Names That Mean 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 syllables, and feminine a ending. This is evidenced by it reentry into the US Top 1000 in 2015, after fifty-five years off the list. Similar names on the rise are Vera and Vada.

Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.

Mysterious.

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.

Talib is a North African name with an admirable meaning, associated with rapper Talib Kweli.

An intriguing Hawaiian boy's name much more distinct and unique than Kai or Koa.

Atharv is one of the names of Lord Ganesh of the Hindu religion, and of the eldest son of Brahma.

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 shortened to Aveda, the literal meaning in Sanskrit becomes "not knowledge" – no doubt not what the company's founder intended. If you can get past this, a pretty and evocative name associated with holistic health and beauty.

Elatha is the god of the Moon in Irish mythology. The contemporary Irish spelling would be Ealadha.

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.

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 choices, we wouldn't be surprised if Science became a more popular choice.

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.