Sohrab Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SOH-rahb /soʊˈrɑːb/
Origin: Persian
Meaning: Shining; bright
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Sohrab has its roots in Persian, deriving from the word "Suhraw" which translates to "shining" or "illuminated." The name is most famously associated with the character Sohrab in the Persian epic poem "Shahnameh" (The Book of Kings), written by the poet Ferdowsi in the 10th century. In this narrative, Sohrab is the son of the legendary hero Rostam and is known for his tragic fate, which has imbued the name with connotations of heroism and tragedy within Persian literature and culture.
The story of Sohrab has been influential in Persian storytelling and has been referenced in various forms of art and literature throughout the centuries. The tale emphasizes themes of fate, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships, particularly the poignant moment of recognition between father and son.
This narrative has resonated deeply within Persian culture, making Sohrab a symbol of both valor and sorrow. In addition to its literary significance, the name Sohrab has been borne by various historical figures in Persian history, contributing to its cultural weight.
The name has been used in various contexts, often evoking the qualities of strength and nobility associated with its epic origins. The enduring legacy of Sohrab in Persian culture is reflected in its continued use in literature and art, where it symbolizes the heroic spirit and the tragic elements of human existence.
The name's association with the Shahnameh has ensured its place in the cultural consciousness of Persian-speaking communities.
Famous people named Sohrab
In this section, you will find notable people named Sohrab. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Sohrab who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Sohrab who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Sohrab Ahmari is a journalist and author best known for The New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, and his book From Fire, by Water.
Fictional characters named Sohrab
The following list of fictional characters named Sohrab is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Sohrab is a fictional character from the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. He is the son of Hassan and plays a crucial role in the protagonist's journey towards redemption.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Sohrab, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Sohrab. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Sohrab was first seen in the United States in 1980.
Sohrab has ranked as high as #1242 nationally, which occurred in 1995, and has been most popular in California.
In the past 5 years the name Sohrab has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Sohrab is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Sohrab was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Sohrab (1995)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Sohrab.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 1999 | 5 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1985 | 5 |
| 1981 | 5 |
| 1980 | 7 |