Last Updated on 27/03/2026 by TodayWhy Editorial
For centuries, the country we now know as Iran was widely referred to as Persia in the Western world. This name evoked images of ancient empires, grand palaces like Persepolis, and legendary figures such as Cyrus the Great. Yet, the people living there have long called their homeland Iran. So why the difference? And why did the official shift from “Persia” to “Iran” happen in 1935?
In this in-depth guide, we explore the etymology, historical usage, and political reasons behind the name change — perfect for anyone curious about Iran’s rich identity.
The Origins: Persia as an Exonym from Ancient Times
The term Persia is not what the inhabitants called their land — it’s an exonym (a name given by outsiders).
- Root in “Parsa”: The name comes from the Old Persian word Pārsa, referring to the southwestern region (modern-day Fars Province) where the Achaemenid Empire originated under Cyrus the Great (c. 550–530 BCE). The Pars (or Persians) were one tribe among many Iranian peoples.
- Greek Adoption: Ancient Greeks, encountering this powerful empire, called it Persis or Persikḗ (Περσίς / Περσική). Historians like Herodotus popularized “Persia” to describe the entire realm, even though it included diverse groups like Medes, Parthians, and others.
- Latin and Western Continuation: Romans used Persia, and European languages followed suit through the Middle Ages and into modern times. In the West, “Persia” became synonymous with the country, its culture, rugs, cats, and poetry.
Meanwhile, the indigenous name was different.
The Indigenous Name: Iran – “Land of the Aryans”
Iranians have referred to their homeland as Iran (or variants) for over 2,000 years.
- Etymology: “Iran” derives from Middle Persian Ērān, which comes from Old Iranian Aryānām — meaning “Land of the Aryans” (Aryan here refers to Indo-Iranian peoples, not modern racial connotations).
- Early Usage: Inscriptions from the Sasanian Empire (3rd century CE), such as those of Ardashir I at Naqsh-e Rostam, use Ērānshahr (“Empire of the Iranians”). Zoroastrian texts and Avestan language also reference Airyanem Vaejah or similar terms for the Aryan lands.
- Broader Scope: Unlike “Persia” (tied to one region/tribe), “Iran” encompassed all Iranian peoples — Persians, Medes, Kurds, Baloch, etc. — promoting a unified national identity.
In short: Persia was the foreign, Western label focused on the dominant tribe; Iran was the native, inclusive endonym.
Why the Official Name Change in 1935?
The formal switch occurred under Reza Shah Pahlavi, founder of the Pahlavi dynasty.
- Date and Announcement: On March 21, 1935 — coinciding with Nowruz (Persian New Year) — Reza Shah sent a circular to foreign diplomatic missions in Tehran. He requested that governments and organizations use “Iran” and “Iranian” in official correspondence instead of “Persia” and “Persian,” effective immediately.
Key Motivations
- Nationalist Reclamation: Reza Shah wanted to reclaim the country’s authentic, indigenous name. “Persia” carried colonial and orientalist baggage — evoking exoticism, decline under the Qajar dynasty (1794–1925), debt, and foreign interference.
- Modernization and Unity: As a reformer, Reza Shah sought to build a strong, centralized nation-state. “Iran” emphasized Aryan heritage and included all ethnic groups, helping forge a unified identity beyond just “Persian” dominance.
- Break from the Past: “Persia” symbolized backwardness and Qajar-era weakness. “Iran” represented a forward-looking, modern nation rooted in ancient glory (Achaemenid, Sasanian empires).
- International Context: This aligned with global trends of countries asserting native names (e.g., Turkey from Ottoman Empire, Siam to Thailand later).
The change took effect quickly in diplomacy, though some Western media and literature continued using “Persia” for historical contexts.
Did Anyone Resist the Change?
Yes — briefly.
- British Concerns: During WWII (after 1935), Winston Churchill and others preferred “Persia” because “Iran” sounded too similar to “Iraq” (both occupied by Allies). Confusion in military communications was cited.
- Overall Acceptance: Most nations complied. By the mid-20th century, “Iran” became standard internationally.
After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the official name remained Islamic Republic of Iran, solidifying the shift.
Persia vs. Iran Today: Which Term to Use?
Iran — The official, modern name used by the government, citizens, and international bodies (UN, maps, passports).
But Persia still appears in:
- Historical contexts (e.g., “Persian Empire,” “ancient Persia”).
- Cultural references (Persian rugs, Persian cats, Persian literature).
- Romantic or nostalgic usage (e.g., “the romance of old Persia”).
Many Iranians appreciate “Persia” for evoking pre-Islamic grandeur but prefer “Iran” for contemporary identity.
Timeline: Key Moments in the Persia-to-Iran Naming History
- c. 550 BCE: Achaemenid Empire rises; Greeks call it “Persia” from Parsa.
- 3rd century CE: Sasanian kings use Ērānshahr.
- Middle Ages onward: West continues “Persia”; locals use “Iran/Iranshahr”.
- 1925: Reza Shah seizes power, begins modernization.
- March 21, 1935: Official request to use “Iran”.
- Post-1979: Islamic Republic of Iran cements the name globally.
Final Thoughts
The shift from Persia to Iran wasn’t just a name change — it was a powerful statement of self-determination, cultural pride, and national unity. While “Persia” remains a beautiful echo of ancient history in Western minds, “Iran” reflects how the people have always seen themselves: as heirs to a vast, multi-ethnic “Land of the Aryans.”
Whether you’re studying ancient empires, planning a trip to Persepolis, or exploring Persian poetry, understanding this distinction enriches the story of one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations.
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