Parastoo (also spelled Parastu) is a Persian feminine given name that literally means "swallow (bird)" (پرستو in Persian script). The name evokes the grace and migratory beauty of the swallow, a bird admired in Persian culture for its elegance and association with the arrival of spring.
Rooted in classical Persian literature, bird names are a traditional source of poetic inspiration in Iran. Swallows appear in Persian poetry as symbols of freedom, renewal, and the connection between earth and sky. The name Parastoo therefore carries both a literal avian meaning and a cultural resonance tied to nature and Persian lyrical traditions.
The name is used throughout Iran and among Persian-speaking communities worldwide. While rarer in the diaspora outside Iranian contexts, it remains beloved domestically as a gentle yet distinctive choice. It belongs to the broader category of Persian nature names, alongside others like Gol (rose) and Shanaz (branch of pride).
Variants and Related Forms
The alternate spelling Parastu is a variant, sometimes used interchangeably. Both forms share the same meaning and cultural background.