What does Sohrab mean and where does it come from?
Sohrab (سهراب) is a prominent character in Persian literature, notably in the epic poem Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) by Ferdowsi. He is the son of the legendary hero Rostam and Tahmineh, the princess of Samangan. The tragedy of Sohrab revolves around his quest to find his father, Rostam, culminatin
Cultural significance
Sohrab has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Iran-speaking communities, where it reflects values of shining.
Peak popularity
Reached #5510 in 1980 — currently #7604 in the US.
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Related Reading
Iran-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sohrab?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sohrab?
Sohrab works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sohrab Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Sohrab John
One syllable · timeless choice
Sohrab Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Sohrab Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Sohrab Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Sohrab Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Sohrab right now?
Rising fast — up 6289 spots — currently #7604 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7604 | 11 | ▲ up 6289 · +120% births |
| 2023 | #13893 | 5 | ▼ down 3201 · -29% births |
| 2022 | #10692 | 7 | ▲ up 1758 · +40% births |
| 2020 | #12450 | 5 | ▲ up 116 |
| 2015 | #12566 | 5 | ▼ down 5819 · -37% births |
| 1995 | #6747 | 8 | ▲ up 975 · +33% births |
| 1990 | #7722 | 6 | ▼ down 433 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #7289 | 5 | ▼ down 1779 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #5510 | 7 | — |
The story of Sohrab
Sohrab is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 73 total births recorded, Sohrab remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5510 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13893 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Sohrab in 1980:
Sohrab by decade
Sohrab peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s ★ | 22 | |
| 1990s | 19 | |
| 2000s | 16 | |
| 2010s | 11 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
💎Sohrab has only 73 total recorded births since 1980 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Sohrab?
What names sound and feel like Sohrab?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sohrab also consider these
How is Sohrab written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Sohrab
What does the name Sohrab mean?
Sohrab means "Shining" — a name rooted in Iran tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Sohrab?
Sohrab is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Sohrab?
Sohrab originates from Iran tradition. Iran names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Sohrab?
Sohrab is a four-syllable name pronounced SOH-AY-CHAH-RAB. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Sohrab?
Sohrab pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Iran heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.