What does Rostam mean?
Rostam is the greatest hero of the Shahnameh, his name evoking strength.
What does Kaveh mean?
Kaveh is the blacksmith who leads a revolt against tyranny in the Shahnameh.
Rostam vs Kaveh
Which is more popular?
Kaveh is more popular than Rostam today: about 13 US babies were given the name Kaveh in 2025, compared with 7 named Rostam.
| Rostam | Kaveh | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Brave, strong hero | Royal; the heroic blacksmith |
| Origin | Persian | Persian |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | rus-TAHM | KAH-veh |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 2015 | 1973 |
| Peak year | 2023 (14) | 1983 (18) |
| In 2025 | 7 | 13 |
| Trend | Rising | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Rostam
Kaveh
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Rostam | Kaveh |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 26 | 58 |
| 2010s | 5 | 87 |
| 2000s | 0 | 75 |
| 1990s | 0 | 60 |
| 1980s | 0 | 99 |
| 1970s | 0 | 42 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rostam or Kaveh more popular?
Kaveh is more popular than Rostam today: about 13 US babies were given the name Kaveh in 2025, compared with 7 named Rostam.
What is the difference between Rostam and Kaveh?
Rostam means Brave, strong hero (Persian origin), while Kaveh means Royal; the heroic blacksmith (Persian origin).
Which name is older, Rostam or Kaveh?
In US records, Rostam first appears in 2015 and Kaveh in 1973, so Kaveh has the longer recorded history.