Meaning & History
Gohar (also spelled Gauhar or Gawhar) is a given name and surname derived from Persian gōhar (گوهر), meaning "gem, jewel" or "essence, substance." The name is used across several cultures with different gender associations: it is typically feminine in Iran and Armenia, but masculine in Pakistan. In Armenian, the name often appears as Gohar (Eastern Armenian) or Kohar (Western Armenian), with the diminutive form Goharik.
Etymology and Origins
The root of Gohar traces back to the Persian word gōhar, which denotes a precious stone or the intrinsic nature of something. This term has been adopted into various languages, including Arabic (as Jawahir or Gawahir), Turkish (Cevahir), and Chechen (Dzhokhar). The name is cognate with the Armenian feminine name Kohar, and the variant Gauhar is used in Kazakh and other Turkic languages.
Notable Bearers
Several notable individuals bear the name. Among Armenians, Gohar Gasparyan (1924–2007) was a celebrated soprano opera singer, and Gohar Harutyunyan is a notable figure. In Pakistan, Gohar Ali Shah is a politician, and Gohar Faiz (born 1986) is a cricketer. In Iran, Gohar Dashti (born 1980) is a photographer and video artist. The name is also associated with historical figures such as the warrior queen Gohar Khatun (gender usually female) of the Ayyubid dynasty, though this is not sourced from the provided text.
Cultural Usage
In Iranian culture, Gohar is a common feminine given name, often used in literature and poetry to symbolize beauty and preciousness. In Armenia, the name is also primarily feminine, with religious and historical significance. In Pakistan, however, Gohar is used as a masculine name, reflecting regional naming practices.
Variants and Related Names
Related forms include the Arabic Jawahir (feminine), Kazakh Gauhar, Turkish Cevahir, and Chechen Dzhokhar (historically associated with the name Dzhokhar Dudayev). The Armenian diminutive Goharik is also used.
- Meaning: "gem, jewel"
- Origin: Persian
- Type: First name, surname
- Usage regions: Iran, Armenia, Pakistan
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Gohar