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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shantipriya | Shantipriya means "beloved of peace" in Sanskrit, symbolizing tranquility. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Sharad | Sharad means "autumn" in Sanskrit; symbolizes joy and beauty. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Sharadini | Sharadini means "autumnal," symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in Hinduism. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Sharang | Sharang means "arrow" or "bow," symbolizing strength and auspiciousness. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Boy | |
| Sharda | Sharda means "goddess of learning," originating from Sanskrit literature. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Shardul | Shardul means "tiger" in Sanskrit, symbolizing strength and courage. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shashankh | Shashankh means "moon," is Hindu, and symbolizes celestial significance. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shashibala | Shashibala means "young girl of the moon" in Hindu culture. | Hindu, Mythology, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Shashibhushan | Shashibhushan means "ornament of the moon" in Hindu mythology. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Shashidar | Shashidar: Unique Hindu name meaning "one who holds the moon." | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shashidara | Shashidara means "holder of the moon" in Hindu tradition. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shashidhara | Shashidhara means "moon holder," reflecting Hindu cultural significance and tradition. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shashidharan | Shashidharan means "one who holds the moon," symbolizing strength. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shashidharr | Shashidharr means "holder of the moon," symbolizing calmness and radiance. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shashikiran | Shashikiran means "ray of moonlight," symbolizing auspiciousness and positivity. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Shashirekha | Shashirekha means "moon's rays," symbolizing beauty and femininity. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shasthi | Shasthi: a unique, traditional Hindu name meaning "sixth," gaining popularity. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shaswati | Shaswati means "eternal," is feminine, and linked to Saraswati. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shatrujit | Shatrujit means "conqueror of enemies," linked to Lord Kartikeya. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Sheela | Sheela: Sanskrit name meaning "good character," popular in Hindu culture. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Sheshagiri | Sheshagiri: Unique Hindu name symbolizing Lord Vishnu's divine attributes. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Sheshank | Sheshank: Unique Hindu name meaning "moon-crested," primarily for males. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shevantilal | Shevantilal means "beloved flower," rooted in Hindu culture and mythology. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Shilpa | Shilpa means "artistic creation," symbolizing creativity, beauty, and talent. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Girl | |
| Shilpita | Shilpita means "skilled" or "artistic," celebrating creativity in India. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Shirish | Shirish means "sweet smelling tree," rooted in Hindu mythology. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Shiromani | Shiromani means "crown jewel," symbolizing greatness and cultural significance. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit, Sikh | Unisex | |
| Shishir | Shishir means "winter" in Sanskrit; it's a unique unisex name. | Hindu, Sanskrit | Unisex | |
| Shishirkumar | Shishirkumar means "son of winter," a unisex Hindu name. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| Shiv | Shiv means "auspicious one," linked to the powerful Hindu god Shiva. | 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.