Kaveh

Kaveh is a Persian given name, often transliterated as Kāveh or Kaweh, derived from the Persian word for blacksmith. In modern usage, it remains a common male name among Iranians and Persian-speaking communities, appearing in literature, media, and everyday life.

In Persian mythology and epic literature, Kāveh the Blacksmith is a legendary figure central to the narrative of resistance against tyranny. In Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Kāveh is a blacksmith who, outraged by the oppression of the tyrant Zahhak, rallies the populace and sparks a broad uprising. His actions contribute to the downfall of Zahhak and the rise of the hero Fereydun. The character has come to symbolize civic courage, national unity, and the struggle for justice within Iranian cultural memory.

Today, the name Kāveh remains in use as a given name and is associated with cultural and historical associations tied to Iranian heritage. Variants in spelling reflect different transliteration systems, including Kaweh and Kāveh. Beyond personal naming, the Kaveh figure appears in discussions of Persian literature and mythology as a symbol of resistance and national identity.