Sanskrit Names
Across 4 pages
of 4
Pepper
English, Sanskrit
"berry"
More popularly used for girls, this peppy word name has been worn by football player Pepper Johnson (born Thomas and given the childhood nickname for sprinkling pepper on his cereal) and appears in…
Rajiv
Sanskrit
"striped"
Known here via the son of Indira Gandhi, who himself became prime minister of India.
Ram
Arabic, Sanskrit, Hebrew
"archer; pleasing; exalted"
One of the most familiar, and assertive, names found throughout the Middle East and India, Ram has an assertive and solid air about it. Derived from a number of different origins, in English speaking…
Ranjit
Sanskrit
"charmed, beguiled"
Intriguing import.
Rishi
Sanskrit
"sage"
A number of stylish Indian names are making their way to the US mainstream, including wise Rishi. In Hindu mythology, the Rishis are sages and seers; in modern times, Rishi Rich is a popular…
Sanjay
Sanskrit
"triumphant"
Historic and popular Indian name, borne by the son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On classic Hindu epics, it was the name of the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra; in the UK is was a character on…
Sanjaya
Sanskrit
"triumphant"
This variation of the popular Indian name Sanjay was borne by a popular-against-all-odds American Idol contestant.
Taj
Arabic
"crown"
Taj is a cool-sounding name reflecting the magnificence of the seventeenth-century Indian Taj Mahal, chosen by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler for his son. The musician known as Taj Mahal was born Henry…
Tarak
Sanskrit
"star, protector"
A strong, handsome Indian name with cross-cultural appeal.
Vasant
Sanskrit
"spring"
A name commonly used in India; Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of learning.
Ved
Sanskrit
"sacred knowledge"
Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.
Vijay
Sanskrit
"conquering"
Classic Indian name with a winning meaning — literally.
Raga
Sanskrit, musical term
"color or melody"
Raga is musical, yes, but that 'rag' syllable worries us.
Vela
Sanskrit, Latin
"shore, sail"
Vela is one of those rare names that is at once simple, straightforward, authentic, and unusual, at least in the Western World. Besides being an Indian girls' name, Vela is a Southern sky…
Amit
Hebrew; Sanskrit
"friend; infinite"
Simple and worldly, popular and carrying two positive meanings in two diverse cultures. A winner prime for wider use.
Viro
Viro is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Latin roots, where "vir" means "man" or "hero," suggesting strength and masculinity. Alternatively, it could have…
Priya
Sanskrit
"beloved"
Priya originated in India as a name derived from the Sanskrit word for "beloved." In India, where names are often given based on one's birthday and horoscope, Priya is traditionally given to girls…
Mandala
Sanskrit
"circle"
A mandala is the magic circle of Buddhism and Hinduism, a powerful spiritual symbol used in art to represent the universe. It's also an important symbol in Jungian theory. As a first name, Mandala…
Sansa
Sanskrit
"praise, charm"
Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin is a master namer, and this unusual choice from India is beginning to be heard in nurseries as well as on television. Sansa was perhaps slower to catch on…
Sachin
Sanskrit
"pure"
Common in India, but seldom heard in the US, Sachin is the kind of name that could easily cross cultural boundaries. Another name for the Hindu god Shiva, Sachin means "pure." Several notable Indian…