Zoroaster
/ˌzɔːroʊˈæstər/noun
Zoroaster was the ancient Iranian prophet traditionally regarded as the founder of Zoroastrianism.
Did you know?Zoroaster is the Greek form of the prophet’s Avestan name Zaraθuštra, whose original meaning remains disputed rather than securely meaning “camel driver” or “golden star.”
Etymological Timeline
Before the 6th Century BCE
Avestan
Zaraθuštra
“The prophet’s name in the Avestan language; its exact etymology is uncertain.”
Classical Antiquity
Greek
Ζωροάστρης (Zōroastrēs)
“Greek rendering of the Iranian prophet’s name.”
Late Antiquity
Middle Persian
Zardušt
“Middle Persian form of the name.”
Medieval Persian
Persian
زرتشت (Zardušt/Zarṭušt)
“Persian continuation of the prophet’s name.”
16th Century
English
Zoroaster
“English form adopted through Greek and European scholarly tradition.”
Modern English
English
Zoroaster
“The conventional English name for the ancient Iranian religious teacher.”
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