For most of my life, I’ve been known as Ali Hosseini, a name I carried through school, university, my professional life, and early publications. It is a respected and familiar name, and I hold it in deep regard because it has been part of my identity for decades. However, it is also one of the most widely shared names in Iran and among Iranians abroad.
At school, I was rarely the only one. For at least two years, three students with the exact same name sat in the same classroom. My name, while meaningful to me, no longer helped define who I was. It became increasingly difficult to distinguish myself in academic and professional settings. Over time, I came to realize that it was limiting my ability to build a clear and recognizable identity. Based on available statistics, more than 60,000 people share this exact name, and that does not include the many variations. There are even hundreds of scholars with the same name, some working in fields very close to mine. (Read more about my name’s statistics here)
Eventually, I made a decision. I began using a publishing name, which is a common and accepted practice in academia. I chose a name that is both culturally meaningful and uniquely identifiable. I started publishing as Aryo Kiani some time ago, and now I am gradually adopting it in professional settings as well. Its uniqueness makes it more suitable for building a recognizable and coherent personal brand.
Why this name?
Because it is deeply rooted in Iranian history and heritage.
Aryo is a modern variation of Arya, and a reference to Aryo Barzan, the Achaemenid general known for his resilience and dignity.
Kiani carries echoes of the Kayanian dynasty, a legendary lineage that symbolizes memory, mythology, and continuity in ancient Iran.
Both names are pre-Islamic and reflect a distinctly Iranian cultural identity. At the same time, they are clear, simple, and accessible in international contexts. That makes them well-suited for scholarly work, global collaboration, and professional visibility.
You may still come across my previous name, Ali Hosseini, during this transition period. But going forward, my work will appear under the name Aryo Kiani.
🟡 As of July 9, 2025, my official website is only accessible at aryokiani.com. The previous address, ali-hosseini.me, is no longer connected to my work.
My old contacts are welcome to address me by either name; I’m comfortable with both.
Thank you for your interest in my work and for following my blog posts.