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Naming your baby is one of the trickiest tasks because you have plenty of names to choose from. Every parent wants to give their baby the best name that resonates with their beliefs and passion. Most ancient Indian names originate from the two great epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These two epics feature innumerable characters, including the popular Hindu Gods, sages, warriors, and others.
Ancient Indian names are not just mere labels; they embody a rich cultural heritage that connects families to their history and traditions. These names often echo positive connotations derived from mythology, philosophy, and nature, enriching the naming experience for parents. Ancient names are mainly derived from Sanskrit and are rich in meaning. Apart from these, there are the Puranas and Upanishads. Indian history begins with the Indus Valley Civilization and the arrival of the Aryans. These phases are considered as the pre-Vedic and Vedic periods.
In this post, we share an extensive list of ancient Indian names with meanings that you can choose for your little one. These names are divided into boys and girls for your convenience.
Ancient Indian Baby Boy Names
1. Agastya
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Agastya was a great sage in ancient times. He was born of Gods Mitra and Varuna His wife Lopamudra was also a great sage in her right.
Trivia2. Andhaka
Andhaka was the demon of son of Shiva. He was created from a drop of his sweat. Andhaka was born blind. After his birth, he was given to Hirayanksha to be raised, as he had no sons. Later, Andhaka went on to become the King of Hiranyaksha’s Kingdom.
3. Sagara
Sagara was one of the greatest kings of the Suryavansha in the Satya Yuga Empire. He was the king of Ayodhya and the ancestor of King Dasharatha. King Sagar had two wives, Sumanto and Keshini. Asamanja, the famous ruler, was born from his wife, Keshini. Sagara is also a name influenced by the moon.
4. Mahendra
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Mahendra was a king who is said to have attained heaven. Mahendra is also the name of the mountain where Hanuman rushed to find Sita. Hanuman frightened every beast that lived in the caves and woods of Mount Mahendra by shaking it. Mahendra is also a common Rajput name. The name exudes the qualities associated with strength and determination.
5. Rishyasringa
One of the unique Indian baby boy names, Rishyasringa was the son of Vibhandaka, a renowned sage in ancient India. Rishyasringa had grown up seeing no mortal except his father. He was later invited by the King of Anga to bring rain in his famine struck empire.
Ancient Indian Baby Girl Names:
6. Anusuya
Anusuya was the wife of Atri, the sage and the mother of Dattatreya. Dattatreya is considered by Hindus to the incarnation of the divine Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
7. Satyavati
Satyavati was a fisherman’s daughter who possessed divine beauty and an extremely sweet fragrance. King Santanu, Bhsihma’s father, became enamored of her because of her beauty and later made her his queen.
8. Maya
Maya is the physical and mental reality in which our consciousness becomes entangled. The name originated in the Upanishads, one of the Hindu scriptures. It is also believed to be an illusion or the veiling of the true.
9. Yashodha
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Yashodha was the wife of Nanda and the foster mother of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was given to her by Vasudeva, Krishna’s father. Yashodha is also the mother of Balarama and Subhadra. The name Yashodha is known to be governed by the powerful energy of Mars, thus carrying a sense of strength and determination.
10. Narmada
Among the Indian baby girl names, Narmada is the name of a sacred river in India. The river originates from Amarkantak. Narmada River is believed to have been descended from the sky by the order of Lord Shiva. The river represents the daughter of a Rishi named Mekala, the daughter of the moon, the sister of the Nagas and the “mind daughter’ of the Somapas.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do ancient Indian baby names reflect the rich cultural and historical heritage of India?
Ancient Indian baby names encompass diverse naming traditions influenced by religion, caste, epics, and languages. This variety arises from India’s multilingual population and religious diversity, resulting in intricate naming styles. Furthermore, the practice of choosing birth names based on horoscopes and incorporating spiritual teachings adds multiple layers to the nomenclature.
2. Do ancient Indian baby names have any astrological or numerological significance?
Naming conventions in India are sometimes influenced by astrology and numerology. A person’s birth name is chosen based on their horoscope, aligning with the nakshatra or lunar mansion corresponding to their birth. As a result of this tradition, there can be a difference between a person’s birth name and the name they use officially.
Ancient Indian names have a regal, conventional, yet classic touch. Most of the names have Brahmin and Rajput origins. These Sanskrit baby names are mostly derived from ancient Indian stories and epics. In this compilation, we have provided some of these names and also given you a gist of their profound meanings. If you love the depth and influence of Indian history, these names could be your preference. Be it sage names such as Agastya, royal names such as Mahendra, or mesmerizing names such as Maya, these are just a few out of the numerous ancient Indian baby names. So go ahead and select the most preferred name for your little one.
Key Pointers
- Most Indian names have roots in the ancient language of Sanskrit.
- Ancient Indian names have deep meaning and are often derived from the holy books of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and Upanishads.
- Boy names such as Agastya, Sagara, and Mahendra are ancient names with a modern allure.
- Girl names such as Maya, Anusuya, and Narmada carry historical significance, making them culturally relevant.
Illustration: Top 10 Ancient Indian Names For Baby Boys And Girls
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
Infographic: Ancient Indian Baby Boy And Girl Names
The ancient Indian names have powerful meanings and significance that make them evergreen and a common choice of parents for their children. So, if you too are fascinated by the historical and mythological era, here are a few of the most common names inspired by the notable mentions from the ancient Indian period. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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