Mithra is a unique and distinctive given name of Iranian origin. It is derived from the ancient Indo-Iranian god Mithra, who was believed to embody the power of covenants and contracts. In Zoroastrianism, Mithra was revered as the god of truth, light, justice, and friendship.
The name Mithra gained prominence during the Parthian Empire (247 BC – 226 AD), when it became popular among the ruling Arsacid dynasty. However, its usage is believed to have existed even earlier in ancient Iranian culture.
Throughout history, Mithra has been associated with various figures and concepts beyond its religious origins. In Roman culture, Mithraism was a significant mystery cult that practiced initiation rites and promoted the values of loyalty, courage, and secrecy among its followers. The god Mithra also appears in other cultures and mythologies, including Greek and Indian traditions.
Today, Mithra is still used as a given name in various countries with Iranian influences or where Zoroastrianism has had an impact, such as India, Iran, Pakistan, and the diaspora communities around the world. It remains a name that carries a rich historical and cultural heritage while also being unique and distinctive.
In conclusion, Mithra is an ancient given name of Iranian origin that holds significant religious and cultural importance. Its meaning and history make it a powerful choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
Statistics on the name Mithra:
In the United States, there were 5 births with the name Mithra in the year 2017. This represents a very small number of newborns out of the total births that occurred in the country during that year. Although it is difficult to determine an exact total number of births for that year due to variations in reporting and recording methods, it is estimated that there were approximately 3.9 million births in the United States in 2017.
The name Mithra appears to be quite rare compared to other names given to newborns during this time period. According to data from the Social Security Administration, the most popular boy's name in the United States in 2017 was Liam, with over 58,000 births. In comparison, Mithra is over ten thousand times less common.
It is important to note that while the name Mithra may be uncommon currently, popularity can change over time and across different cultures and regions. Additionally, statistics on newborn names are not always comprehensive due to factors such as variations in reporting methods or changes in naming trends.
In conclusion, although there were 5 births with the name Mithra in the United States in 2017, this represents a very small fraction of total births during that year. The name appears to be quite rare compared to other names given to newborns during this time period. However, popularity can change over time and it is difficult to determine an exact total number of births due to variations in reporting methods.