Top 10 Persian Baby Names (Boys and Girls)

Names are a really, really important thing. Particularly when you're a child. As someone who grew up with an impossible-for-Americans-to-pronounce traditional Persian name, I beseech you -- do not give your poor child a name that is going to provide his or her classmates with joke material until senior year. Just don't do it, ok? Your child thanks you in advance.

What makes a great baby name? Something that doesn't need to be explained or pronounced to every person your child meets. Something that isn't impossible to remember. Something that sounds good in English (assuming that's your native language) when pronounced, and something that isn't so common that half your child's class shares it.

I understand that names like Jennifer (which was way too common when I was growing up) are now the Alice and Betty of my mother's generation -- but that doesn't mean there aren't perfectly good names around for you to use. There is no need to go naming your child after fruit, vegetables or symbols on your keyboard. Really, there isn't. If you're tired of your own country's baby names, try looking at those from another country. Persian names can be quite nice as long as they're easily enough spoken, and don't look too bizarre once translated into English. And remember, if you think the original spelling is hard to figure, you can always re-spell it.

The following are my Top Ten Persian Baby Name lists for boys and girls. If you would like to add your own Persian baby name to list, feel free to do so in the comments.

• Farah -- Meaning: joy and happiness. It happens to also be the name of one of the most beautiful Persian Queens, ever. I'm sure you know how to pronounce this one.

• Roya -- Meaning: a dream or vision. You really need to say it aloud to get the full effect, don't just read it. I've a cousin named this and I have always loved it. Pronounced Roy-yah.

• Lila -- Meaning: lilac tree. Very pretty, and a nice alternative to the popular Leila (which means something totally different). 

• Mahta -- Meaning: Like the moon. Mahtab is another popular version, meaning moonlight. Pronounced Mah-tah.

• Felora -- Meaning: No idea, because I can't find it online. This is my favorite aunt's name, and when pronounced it sounds a lot like the Spanish Flora.

• Nasrin -- Meaning: wild rose. I've an auntie Nasrin as well, and this name sounds very pretty in Persian. Pronounced Nahs-reen

• Roxana -- Meaning: Name of famous Persian princess.

• Shirina -- Meaning: sweet. Pronounced Sheer-een-a

• Zarina -- Meaning: gold. You may know this name if you're familiar with the clothing store. Pronounced Zah-ree-na.

• Azura -- Meaning: blue gemstone azure. Pronounced Ah-zure-ah