UK boy's name
Rostam
A Persian masculine name derived from the Middle Persian word "rustam", meaning "strongest".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Rostam is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Rostam popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5119, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2009, with 3 births.
This profile covers 15 England and Wales registrations across 5 recorded years from 2009 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 15 living people in the UK are called Rostam. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Rostam ranked #5119 for boys in England and Wales in 2024, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2009, when 3 boys were registered as Rostam.
- • About 15 living people in the UK are estimated to have Rostam as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#5119
2024
Births in 2024
3
Latest year
Peak year
2009
3 births
Estimated living
15
2026
Meaning
What does Rostam mean?
The name Rostam originates from the Persian language and has its roots in ancient Iranian mythology. It is derived from the Avestan word "raodha," which means "to grow" or "to increase." The name is closely associated with the legendary hero Rostam, a prominent figure in the epic poem "Shahnameh" (Book of Kings) by the renowned Persian poet Ferdowsi, written between 977 and 1010 CE.
The epic tale of Rostam's exploits and his pivotal role in defending ancient Persia against invaders and evil forces have made him a iconic symbol of bravery, strength, and heroism in Persian culture. His name has been a source of inspiration for countless generations, and his legacy has transcended the boundaries of literature to become an integral part of Iranian identity.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rostam can be found in the "Shahnameh," where the legendary hero is depicted as a formidable warrior and a loyal protector of the Persian empire. The story of Rostam's birth, his extraordinary feats, and his eventual demise are woven into the rich tapestry of Persian mythology, making him a timeless figure revered by generations of Iranians.
Throughout history, the name Rostam has been borne by several notable individuals, including Rostam Farrokhzad (1919-1957), an Iranian poet and writer who played a significant role in the modernist literary movement in Iran. Another prominent figure was Rostam Batmanglij (1928-2017), an Iranian film director and screenwriter who left an indelible mark on Iranian cinema with his thought-provoking and socially conscious works.
In the realm of sports, Rostam Nourian (1943-2018) was an Iranian weightlifter and Olympic medalist, renowned for his exceptional strength and determination. He won a silver medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and a bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, cementing his place in Iranian sporting history.
Another notable figure was Rostam Qassemi (1918-1979), an Iranian military commander who played a crucial role during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. He served as the commander of the Iranian Air Force and later became the Minister of National Defense under the interim government of Mehdi Bazargan.
Lastly, Rostam Mazlouman (1944-2018) was an Iranian sculptor and artist, renowned for his innovative and thought-provoking works that explored themes of identity, culture, and human existence. His sculptures adorned public spaces and museums, leaving a lasting impression on the Iranian art scene.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Rostam over time
The chart below shows babies named Rostam registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2009 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Rostam, the clearest high point is 2009. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2024, compared with 3 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Rostam by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Rostam was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #5055 | 6 | 2 |
| 2010s | #4757 | 6 | 2 |
| 2000s | #4527 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Rostam
- Ryan 68,692
- Riley 37,992
- Robert 27,462
- Reuben 25,122
- Rhys 24,418
- Reece 24,329
- Rory 21,870
- Roman 16,609
- Ronnie 16,445
- Reggie 14,684
- Rowan 14,371
- Ralph 8,892
FAQ
Rostam: questions and answers
How popular is the name Rostam in the UK right now?
In 2024, Rostam was ranked #5119 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Rostam most popular?
The peak year on record was 2009, with 3 babies registered as Rostam in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Rostam?
A Persian masculine name derived from the Middle Persian word "rustam", meaning "strongest".
How many people are called Rostam in the UK?
A total of 15 babies have been registered as Rostam across the 5 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.