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Tomiris

♀ Girl

Pronounced toh-MEE-ris /toʊˈmiː.rɪs/Medium

Meaning: Tomiris is the modern Central Asian form of Tomyris, the queen of the Massagetae who, in Herodotus, defeated and killed Cyrus the Great of Persia. The name is Iranian in root, often glossed 'brave' or connected to a word for 'iron'; the etymology is not settled, which we note. It is a national heroine's name in Kazakhstan.Low

In 30 seconds: A warrior queen's name: Tomiris is the Tomyris who defeated Cyrus the Great (said 'toh-MEE-ris').

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Origin MediumScythian, Kazakh

MeaningTomiris is the modern Central Asian form of Tomyris, the queen of the Massagetae who, in Herodotus, defeated and killed Cyrus the Great of Persia. The name is Iranian in root, often glossed 'brave' or connected to a word for 'iron'; the etymology is not settled, which we note. It is a national heroine's name in Kazakhstan.

U.S. rank (2024)#13308 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 23

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

Tomiris is the modern form of Tomyris, queen of the Massagetae, a nomadic people of the Central Asian steppe. Herodotus records that she defeated the Persian king Cyrus the Great in battle. The name's Iranian etymology is unsettled — 'brave' and 'iron' have both been proposed — which we note. It is widely given in Kazakhstan today (said 'toh-MEE-ris').

It appears only very rarely for girls in the U.S. Very rare, historic, and strong.

Did you know? Herodotus tells that Tomyris, queen of the Massagetae, avenged her son by defeating Cyrus the Great — the mightiest king of his age. In Kazakhstan she is a national heroine and her name is given to daughters with pride.

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Tomiris — Tomyris, queen of the Massagetae (Herodotus); Kazakh national heroine; etymology unsettled

Variations

TomyrisTomirisTumar

Nicknames

TomiMiri

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Tomiris…

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By themeheritage historic warrior kazakh

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tomiris mean?

Tomiris is the name of Tomyris, a Scythian warrior queen; the Iranian etymology is unsettled, which we note.

How do you pronounce Tomiris?

It's said toh-MEE-ris /toʊˈmiː.rɪs/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Tomiris a boy or girl name?

Tomiris is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Tomiris?

Tomiris is a very rare name for girls in the U.S., though it is well used in Kazakhstan.