Mahsa

female

Origin

Persian (Farsi): Derived from 'Mahsa' (مهسا), a combination of 'Mah' meaning 'moon' and 'sa' meaning 'like' or 'similar to'. The name is common in Iran and is often associated with beauty and serenity. Historically, the name can be traced back to Persian literature and is popular in Iranian communities worldwide, including among the Iranian diaspora in Australia.

Meaning

'Like the moon' or 'Moonlike'—symbolising beauty, calmness, and radiance in Australian English contexts, reflecting the cultural appreciation of lunar qualities.

Pronunciation

/ˈmɑːsɑː/ (mah-sah, stress on first syllable) — in Australian English, the pronunciation closely aligns with Farsi, with a clear 's' sound and a long 'a' in both syllables.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Mahsa (original Persian spelling)
  • Mahsaā (extended form)
  • Maysa (variant in some dialects)

Nicknames

  • Mahi
  • Mahe

Name Days

  • 21 March (Nowruz - Persian New Year)
  • 23 April (World Book Day - celebrations of the literary heritage that often include Iranian literature in Australia)
  • 15 August (Persian Cultural Day)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with mahsa:

  • Amir and Mahsa (traditional Middle Eastern pairing)
  • Sarah and Mahsa (common in multicultural Australian naming)
  • Lina and Mahsa (smooth phonetic match)

Fun Facts

  • Mahsa is a popular name among the Iranian community in Melbourne, which has one of the largest Iranian populations in Australia.
  • The name gained international recognition through the 2019 protests in Iran, where Mahsa Amini became a symbol of women's rights and social change.
  • The moon in Australian Indigenous Aboriginal cultures is revered in various Dreamtime stories, though the specific name Mahsa is not connected culturally.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name mahsa:

  • serene
  • radiant
  • beautiful
  • calmness
  • elegant

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and balanced, with a soft phonetic flow that appeals aesthetically in American and British English influence, and by extension in Australian English.

Geographical Distribution

Most common in Iranian-Australian communities in Melbourne and Sydney, especially within suburbs with significant Middle Eastern populations like Glen Waverley and Parramatta.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical skills in numerology. The number amplifies qualities like thoughtfulness and depth.

Astrological Connections

Linked to the Moon in astrology, representing emotionality, intuition, and nurturing qualities, aligning well with the name's meaning 'moonlike'. The name is considered auspicious for those born under water signs Cancer and Pisces.

Historical Context

The name Mahsa is linked to Persian royal families and poets, notably gaining cultural significance through modern Iranian literature and international media. Notable Australian figures include Mahsa Amin, a community organiser; however, it remains primarily a culturally specific name with growing recognition.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts easily into diverse languages retaining its phonetic structure; in non-Persian contexts, it remains distinctive and culturally respectful.

Famous People Named mahsa

  • Mahsa Amini (activist)
  • Mahsa Hafezi (Australian-Iranian artist)
  • Mahsa Khan (Australian diplomat)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 2
2017 1
2015 2
2014 2