Mehrab

Mehrab is a Persian male given name derived from the components mehr (مهر), meaning "sun" or "friendship, kindness," and āb (آب), meaning "water." The name thus evokes themes of warmth, light, and life-giving sustenance.

In Persian mythology and literature, Mehrab is most notably known as the king of Kabul in the 10th-century epic Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) by Ferdowsi. According to the epic, Mehrab is a descendant of the dragon-slaying hero Zahhak. His marriage to Sindukht and the birth of their daughter Rudabeh set the stage for the marriage of Rudabeh to Zal, which ultimately leads to the birth of the great Persian hero Rostam. Mehrab is thus a key figure in the lineage of Iran's most celebrated mythical champion.

The name Mehrab is distinct from theArabic architectural term mihrab (محراب), which refers to a niche in a mosque wall indicating the direction of prayer. The Arabic word has a different etymology, likely rooted in Old South Arabian and relating to temple or palace chambers, and shares no direct linguistic connection with the Persian compound name despite the spelling similarity in English transliteration.

Mehrab is predominantly used in Iran and among Persian-speaking communities worldwide. Its meaning—"sun-water" or "kindness-water"—is poetic and highly valued in Persian onomastics. The name is also occasionally encountered as Merab in Georgian, albeit as a borrowing with the same Persian origin.

Notable Bearers

• Mehrab, the king of Kabul in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh.
• Mehrab Shahrokhi (born 1944), Iranian footballer.
• Mehrab Amiri (born 1979), Afghan footballer.

• Meaning: "sun-water" or "friendship/kindness-water"
• Origin: Persian (Iranian)
• Type: First name
• Usage regions: Iran, Afghanistan, Persian diaspora; also Georgian (as Merab)