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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satyavan | Satyavan means "truthful one," symbolizing honesty and integrity in Hinduism. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Satyendra | Satyendra means "lord of truth," associated with Lord Shiva's integrity. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Savitendra | Savitendra means "lord of the sun" in Hindu tradition. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Seemantini | Seemantini means "woman with a parting line" in Sanskrit. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Seetarama | Seetarama: a meaningful Hindu name symbolizing love, devotion, righteousness. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Sejal | Sejal means "pure water," symbolizing purity and freshness in Hinduism. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Shailendra | Shailendra means "king of mountains," reflecting strength and leadership. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Shaili | Shaili: A modern, unisex Hindu name meaning "style" or "manner." | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Shaili Shailia | Shaili means "style" in Sanskrit; it's a unisex Hindu name. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Shakthi | Shakthi signifies power and strength, gaining popularity as a unisex name. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Shakti | Shakti means power; originates from Sanskrit, symbolizing divine feminine energy. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Shaktidhar | Shaktidhar means "bearer of power," associated with divine feminine energy. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Shalaka | Shalaka: Hindu name symbolizing knowledge, wisdom, and cultural heritage. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shalmali | Shalmali: Hindu name meaning "silk cotton tree," symbolizing beauty and tradition. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Shambavi | Shambavi: A unique Hindu name symbolizing Goddess Parvati's grace. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shambhav | Shambhav: Unique Hindu name meaning "son of Shiva and Parvati." | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shambhu | Shambhu means "auspicious," linked to Lord Shiva in Hinduism. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Shambhu Nath | Shambhu Nath symbolizes Lord Shiva, reflecting deep Hindu cultural significance. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shambhunath | Shambhunath means "Lord Shiva," a significant Hindu masculine name. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shampa | Shampa: a beautiful name symbolizing nature, strength, and protection. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shandrya | Shandrya: Unique feminine name meaning "moon," symbolizing beauty and strength. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shankar | Shankar means "beneficent" in Hinduism, associated with god Shiva. | Hindu, Indian | Boy | |
| Shankari | Shankari means "goddess of the forest," associated with Lord Shiva. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Shankarigowri | Shankarigowri is a meaningful Hindu name symbolizing goddess Parvati's strength. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shankha | Shankha means "conch shell," symbolizing divinity in Hindu culture. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shankhamala | Shankhamala means "conch shell garland," associated with Vishnu and Saraswati. | Hindu, Indian, Nepali, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Shankhini | Shankhini: a unique Hindu name meaning "conch shell" or "divine sound." | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shanmukha | Shanmukha: Hindu name symbolizing Lord Murugan's strength and victory. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shanti | Shanti: Unisex Sanskrit name meaning "peace," popular in various cultures. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Shantiprakash | Shantiprakash means "light of peace," reflecting Indian cultural values. | 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.
