Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Sohrab

Sohrab

♂ Boy

Pronounced SOH-rahb /ˈsoʊ.rɑb/Medium

Meaning: Sohrab is a Persian name borne by the tragic hero of the Shahnameh, Ferdowsi's great epic: Sohrab is the son of the champion Rostam, and the two meet in battle without knowing each other, ending in Sohrab's death at his father's hand. The name is commonly glossed as 'shining, illustrious, red-hued', though the gloss is less certain than the story.Low

In 30 seconds: Sohrab is the tragic hero of Persia's Shahnameh - the son killed in battle by his father Rostam (said 'SOH-rahb').
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumPersian
MeaningSohrab is a Persian name borne by the tragic hero of the Shahnameh, Ferdowsi's great epic: Sohrab is the son of the champion Rostam, and the two meet in battle without knowing each other, ending in Sohrab's death at his father's hand. The name is commonly glossed as 'shining, illustrious, red-hued', though the gloss is less certain than the story.
U.S. rank (2023)#13893 ↘ Falling
2023 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1995
Total births (all-time)≈ 85

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199519802023

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

Sohrab is one of the great names of Persian literature. In Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, Sohrab is the son of the champion Rostam; father and son meet as opponents on the battlefield, neither knowing the other, and Sohrab is mortally wounded - the recognition comes too late. The story has been retold for a thousand years and reached English readers through Matthew Arnold's poem. The name is often glossed 'shining, illustrious', though the gloss is less firm than the tale. It remains in use across Iran, Afghanistan and the Persian diaspora (said 'SOH-rahb').

It appears only very rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare here, deeply known in Persian culture.

Did you know? In the Shahnameh, Rostam and Sohrab fight without knowing they are father and son. Sohrab dies at Rostam's hand - one of the most famous tragedies in Persian literature, retold by Matthew Arnold in English (said 'SOH-rahb').
Overall data confidence 55%
References - Sohrab — Shahnameh (Ferdowsi); Sohrab, son of Rostam, killed by his father. Gloss 'shining' uncertain.

Variations

SuhrabSohraabSorab

Nicknames

SohRabSori

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sohrab…

Cyrus— a fellow great Persian name
Darius— a like historic Persian pick
Kaveh— another hero-name from Persian legend
Mehtab— shares Sohrab's Persian roots
Mehrab— shares Sohrab's Persian roots

Explore names like Sohrab

By themepersianrareliteraryepic

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sohrab mean?

Sohrab is the name of the tragic hero of the Persian Shahnameh, son of Rostam. It is often glossed 'shining, illustrious', though that gloss is less certain than the story.

How do you pronounce Sohrab?

It's said SOH-rahb /ˈsoʊ.rɑb/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sohrab a boy or girl name?

Sohrab is a boy's name.

How popular is Sohrab?

Sohrab is very rare in the U.S., though it is well known across Iran and Afghanistan.

💬 Ask Nia