73 Melodious Pali Baby Names With Deep Meanings

Blessings of Buddha and Mother Nature.

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Last Updated on Aug 2, 2024

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Pali, also referred to as Pali-Magadhi, is a classical language of the Indian subcontinent and the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism. Pali baby names hold a unique charm and cultural significance and are commonly prevalent in Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

These names often carry a sense of serenity and wisdom, attributes that are highly esteemed in Buddhist philosophy, and reflect the Buddha’s teachings. For instance, names like Eshin, meaning ‘understanding mind’ or ‘wisdom,’ Nyan, which translates to ‘wisdom,’ and Thuta, meaning ‘knowledge,’ are popular choices that convey fundamental Buddhist principles. Pali names are also inspired by the natural environment. For instance, the name Arkar means ‘sky,’ Thawka refers to the ‘Amherstia flower,’ and Hayma means ‘forest.’ Pali names are also often influenced by astrological beliefs and cultural customs. For instance, the name Kan translates to ‘fortune’ and Yadanar means ‘gemstone’ or ‘gem,’ names that are considered to bring good fortune and protect the child from negative influences.

Pali names have distinct sounds and are often distinguished by their simplicity and melody. This phonetic appeal, combined with their deep meanings, makes Pali names a preferred choice for parents across cultures. Parents choosing Pali names for their children might be inspired by a desire to imbue their offspring with qualities such as compassion, purity, and enlightenment, which are central to Buddhist teachings. Take a look at our collection of Pali baby names that reflect both time-honored traditions and contemporary trends.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Yuvan	Boy	Youthful; God is gracious
Savana	Girl	Hearing; Flowing; Solar; Sacrificial libation; The moon; Name of varuna
Savi	Girl	A large grassy plain; Flowed; Milk; Delight; To accept
Saahas	Boy	Courage; Adventure; Valor; With force
Nishka	Girl	Gold vessel; Gold coin; Necklace
Maanav	Boy	A scholar; Human being; A young man; A male student
Nilaya	Girl	House; Habitation
Kovid	Boy	Wise; Astute; Intelligent; Expert
Mahith	Boy	Greatness; Honored; Festivity; Esteemed
Maanas	Boy	Mind; Thoughts; Wisdom king; Pride

Mahita	Girl	Celebrated; Greatness; Honored; Festivity
Shakya	Boy	To be able; Worthy; Possible; Practicable
Ahari	Unisex	Collecting; Produced
Samsara	Unisex	Cycle of existence; Endless rebirth; Wheel of dharma; The great tree of transmigration
Nyan	Boy	Wisdom
Maanasa	Girl	Mind; Spiritual; A lake; A mountain; Mental worship; Desire; Wish; Intention
Sakhi	Girl	A good companion and loyal friend
Mahati	Girl	Great; Narada's seven-stringed lute; A river; To honor; Important
Davika	Girl	Belonging to the river Devika; Army ranking
Mahalakshmi	Girl	The great Lakshmi; Great royal fortune; Great sign; Great beauty; Universal mother; Great wealth

Naviya	Girl	New; Young; Praiseworthy
Chanya	Girl	Noble; Chaste; Moral; Conduct
Madhavi	Girl	Woman of the race of Madhu or Yadu; Subhadra; Spring; Honey-sugar; Sacred basil; Earth
Ambuj	Boy	Lotus; Water-born; Fish
Amma	Boy	Mother; God of fertility and of rain; Wet nurse; Dark one; Grandmother; Born on Saturday; Edge of a sword
Ananta	Boy	Infinite; Endless lord; Infinite; Eternal; Celestial snake; Sky; Earth
Anjalika	Boy	Salutation; Young mouse
Anjesh	Boy	Anointed with; Son of Anjana
Araha	Boy	Worthy of; Deserving; Entitled to
Arhat	Boy	Lord Shiva; Number 24; Worthy one; Man of worth; Honourable one

Arup	Boy	Formless; Incorporeal; Non-substantial; Emancipation; Unseen; Invisible
Bhagya	Boy	Fate; Luck; Good fortune; Prosperity; Destined
Amoha	Unisex	Clear; Straight
Asita	Girl	Not clinging; Eaten; Sickle; Rope
Asura	Boy	Living; Demon; Titan; Tomorrow; To come
Bhagavan	Boy	Lord; God
Dipin	Boy	A panther; Inflaming; Bright
Divakar	Boy	Sun God; Maker of day
Dvij	Boy	Learned Brahmins; Sages; A tooth; A bird; Twice born; Moon
Dvija	Boy	Born twice; Learned Brahmins; Sages; A tooth; A bird; Moon

Hemen	Boy	God is faithful; Moon
Nibha	Girl	Appearance; Light; Manifestation; Pretence; Resembling
Sobha	Girl	Grace; Lustre; Light; Beauty
Arkar	Boy	Sky
Eindra	Girl	A name of Lord Indra
Hayma	Girl	Forest
Haymar	Girl	A variant of Hayma; Forest.
Htay	Unisex	Rich and wealthy
Inzali	Girl	Prayer; Offerings
Marlar	Girl	Garland

Myitzu	Girl	A charming lady
Ohma	Girl	Linseed flower
Phone	Girl	Glory
Thandar	Girl	Coral
Thawka	Girl	Amherstia flower
Theingi	Unisex	Gold
Thiha	Boy	Lion
Thiri	Girl	Splendor; Good looking
Thuta	Boy	Knowledge
Thuzar	Girl	Angel; A girl as beautiful and virtuous as an angel

Wunna	Boy	Gold
Yadana	Girl	A form of Yadanar; Gem
Yadanar	Girl	Gem or gemstone
Yarzar	Boy	King
Yaza	Boy	King
Yuzana	Girl	Orange jasmine
Veditha	Girl	Represented; Sensed; Devoted to service; Offered to God
Viti	Girl	Light; Fire; Enjoyment
Deveshi	Unisex	A divine seer; Chief among the goddesses
Dwija	Unisex	Born twice

Saha	Girl	Together; With; Simultaneously, Sand feathers
Sesha	Unisex	Remnant; Salvation; Conclusion
Amanya	Unisex	Invalid; Unapproved

Pali baby names have profound meanings and spiritual depth and often represent ancient Buddhist traditions and values. They are rooted in the ancient virtues engraved in Buddha’s teachings and are more than mere identity markers. These names generally embody virtues like wisdom, knowledge, or compassion and serve as inspiration for the bearers. Some also denote the natural environment of the people. By giving your child a Pali name, you can infuse a sense of tradition in them and inspire them to live a virtuous life of purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any famous people with Pali baby names?

For example, the masculine name Arkar, meaning 'sky' or 'open space,' is associated with Burmese film director and screenwriter Arkar. Another example is the feminine name Yuzana, meaning 'orange flower,' associated with the pop singer Yuzana. The gender-neutral name Thiri, meaning 'being auspicious,' is also linked to Thiri Thuriya, a king of the Mrauk-U Dynasty of Arakan.

2. Can Pali baby names be used as middle names?

Short Pali names such as the masculine Nyan, meaning 'wisdom,' the gender-neutral Thuta, meaning 'knowledge,' and the masculine Kan, meaning 'luck,' 'fate,' or 'fortune,' can be excellent choices for middle names. Meaningful and powerful Pali names such as the masculine Yarzar, meaning 'king' or 'ruler,' and the masculine Thiha, meaning 'lion,' are bold options for middle names.

Infographic: Endearing Pali Baby Names With Meanings

Pali baby names, derived from the ancient language of early Buddhism, often boast profound meanings and reflect the teachings of the Buddha. The natural environment inspires some of these names. Explore this infographic and find the perfect Pali name for your little one.

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.