How Hindu Babies are Named
Tips to Help You Choose a Beautiful Name for Your Hindu Newborn
Oct 3, 2009
Indian babies are named with great fanfare and celebration. Regional and religious traditions dictate when a newborn is named. For example, Telugu babies are named on the 11th or 21st day after birth whereas Bengali babies are named once they reach their sixth month. Irrespective of when a baby is named, across India the naming ceremony (called Naamkaran) is a very important ritual that all Hindus follow.
Sources of Hindu Baby Names
The following are the sources from which most names of Hindu babies are derived:
- Names of Gods – The Hindu mythology consists of a pantheon of Gods who have beautiful names and numerous synonyms describing their characteristics. For instance, the name "Krishiv" combines the names of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. While names describing Gods Indra, Shiva, Vishnu are popular for naming little Hindu boys; names describing Goddesses Laxmi and Durga are popularly used for little girls.
- Indian history – Indian history is replete with many sages, saints, brave kings, soldiers, politicians and other public figures whose names form the inspiration for those of newborns. For instance, "Agastya", the name of an ancient Indian saint is popular even now.
- Sanskrit language – The Sanskrit language forms the basis of most Hindu baby names. Adjectives in this language describing either physical or other attributes are used popularly to name Hindu babies. For instance, the name "Namit" indicates a boy with a modest personality. "Sunayana" means a girl with beautiful eyes.
Tips on Choosing a Beautiful Name for a Hindu Baby
There are many guidelines for Indian parents to choose a suitable name. Some parents believe in granting a name according to the baby's birth star, some prefer modern names whereas fall for traditional names. Since the name of the baby stays on forever, parents must spend considerable time on choosing a name that:
- Has a pleasant meaning.
- Is not too long. Long names are usually shortened to embarrassing nicknames.
- Can be pronounced easily and clearly.
- Goes well with the surname. Avoid using the same alphabet in the main name and the surname.
- Does not result in an embarrassing nickname when only the initials are picked.
- A child would reveal with pride rather than with embarrassment. To do this, check the history and meaning behind the name.
- Stands out from the crowd. This will help others remember a child due to their unique and interesting name. Try a Google Search with the name to check how common it is.
- Is sufficiently modern and not outdated by the time baby turns older.
Naming Suggestions for Hindu Boys and Girls
Here is a short list of some of the unique and beautiful sounding names for a Hindu baby. The meanings of these Sanskrit names can be looked up, and more baby names can be found at HinduNames.Net.
- For a Hindu boy – Ameya, Ekanga, Ishrit, Kiash, Luvya, Malhar, Nilaksh, Ojas, Rigved, Shail
- For a Hindu girl – Amara, Anarghya, Chitrani, Hansini, Kriti, Lavina, Mrinalika, Nitasha, Roma, Saina
Check Popularity of Chosen Hindu Baby Name
BabyCenter India provides a Baby name poll creator to help parents finalise between shortlisted baby names. Friends, family and the BabyCenter India community can vote for and comment upon the best name among options, using this poll. With the help of this poll, parents can now find it easier to grant a beautiful name for their cherished newborn.
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