Meaning & History
Hormazd is a Persian variant form of Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism.
Etymology
The name derives from Avestan ahura ("lord") and mazdā ("wisdom"), together meaning "lord of wisdom." Middle Persian forms include Hormizd and Ormazd, from which the Modern Persian Hormazd evolved.
Historical Context
Ahura Mazda was the principal god of Zoroastrianism, first invoked during the Achaemenid period (c. 550–330 BC) in the Behistun Inscription of Darius the Great. Initially worshipped alone, later under Artaxerxes II (c. 405/404–358 BC) he was joined by Mithra and Anahita. Depictions of Ahura Mazda were avoided; instead, an empty chariot drawn by white horses symbolized his presence. The Middle Persian name Hormisdas was used by several Sassanid kings and later by Christian saints.
Variants
Related forms include Ormazd, Urmazd, Hormoz, and Armenian Aramazd. Hormazd remains a common Persian masculine given name.
- Meaning: lord of wisdom
- Origin: Avestan / Old Persian
- Type: Given name
- Usage regions: Iran, Persian diaspora
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Ahura Mazda