Shaahin

Shaahin (In Persian: شاهین , Cyrillic: Шохин, hebrew: שאהין) is a personal name originating from Persian, meaning "Royal" as well as "Falcon". Feminine form is "Shahin" (Persian: شهین, Cyrillic: Шахин, hebrew: שהין). Plural form of Shaahin in Persian is naturally obtained by adding the suffix ‘ha’ (Persian: ها). However, its Arabic pluralized form “Shavaahin” (Arabic: شواهین) has also been used in a number of occasions after the name was imported into Arabic language.This name is widely used in regions of Middle East, Central, and South Asia.

History

Involving Falcons or other birds of prey to hunt ("Falconry"), could be a reason to name the hunter bird "Shaahin", as they were used by Shahs. Although the sport of "Falconry" with trained falcons and other hawks dates back to ancient Assyria, the name Shaahin probably comes from the Sassanid dynasty, as Sasanian Shahs (Kings) traditional sport was Hunting. Falconry also acquired great sophistication in the medieval Islamic world, where instructional manuals were written. It commonly appeared among the princely pleasures represented in the decoration of Islamic objects intended for secular use. During the Crusades, falconry was introduced in Europe, where it flourished among the privileged classes.

The word “Shaahin” is constructed from “Shah” or “Shaah” ("noun") + the suffix “in” = “Shaahin” ("adjective") meaning "Royal" in Persian.

Military Leaders

Shaahin was an Army General with the rank of Spahbodh in the Persian army under King Khosrau II (590–628) of the Sassanid dynasty. Under Spahbodh Shaahin's command, the Persian army conquered the town of Chalcedon after a long siege in 617 AD.

Alternative Spelling

* This name is also written as Shauheen, Shaaheen, Shaahin as well as "Shaheen".

Correct Pronunciation

* "Shauheen" is the most correct form of the name, pronounced in English.

Other References

* Shaheen is used as first or last name of both men and women in Iran, Pakistan and other Muslim countries.
* In Kurdish Language it is written as "Sayin".
* Name of an Iranian town Shahindej (Persian: شاهین دژ).

External links

* Shaahin in Sasanian-Roman wars [http://coursesa.matrix.msu.edu/~fisher/hst372/readings/treadgold1.html Two Fights for Survival: 610-668]