Meaning & History
Nahid is the modern Persian form of the name Anahita, an ancient Iranian goddess. In modern Persian, Nahid (also spelled Naheed) is also the common name for the planet Venus, reflecting the goddess's enduring celestial association.
Etymology and Original Goddess
Anahita, meaning "immaculate, undefiled" in Old Persian, was a major deity of the Iranian pantheon. Her complete Avestan name was Aradvi Sura Anahita, and she was revered as the divinity of the Waters (Aban), associated with fertility, healing, and wisdom. The Avestan epithet anāhita ( "undefiled") originally described the goddess rather than being her formal name. Over time, Anahita became her principal designation.
The goddess is also linked to the Indian Saraswati, and syncretic identification with the Semitic Ishtar and Greek Artemis occurred during later periods as her cult spread.
Modern Usage
As a Persian given name, Nahid is typically feminine. Variant forms include Anahid (Persian Mythology), Anaitis (Greek rendering), and Naheed (Persian). In Armenian, the related names Anahid and Anahit similarly honor the goddess. Nahid remains a popular name throughout Persian-influenced regions including Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
- Meaning: "Venus" (planet), derived from the goddess Anahita
- Origin: Persian
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage regions: Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Persian diaspora
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Anahita