Hindu names are deeply influenced by ancient scriptures, mythology, and spiritual beliefs. Names like Krishna (dark, lord) and Anjali (offering) reflect virtues, deities, or life’s blessings. These names celebrate India’s rich religious and cultural heritage, connecting individuals to their faith and traditions.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keshavprasad | Keshavprasad means "gift of Lord Krishna," reflecting Hindu cultural significance. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Keshavraj | Keshavraj: Hindu name symbolizing divine royalty, meaningful and culturally significant. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Keshavram | Keshavram means "Lord Krishna," significant in Hindu culture and heritage. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Keshini | Keshini means "long-haired," symbolizing beauty and strength in Hindu culture. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Ketaki | Ketaki: Hindu name meaning "flower," associated with Lord Shiva. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Kevalkumar | Kevalkumar means "complete prince," linked to Hindu and Jain traditions. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Khali | Khali: Unisex name meaning "empty"; associated with strength and friendship. | Arabic, Hindu, Swahili | Unisex | |
| Kharma | Kharma: a meaningful female name linked to destiny and actions. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Khemchand | Khemchand means "protected by the moon," reflecting Hindu tradition. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Khemprakash | Khemprakash means "light of safety" in Hindu culture and mythology. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Khrisna | Khrisna: a meaningful male name rooted in Hindu culture and mythology. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Khushal | Khushal: Indian unisex name meaning prosperous, successful, and happy. | Hindi, Hindu, Indian | Unisex | |
| Khyati | Khyati: Hindu unisex name meaning "fame," rooted in mythology. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Kiranah | Kiranah: Hindu name meaning "ray of light," gaining popularity globally. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Kiron | Kiron: Unisex name meaning "supreme ruler," with rich cultural significance. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Kirshna | Kirshna: a meaningful name linked to Lord Krishna's qualities. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Kirtana | Kirtana means "praise" in Sanskrit, reflecting devotion and music. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Kirtida | Kirtida: Hindu name meaning "giver of fame," culturally significant and elegant. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Kirtikeya | Kirtikeya: Hindu name symbolizing strength, valor, and divine grace. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Kirtikumar | Kirtikumar means "son of fame," reflecting aspirations and honor. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Kirtivardhan | Kirtivardhan means "one who enhances fame," rooted in Hindu tradition. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Kishan | Kishan means "lord of the harvest," significant in Hinduism. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Kousalyaa | Kousalyaa: Hindu name meaning "skilled," symbolizing strength and grace. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Koushalyaa | Koushalyaa: Unique Hindu name meaning "skillful" or "capable" for females. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Kripala | Kripala: Hindu name meaning "compassionate," associated with kindness and empathy. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Krishane | Krishane: Derived from Krishna, meaning "dark" or "black" in Sanskrit. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Either | |
| Krishna Chandra | Krishna Chandra symbolizes divine love, moonlight, and cultural significance. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Krishna Kanta | Krishna Kanta means "beloved of Krishna," reflecting Hindu devotion and culture. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Krishnadevi | Krishnadevi: a meaningful Hindu name symbolizing goddess and femininity. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Krishnah | Krishnah means "dark" in Sanskrit, associated with Hindu deity Krishna. | Hindu | Boy |
The name 'Hindu' originates from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which was the historical local appellation for the Indus River. The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu to denote the land of the Indus River. Over time, the term 'Hindu' became associated with the religious practices of people living beyond the Indus River.
The term 'Hindu' was used to describe the various religious traditions and practices found in the Indian subcontinent. It was not originally a religious term but was adopted over time by outsiders to refer to the diverse spiritual practices in the region. Eventually, 'Hinduism' became the term used to describe the religious framework that encompasses these practices.
Historically, 'Hindu' was a geographical term that referred to the people living beyond the Indus River. It was only later that the term took on a religious connotation. Today, it is primarily used to refer to followers of Hinduism, the world's third-largest religion.
The term 'Hindu' was first used during the time of the ancient Persians who encountered the civilizations of the Indus Valley. The Persians mentioned the people of the Sindhu (Indus) River in their records from the 6th century BCE. The Greeks, who came into contact with India after Alexander the Great, also used a similar term, 'Indoi'.
In Sanskrit, the term 'Hindu' does not have a religious meaning but is a geographical term derived from the river Sindhu, or Indus. The ancient Sanskrit texts refer to the people around the Sindhu River as Sindhus. The term 'Hindu' itself is not found in any of the original Vedic scriptures.
'Hindu' refers to a follower of Hinduism, while 'Indian' denotes a nationality or a person hailing from India. Although the terms were historically related due to geographical reasons, they have distinct meanings today. 'Indian' encompasses a broader identity that includes people of various religions, cultures, and ethnicities.
No, the term 'Hindu' specifically refers to followers of Hinduism and does not encompass all Indian religions. India is home to a multitude of religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and others that are distinct from Hinduism. While these religions originated in the Indian subcontinent, they have their own unique beliefs and practices.
Colonialism played a significant role in solidifying the term 'Hindu' as a religious identity. British colonialists used the term to categorize and govern the diverse religious practices in India under a single label. This administrative convenience led to a more rigid understanding of Hinduism as a distinct religion.
The term 'Hindu' is not mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. The Vedas, Upanishads, and other Hindu texts use various other terms to describe the people and the spiritual practices of the time. The use of 'Hindu' as a religious term developed much later through interactions with other cultures and under colonial rule.
In modern times, the term 'Hindu' has cultural as well as religious significance, representing a way of life and a civilizational identity for many people. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and rituals that are part of the daily lives of millions of people. The term also signifies the collective heritage and traditions of those who identify as Hindu.