Updated October 2026
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Sanskrit
"knowledge"
A name with religious resonance, as the Vedas are the most sacred texts of Hinduism. Outside of that religious context, Veda has the makings of a modern popular name , with its sharp V initial, two…
"sacred knowledge"
Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.
Atharv is one of the names of Lord Ganesh of the Hindu religion, and of the eldest son of Brahma.
"filled with knowledge"
Almost unknown in the western world, Gyan comes from a Sanskrit word for knowledge. It may appeal to parents looking for a name influenced by eastern philosophy, like Bodhi or Zen.
Arabic
"seeker of knowledge"
Talib is a North African name with an admirable meaning, associated with rapper Talib Kweli.
Hindi, Sanskrit
Derived from the Sanskrit word for "knowledge", Vedaa appeared in the title of a 2024 Indian action film about a law student who leans to box so she can protect her family from caste-based violence.…
Hawaiian
"full of knowledge"
An intriguing Hawaiian boy's name much more distinct and unique than Kai or Koa.
English word name
Actress Shannyn Sossamon used this as the middle name for her son Audio; one of the most do-not-try-this-at-home combos we've heard.
Pop culture
"knowledge of life"
The name of an American cosmetics company which was inspired by the ancient traditional medicine practices known as Ayurveda, literally "knowledge of longevity" in Sanskrit. Unfortunately, when…
Shannyn Sossamon made waves when she used this as the middle name for her son Audio. It hasn't exactly caught on since them, but as parents are becoming more bold and direct with their word name…
Irish mythological name
"art; knowledge"
Elatha is the god of the Moon in Irish mythology. The contemporary Irish spelling would be Ealadha.
"kept from knowledge or view"
Mysterious. In 2016, 13 baby girls in the United States were given this unusual word name -- at least according to the Social Security Administration. We can't help but suspect that some of those…
Greek
"much knowledge"
One of the three Muses recognized at Sicyon in Greek mythology, known for her accumulation and preservation of knowledge.
Maori placename
"place of knowledge"
This beautiful lakeside town in southern New Zealand would make an unusual but wearable choice for a daughter. It benefits from having a great meaning, too.