Agastya

An ancient name with multiple levels of significance in Hinduism, Agastya was notably borne by a reclusive sage and scholar, who is the author (or sometimes receiver) of many early hymns and mantras that feature in the Ridveda. A celebrated rishi (enlightened person) and believed by some to be a chiranjivi (an immortal person, who remains on earth until the end of the epoch), Agastya features in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

The meaning of the name itself is debated, with some scholars believing it comes from the Aj root, meaning "one who brightens", which is supported by the fact Agastya is also used as the Indian name for the star Canopus, which is the second brightest star above India, besides Sirius. Others link it to the Iranian gasta, and when the a is placed before it, it could mean "sinless, not foul".

Perhaps the most accepted argument however comes from the Ramayana, in which Agastya is said to come from aga and gam, which combine to mean "mover of mountains", "mountain thrower", or "mover of the unmoving".

Appearing in the title of a 2017 movie which became a superhit in the Odia film industry, it is also borne by actor Agastya Nanda. It has been a fast rising choice in England and Wales in the 2020s, ranking at #613 in a recent year.

Pronounced uh-GAS-tyuh.

As of October 2026, Agastya ranked #929 in US births in 2025 SSA.