Anahit (Armenian: Անահիտ) is the Armenian form of Anahita, a name introduced during the period of Iranian domination in the 1st millennium BC. Anahit was a major Armenian mother goddess associated with fertility, healing, wisdom, water, and protection. She was considered the daughter of Aramazd, the chief god in the Armenian pantheon.Etymology and OriginsThe name Anahit derives from the Old Persian anāhita, meaning "immaculate, undefiled," from the Old Iranian prefix *an- "not" and *āhita "unclean, dirty." The corresponding Iranian goddess Anahita was a deity of fertility and water in Zoroastrianism, and in the Avesta she is called Arəduuī (Aredvi), with anāhita serving as an epithet. Scholars have noted possible parallels between Anahita, the Indian goddess Saraswati, the Semitic goddess Ishtar, and the Greek goddess Artemis.Historical and Cultural SignificanceBy the 5th century BCE, Anahit had become a principal deity in Armenia alongside Aramazd. The Armenian king Artaxias I erected statues of Anahit and promoted her worship. According to the Greek geographer Strabo, the Armenians shared in the religion of the Persians and Medes and particularly honored Anaitis (the Hellenized form of Anahit). The Armenian kings were steadfast supporters of her cult, and even Tiridates III—who later converted Armenia to Christianity—showed special devotion to "the great lady Anahit, the benefactress of the whole human race, mother of all knowledge." Her temples and sanctuaries were widespread, and she was often identified with the Greek Artemis, as both were associated with nature and fertility.Notable Bearers and Later UseAs a given name, Anahit remains popular among Armenians today, preserving the legacy of the ancient goddess. A variant of the name is Anahid. Other related forms include Persian Nahid (mythological), Naheed, Anahid (Persian mythology), and Anaitis (Greek-influenced form).Meaning: Immaculate, undefiledOrigin: Old Persian, via ArmenianType: First name (feminine)Usage Regions: Armenia, Iranian-influenced areas