Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Naming a child is challenging, regardless of religion and culture. How about celebrating your baby's birth by picking from our collection of traditional Hindu baby names? Unlike other religions and cultures, names and even the naming ceremony are important in Sanatana Dharma. The priest considers several things, including the name of the ancestors, the stars of the child, and the deities, before zeroing in on the child's name. The search begins right after the birth of the child. The Hindu naming custom, firmly rooted in cultural, spiritual, and astrological importance, is crucial to a person's success. This custom is a symbolic rite to confer favors and influences the infant's future, not just about picking a lovely name. The 'Naamkaran' ceremony, customarily held on the twelfth day following the baby's birth, might vary depending on the community. The baby is officially introduced into society on this critical occasion, attended by family and close friends by whispering the baby's chosen name into their ears (1). Hindu names are designed to invoke blessings and uplifting energy each time they are said. As a result, many Hindu titles are inspired by supernatural beings, holy texts, the natural world, virtues, or other admirable qualities. For instance, names honoring the Hindu pantheon include Ganesha, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Krishna (2). Given the language's hallowed position in the Hindu tradition, Sanskrit names are frequently used. These names, which carry deep connotations, are meant to uplift and direct the child throughout their existence. Hindu names frequently consist of a first name, a middle name (typically the father's or the family deity's name), and a surname that denotes the person's caste, occupation, or family history. Even though many Hindu parents nowadays look into shorter, easy-to-pronounce names, their spiritual and cultural meaning still plays a significant role in their decisions. The Hindu naming convention represents a lovely fusion of history and contemporary in this emerging trend. If you need clarification about what you could name your baby boy, we are here to help you. Below we present an extensive database of Hindu baby names. From traditional and old school to fashionable, our list has everything you can ask for. Also, check our latest and updated list of Indian baby names.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  Girl | The youngest daughter in the family |
| | |  Unisex | God will add; Increase |
| | | Unisex | He who belongs to the Sun |
| | | Unisex | Fruitful; Fruitful tree |
| | |  Boy | Very Handsome; Appealing; Charming; Most Beautiful |
| | | Boy | King of kings; Very generous and benevolent ruler; Well-honored emperor |
| | | Boy | Lord Periyakaruppan; Name of God |
| | | Boy | Self-confident; Self-possessed |
| | | Boy | First born; Eldest; First child in the order of birth |
| | | Boy | First born; Eldest; First child in the order of birth |
| | | Girl | The earth |
| | | Boy | A son who will bring honor; A son who will bring fame and name to the family |
| | | Boy | Great king; Honorable and renowned ruler |
| | | Boy | Hero or officer |
| | | Boy | Prosperous |
| | | Boy | A Hindu month; Snowy season; Red, Reddish; One born under the star Falguni; One of the many names of Arjuna |
| | | Girl | One of the names of Arjuna; One whose birth star is Falguni; Name of a month in the Spring season |
| | | Girl | Full moon in the month of Phalgun; One whose birth star is Falguni; Name of a month in the Spring season |
| | | Boy | King of serpents; Lord of serpents |
| | | Boy | King of serpents; Lord of serpents |
| | | Boy | One of many names of Lord Vishnu signifying him as the Lord of serpents |
| | | Boy | King of serpents; Lord of serpents |
| | | Unisex | Loyalty and honesty |
| | | Girl | To have faith |
| | | Unisex | Mysterious; Enigmatic |
| | | Girl | Wreath |
| | | Boy | Peacefulness; Serenity |
| | | Boy | Drizzle |
| | | Girl | Flowering; Blooming; Beautiful; Soft and Tender like a flower |
| | | Boy | Full moon; Bright; Brilliant; Radiant and beautiful like a full moon |
| | | Boy | One who is filled with the fragrance of flowers; One who is perfumed and smells like sweet flowers |
| | | Girl | Love; Attachment; Beloved; Dear; One who is close to heart |
| | | Boy | Love; Affection; Fondness; Attachment; Liking |
| | | Unisex | Diamond |
| | | Boy | Indian cuckoo; A Ngati-Koura chief |
| | | Boy | One of many names of Lord Ganesha |
| | | Boy | Divine bow of Lord Shiva |
| | | Boy | One of many names of Lord Shiva signifying him as one with Pinak (Bow) |
| | | Girl | Bow-shaped; Curve |
| | | Girl | God of child |
| | | Boy | Small; A Malayalam name used as nickname for calling little ones |
| | | Boy | Religious Medicant; Almsman; Religious beggar; A variant of name Pindar |
| | | Girl | One of many names of Goddess Durga |
| | | Boy | A reputed sage; A variant is Pingala; Golden; Of yellow hue |
| | | Girl | One of many names of Goddess Durga |
| | | Boy | Rocky; Sun; Bright and Brilliant; Mostly used as nickname |
| | | Unisex | Energetic; Playful; Mischievous |
| | | Boy | Jewel; Precious; A surname in various cultures |
| | | Boy | Rare in power or quality |
| | | Boy | Little darling or beloved |
| | | Girl | Father |
| | | Girl | Father |
| | | Boy | Father; Elderly; Like a father |
| | | Girl | A tree |
| | | Girl | A wife of Sukha |
| | | Unisex | Affectionate, Beloved, Cherished |
| | | Boy | The youngest one |
| | | Unisex | Mystery; Enigma |
| | | Boy | Handsome; Charming; Appealing; Attractive; Goodlooking; Beautiful |
| | | Boy | Strength and endurance |
| | | Boy | Light or illumination |
| | | Unisex | Darling or dear |
| | | Boy | One with a shining and radiant body; Appealing and Attractive Golden skin |
| | | Boy | Golden pearl; Radiant, shining ,and glowing pearl |
| | | Boy | A man with golden feet; One with radiant, shining, and glowing feet |
| | | Boy | Shining, radiant, and beautiful person; One with a golden heart |
| | | Boy | Handsome; Charming; Appealing; Attractive; Good-looking; Beautiful |
| | | Boy | Handsome; Charming; Appealing; Attractive; Good-Looking; Beautiful |
| | | Boy | Handsome; Charming; Appealing; Attractive; Good-Looking; Beautiful |
| | | Boy | Handsome; Charming; Appealing; Attractive; Good-Looking; Beautiful |
| | | Girl | Light or illumination |
| | | Boy | One of many names of Lord Muruga signifying his form holding the golden Vel |
| | | Boy | One of many names of Lord Muruga signifying his form holding the golden Vel |
| | | Girl | Divine ritual; Prayer; Worship; Spiritual offering |
| | | Boy | Respected; Honoured; Esteemed; Cherished; Prized; Valued |
| | | Girl | Full moon; Bright, Brilliant, radiant, and luminous moon |
| | | Boy | Lord of the Pious; Lord of the religious; Holy Lord; Sacred Lord |
| | | Boy | Complete; Fulfilled; Whole; Content; Absolute; Satisfied |
| | | Boy | Perfect and Brave; A complete warrior; An absolute defender |
| | | Boy | Victory of the Perfect; Success of the contented; Triumph of the absolute |
| | | Boy | Light of the Perfect; Radiance and Brilliance of the contented; Brightness of absolute |
| | | Boy | Perfect Love; Complete love; Contented Affection; Absolute happiness; Whole and completely satisfied life |
| | | Girl | Eastern; The rising side of the sun |
| | | Girl | Complete; Fullfillment |
| | | Girl | Complete; Fullfillment |
| | | Boy | Full moon; Bright, brilliant, radiant, and beautiful like a full moon |
| | | Boy | Full moon; Bright, brilliant, radiant, and beautiful like a full moon |
| | | Boy | One who knows everything; Completely knowledgeable |
| | | Girl | Full moon; Bright, brilliant, radiant and luminous moon |
| | | Girl | Earlier one, Elder, East; Anscestral |
| | | Boy | Full moon; Bright, brilliant, radiant, and beautiful like a full moon |
| | | Girl | A classical melody; A variant form of Poorva |
| | | Boy | A variant of Pushan; God of fertility; One who causes people to thrive |
| | | Unisex | Boat |
| | | Boy | God of flowers; Wind or purifier |
| | | Boy | Forest of flowers; Garden of flowers |
| | | Boy | King of parrots; A derivative of name Popat which means parrot |
| | | Unisex | Doll; Pretty girl |
| | | Boy | Dearly Loved; Beloved; One who is close to heart |
| | | Boy | Dearly Loved; Beloved; One who is close to heart |
Hindu baby naming involves more than just selecting a name that sounds nice; it is an activity intricately tied to cultural, spiritual, and astrological significance. The naming ceremony, known as the Naamkaran ritual, is steeped in tradition and intended to bring blessings and good vibes. Hindu naming customs display a lovely fusion of history and modernity. The profound meanings these names hold continue to guide and encourage children throughout their lives.
Infographic: Exuberant Hindu Baby Names With Meanings
Hindu baby names are more than just labels; they are rooted in rich traditions and have spiritual meaning. The profound importance of the titles, which are frequently derived from celestial beings, sacred writings, and nature, lead and encourage the child throughout their life. We have compiled some of the most notable Hindu baby names in the following infographic, making it easier for you to choose one. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the rarest Hindu name?
Among the uncommon Hindu names for boys, Aaban signifies 'name of the angel,' Devesh means 'Shiva,' Fakir implies 'a saintly person,' and Gangesh signifies 'Lord of the Ganges river.' For girls, rare names include Arshia meaning 'heavenly divine,' Dharmini meaning 'religious,' Gurinder meaning 'lord,' and Ishwin meaning 'one who praises the Lord.' These names stand out for their distinctive meanings and are rarely used by the Hindu community.
2. What are some of the Hindu girl names for prosperity?
Hindu girl names linked to prosperity and abundance include Lakshmi, named after the goddess of wealth, Aishwarya, meaning ‘wealth’ or ‘prosperity,’ Radha denoting ‘wealth’ or ‘success’ being the love of Lord Krishna and Samruddhi, signifying ‘prosperity’ or ‘abundance’ in Sanskrit.
3. What are some Hindu names that mean ‘lucky’?
In Hindu culture, the concept of luck or auspiciousness is often associated with various deities and qualities. While there is no definitive answer to what the luckiest name for a Hindu boy would be, here are a few names that are believed to bring good fortune. Named after the younger brother of Lord Rama, Lakshman is considered an embodiment of devotion and loyalty. Bhagesh, meaning ‘Lord of Richness,’ and Bhagyam, signifying ‘fortunate’ are Hindu boy names associated with blessings and prosperity.
4. What are some of the traditional naming conventions for Hindu babies?
Hindus often consult astrologers to determine an auspicious time and date for naming their baby. Many Hindu families follow a tradition of passing down family or ancestral names from one generation to the next. This helps maintain a sense of lineage and continuity within the family (3). Hindu names often have deep religious or spiritual meanings. They may be inspired by gods, goddesses, divine attributes, or religious scriptures like the Vedas, Mahabharata, or Ramayana.
5. How have Hindu baby names evolved over time?
In India, the naming tradition has been followed for a significant period. Factors like religion, culture, and family background play a vital role in naming a child. In the past, Indian names were often long yet powerful, while today's names tend to be short and distinct but lack strong religious significance. Modern names are easier to pronounce but may be perceived as having less value compared to their historical counterparts, which, although meaningful, were often challenging to pronounce and felt outdated.
References
- Namakaran (Naming ceremony).
https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/106382.html - What do Hindu names mean?
https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/what-do-hindu-names-mean - Understanding Indian Names in Naming Conventions Discovery and Standardisation.
https://www.las.org.sg/wp/blog/bulletin/understanding-indian-names-in-naming-conventions-discovery-and-standardisation/
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