Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narada | Narada means "messenger" in Sanskrit; originates from Hindu mythology. | Hindu, Indian, Mythology, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Narahari | Narahari means "man who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu." | Hindu | Boy | |
| Narain | Narain means "protector," is of Indian origin, and popular among Hindus. | Hindu, Indian, Literature, Mythology, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Narasimharaju | Narasimharaju means "king like Narasimha," symbolizing strength and leadership. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Narasingh | Narasingh: Hindu name symbolizing strength, divine power, and mythology. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Narayani | Narayani means "belonging to Narayana," associated with Vishnu and Durga. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Narhari | Narhari: Hindu name meaning "man of Lord Vishnu," culturally significant. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Narlal | Narlal: Unique Indian name meaning "beloved man," associated with Lord Vishnu. | Hindu, Indian, Mythology | Unisex | |
| Narv | Narv: Unique unisex name meaning "water," symbolizing peace and tranquility. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Navaneeta | Navaneeta means "new butter," symbolizing purity and prosperity in Hinduism. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Navanitha | Navanitha: a unique, meaningful Hindu name symbolizing purity and sweetness. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Naveen | Naveen: Indian name meaning "new," popular, unisex, symbolizing fresh beginnings. | Hindu, Indian, Mythology | Boy | |
| Navin | Navin: Indian name meaning "new," associated with vitality and Vishnu. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Nayan | Nayan: Unisex Indian name meaning "eye," associated with vision and mythology. | Hindu, Indian | Unisex | |
| Nayana | Nayana means "eyes," is unisex, and symbolizes beauty and grace. | Hindu, Indian, Mythology | Unisex | |
| Nedavya | Nedavya means "sacred knowledge" in Sanskrit; it's a unique name. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Neel | Neel: Unisex Indian name meaning "blue," associated with Lord Shiva. | Hindu, Indian, Mythology | Unisex | |
| Neela | Neela, an Indian name meaning "blue," symbolizes knowledge and beauty. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Neela-kanta | Neela-kanta means "blue throat," symbolizing Lord Shiva's sacrifice. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Neelabja | Neelabja means "blue lotus," symbolizing purity and divine beauty. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Neeladri | Neeladri means "blue mountain," rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Neelakanta | Neelakanta: Hindu name meaning "blue-throated," associated with Lord Shiva. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Neelakshi | Neelakshi means "blue-eyed," rooted in Hindu mythology and culture. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Neelanjana | Neelanjana means "blue hued," linked to Lord Krishna's complexion. | Hindu, Mythology, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Neelesh | Neelesh means "blue god," inspired by Lord Krishna's blue skin. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Neelkanth | Neelkanth: Hindu name meaning "blue-throated," associated with Lord Shiva. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Neelmani | Neelmani: Unisex Indian name meaning "blue gem" with cultural significance. | Bengali, Hindi, Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Neena | Neena: Indian name meaning "darling," popular among Hindu families. | Hindu, Indian, Mythology, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Neepa | Neepa means "flower" in Sanskrit; it's a popular, meaningful name. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Neeraj | Neeraj means "lotus flower," symbolizing purity and spiritual growth. | Hindu | Unisex |
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.
