Teimuraz

Teimuraz is a Georgian male name derived from the Persian Tahmuras, a figure from Iranian mythology. Tahmuras appears as the third shah of the world in Ferdowsi's 10th-century epic, the Shahnameh. The name itself traces back to the Avestan Taxma Urupi, meaning 'strong fox', combining elements for 'strong' and 'fox'. Teimuraz was historically borne by several kings of Georgia and its constituent kingdoms, particularly of Kakheti and Imereti.

Etymology

The name Teimuraz ultimately originates from the Avestan Taxma Urupi via Middle Persian. The element taxma means 'strong', while urupi means 'fox'. In Zoroastrian tradition, Taxma Urupi is a hero and king capable of conquering demons. The myth passed into Persian epic as Tahmuras, who in the Shahnameh rules as a just king and is the son of Houshang and father of Jamshid.

Notable Bearers

Among Georgian royalty, prominent bearers include Teimuraz I of Kakheti (reigned 1605–1648), a poet and king who resisted Persian Safavid hegemony, and Teimuraz II of Kakheti (reigned 1732–1744) who later became king of Kartli and sought Russian support. Other royal namesakes include Teimuraz Bagrationi (1782–1846), a prince and historian, and Teimuraz of Imereti (reigned 1766–1768). In modern times, notable Teimurazes include Teymuraz Gabashvili, a Russian tennis player; Teimuraz Jugheli, a Georgian sumo wrestler who competed under the name Gagamaru Masaru in Japan; and Taymuraz Mamsurov, the head of Republic of North Ossetia–Alania in Russia. The name also appears among Ossetians as Taymuraz or Taimuraz.

Cultural Significance

The name Teimuraz connects Georgian royal tradition with ancient Iranian myth. In the Shahnameh, Tahmuras—“the forefinger of the universe”— learned the art of writing from demons. The Christian Georgian kingdoms adopted this Persian-derived name, reflecting centuries of Persian cultural influence in the Caucasus. The name's continued use among Ossetians and Russians further illustrates its spread beyond Georgia.

Related Names

• Diminutives: Temo, a common short form in Georgia.
• Other Languages & Cultures: Tahmuras (Persian Mythology), Taxma Urupi (Avestan original), Taymuraz (Ossetian).

• Meaning: From Taxma Urupi, 'strong fox'
• Origin: Persian via Iranian mythology
• Type: First name
• Usage Regions: Georgia, Iran, Russia, Caucasus