Medes
/ˈmiːdz/noun
The ancient Iranian people who inhabited Media, a region south of the Caspian Sea.
Did you know?The Medes are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, Greek histories, and Persian records, yet the original meaning of their native name, Māda, remains uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
1st millennium BCE
Old Persian
Māda
“The name used for the Median people or their land; the original meaning is uncertain.”
5th century BCE
Ancient Greek
Μῆδοι (Mēdoi)
“The Medes, as recorded by Greek historians including Herodotus.”
1st century BCE
Latin
Medi
“The Medes, borrowed from Greek historical usage.”
Middle English
English
Medes
“The ancient Median people, appearing in biblical and classical historical contexts.”
Modern English
English
Medes
“The plural name for the ancient Iranian people of Media.”