Khurshid is an Urdu and Uzbek form of Khorshid, a Persian name meaning "shining sun." The name derives ultimately from the Avestan Huuarə Xšaēta, the name of a Yazata (a holy being) in Zoroastrianism associated with the sun. This rich linguistic and religious heritage has made the name popular across Iran, Turkey, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and South Asia. Etymology and Origins Khurshid (Persian: خورشید, pronounced [xoɾˈʃid]) traces its roots to the Avestan compound Huuarə Xšaēta, meaning "radiant sun." In Zoroastrian cosmology, this figure served as a divine guardian of the sun, embodying light and warmth. The name underwent phonetic changes as it passed into Middle Persian and eventually Modern Persian, where it is written as Khorshid ‌or Khurshid. From Persian, it entered the Turkic and Indic spheres, notably gaining currency in Urdu and Uzbek as a masculine given name. Historical and Notable Bearers Several historical figures bear the name. Khurshid of Tabaristan (734–761 CE) was the last Dabuyid ruler to resist Arab conquest. Another Khurshid of Dailam (died 865) was a Justanid king in northern Iran. In the Indian subcontinent, Khurshid Khan (died 1503) served as a fifteenth-century minister in Sylhet. Modern notable bearers include Pakistani scholar and politician Khurshid Ahmad (1932–2025), Indian Congress leader Khurshed Alam Khan (1919–2013), Tajikistani footballer Khurshed Mahmudov (born 1982), and Khurshed Nariman (1883–1948), a former mayor of Mumbai. Variant Forms and Cultural Reach The name has numerous variants across languages. In Uzbek, it is also spelled Xurshid. Tajik uses Khurshed. The Turkish adaptation is Hurşit. Related ancient forms include the Avestan Hvare Khshaeta and Hvare Xšaeta from Persian mythology. Key Facts Meaning: "shining sun" Origin: Persian (from Avestan Huuarə Xšaēta) Type: Given name Usage: Urdu, Uzbek, Persian, Turkish, and others