Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Ahriman

      Origin 
      Persian, Zoroastrian Tradition

      Meaning 
      Spirit of Darkness And Chaos

      Variations 
      Hariman, Nariman, Nahimana

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      Ahriman, originating from the Persian language, refers to the spirit of darkness and chaos within Zoroastrian tradition. This figure embodies the antithesis of Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, representing all that is good, light, and order. Ahriman is associated with malevolence, deceit, and the embodiment of evil which manifests through various demonic entities known as Divs. The concept of Ahriman emphasizes a dualistic worldview, where the ongoing struggle between good and evil forms the basis of the cosmic order.

      Historically, Ahriman is a significant figure in ancient Persian mythology and Zoroastrian theology, which dates back to around the 6th century BCE. Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, introduced Ahriman as a counterpart to Ahura Mazda, illustrating the ongoing moral and existential struggle faced by humanity. The Avesta, the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, contains vivid descriptions of Ahriman and his influence on the material world, portraying him as a deceiver who leads souls away from truth and righteousness. Over millennia, Ahriman's role has evolved, demonstrating the ancient Persian contribution to global religious thought and the concept of dualism.

      In contemporary discourse, the term Ahriman can be found across literature, psychology, and popular culture, often symbolizing evil or chaotic forces. It is frequently invoked in discussions of moral dilemmas and the battle between good and evil, serving as a metaphor for destructive behaviors and societal challenges. Additionally, various artistic representations and adaptations in film and folklore draw on Ahriman's legacy, making the concept relevant in modern allegories of darkness versus light. In essence, Ahriman continues to resonate as a powerful symbol of chaos and moral opposition in diverse contemporary contexts.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.