Meaning & History
Etymology
Fereydun is a variant transcription of the Persian فریدون (Fereydoun), itself the modern Persian form of the Old Iranian name *Thraitauna, a derivative (with an augmentative suffix) of Tritas, meaning "the third". The Avestan form is 𐬚𐬭𐬀𐬉𐬙𐬀𐬊𐬥𐬀 (Thraētaona).
Mythological Significance
In Persian mythology, Fereydun is a legendary king of the Pishdadian dynasty, renowned as an emblem of victory, justice, and generosity. He appears in Ferdowsi's 10th-century epic, the Shahnameh, as a virtuous king who ruled for 500 years, defeating the tyrant Zahhak. According to scholar Abolala Soudavar, the figure of Fereydun partially reflects the historical Cyrus the Great (r. 550–530 BC).
Other Languages & Cultures
The name has many cognates: Feridun in Turkish, Faridun in Tajik, and Pridon in Georgian. Variants include Faridoon, Fereydoon, and Fereydoun.
- Meaning: "the third" (from Old Iranian *Thraitauna)
- Origin: Persian Mythology
- Type: Hero, King (Pishdadian dynasty)
- Usage: Persian, Tajik, Turkish, Georgian
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Fereydun