Kaveh

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAH-veh /ˈkɑ.ve/Medium

Meaning: A Persian name best known from the Shahnameh, where Kaveh the blacksmith raises his leather apron as a banner and leads a revolt against the tyrant Zahhak. The word's own etymology is debated; the heroic association is the heart of the name, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A hero's name: Kaveh is the blacksmith of the Persian Shahnameh who raised his apron as a banner of freedom (said 'KAH-veh').

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Origin MediumPersian

MeaningA Persian name best known from the Shahnameh, where Kaveh the blacksmith raises his leather apron as a banner and leads a revolt against the tyrant Zahhak. The word's own etymology is debated; the heroic association is the heart of the name, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13229 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1983

Total births (all-time)≈ 408

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kaveh (Kāveh) is a Persian name carried by one of the great figures of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh: the blacksmith who defied the tyrant Zahhak and whose apron-banner became a symbol of resistance. The word's own root is debated, but its heroic weight is not (said 'KAH-veh').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely for boys. Rare here, well loved in Iran and the diaspora.

Did you know? In the Shahnameh, Kaveh the blacksmith lifts his leather apron on a spear as a flag and rallies the people against a tyrant king — the apron became a legendary Persian standard. The name carries that spirit of courage, which we note.

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Kaveh — Persian; Shahnameh blacksmith hero; word etymology debated

Variations

KaveKavehKawa

Nicknames

KavKay

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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By themeheritage persian literary heroic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kaveh mean?

Kaveh is the name of the legendary blacksmith hero of the Persian Shahnameh; the word's own etymology is debated, which we note.

How do you pronounce Kaveh?

It's said KAH-veh /ˈkɑ.ve/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kaveh a boy or girl name?

Kaveh is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Kaveh?

Kaveh is a rare name for boys in the U.S., though it is familiar in Iran.