a form of Sohrab, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Zurab a boy or girl name?
Zurab 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, Zurab 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 Zurab?
Zurab is pronounced "/zuˈrɑːb/". This pronunciation follows pe language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Georgian (ზურაბ), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Zurab is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Zurab can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Sohrāb / Suhrāb influences how Zurab sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Zurab?
Zurab is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Zurab offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Zurab'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, Zurab holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Zurab?
Zurab is a form of Sohrab. Over time, Sohrab developed into several variations, with Zurab emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In old persian tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve 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.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Zurab might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In georgian, Zurab may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Zurab commonly used?
Zurab is used primarily in georgian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Zurab 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 Zurab into their naming traditions. A child named Zurab 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, Zurab 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.