Meaning & History
Mitra 2 is a modern Persian feminine name, serving as a variant of Mithra, the ancient Zoroastrian mythology deity. While the true Modern Persian form of Mithra is Mehr, the variant Mitra has gained popularity as a distinctly feminine name in contemporary Iran.
Etymology and Origin
The name derives from Avestan mithra, meaning “oath, covenant, agreement”, a concept central to Indo-Iranian culture. The same root gave rise to Mithra, a god of light, truth, and friendship, son of the supreme deity Ahura Mazda in Zoroastrian lore.
Cultural Context
In Persian tradition, the masculine Mehr is the usual modern form of Mithra, but Mitra 2 has emerged as a feminine innovation, perhaps influenced by the Indian goddess Mitra (from Hinduism) or as an independent creative variant. It reflects a trend of adapting ancient theophoric names for modern female use.
Related Forms
Other language variants include Turkish Mehri, Mihra, and the unrelated but identically spelled Hindu name Mitra 1 (used for males meaning “friend”).
- Meaning: oath, covenant (via Mithra)
- Origin: Avestan, Persian
- Type: feminine given name
- Usage regions: Iran, Persian diaspora
- Related: Mehr, Mehri, Mihra, Mitra 1