Khosrow

Khosrow is a male given name of Persian origin that has been borne by notable rulers, scholars, and figures across Persian history and literature. Variants include Khusrau, Khusrav, and Khusrow, with the modern Persian transliteration often rendered as Khosrow. The name is common in Iran and other Persian-speaking communities, and its forms appear in historical and literary works dating back to late antiquity.

Historically, Khosrow I, also known as Anushirvan (the Immortal Soul), ruled the Sasanian Empire from 531 to 579. His reign is remembered for administrative and fiscal reforms, consolidation of the empire after earlier conflicts, and patronage of culture and learning. He pursued economic and legal improvements and supported scholars and builders, contributing to a perception of him as a wise and just ruler in Persian tradition.

Khosrow II, sometimes called Parviz, reigned from 590 to 628. His period saw renewed Byzantine–Sasanian warfare, internal power struggles, and ultimately the weakening of the empire in the face of the early Islamic conquests. In Persian literature, Khosrow II is a central figure in the romantic tale of Khosrow and Shirin and appears prominently in the Shahnameh, where his character is explored in both political and personal dimensions, influencing later romantic and epic storytelling.

In contemporary usage, the name Khosrow continues to be used as a given name across Iran and the broader Persian-speaking world. Variants such as Khusrav or Khusrau are common in different languages and transliterations, reflecting the name’s historical and cultural endurance.