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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhama Devi | Bhama Devi signifies light and goddess, rooted in Hindu culture. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Bhama Laxmi | Bhama Laxmi symbolizes prosperity; a unique, meaningful Hindu name choice. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Bhama Priya | Bhama Priya means "beloved beauty," reflecting Hindu cultural significance. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Bhargavan | Bhargavan: a radiant, meaningful name gaining popularity among Hindus. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Bhargavaswamy | Bhargavaswamy: a unique, culturally significant Hindu name for males. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Bhargavesh | Bhargavesh: Hindu name meaning "lord of brilliance," gaining popularity. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Bhargaveshwar | Bhargaveshwar: Hindu name symbolizing Lord Shiva, unique and meaningful. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Bhargavi Devi | Bhargavi Devi means "radiant goddess," reflecting Hindu cultural significance. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Bhuvaneshwara | Bhuvaneshwara means "lord of the world" in Hindu mythology. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Bhuvaneshwari Amman | Bhuvaneshwari Amman signifies a revered goddess in Hindu culture. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Bhuvaneshwari Devi | Bhuvaneshwari Devi: Sanskrit name meaning "Queen of the Universe." | Hindu | Girl | |
| Bikshu | Bikshu: Rare Hindu name meaning "beggar" or "monk," culturally significant. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Bindesh | Bindesh: Unique Hindu name meaning "Lord of the Moon." | Hindu | Boy | |
| Bindyashwari | Bindyashwari: Hindu name meaning "goddess Durga," symbolizes strength and grace. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Bishakhaa | Bishakhaa: A unique Hindu name meaning "star" or "constellation." | Hindu | Girl | |
| Brahma Deva | Brahma Deva signifies the creator god in Hindu mythology and culture. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Brahma Ji | Brahma Ji symbolizes creation, cosmic power, and divine masculine energy. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Brahmanand | Brahmanand signifies ultimate bliss, rooted in Hindu spiritual tradition. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Brahmani | Brahmani: a melodious name symbolizing strength, power, and femininity. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Buddhadev | Buddhadev: Unique Hindu name meaning "enlightened god" with spiritual significance. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Caca | Caca is a unique, gender-neutral name with diverse cultural meanings. | Hindu | Unisex | |
| camitra | Camitra means "one who is wise"; origin is Sanskrit. | American, Arabic, Armenian, Biblical, Greek, Hindu, Indian, Latin, Persian, Sanskrit | Either | |
| Chaitanyu | Chaitanyu means "consciousness," is popular in Hindu culture, and masculine. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Chakrika | Chakrika: Unique Hindu name meaning "goddess Lakshmi," elegant and graceful. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Chal | Chal: a unisex name meaning "trickster" with diverse cultural origins. | French, Hindu, Persian, Spanish | Unisex | |
| Chandhra | Chandhra means "moon," is a unique, meaningful Hindu name. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Chandra | Chandra means "moon" in Sanskrit; originates from Hindu mythology. | Hindu, Indian, Sanskrit | Either | |
| Chandra Mouli | Chandra Mouli: Hindu name meaning "moon crown," symbolizing beauty and royalty. | Hindu | Boy | |
| Chandrahasini | Chandrahasini means "beautiful smile like the moon" in Sanskrit. | Hindu | Girl | |
| Chandranatha | Chandranatha means "lord of the moon," significant in Hindu culture. | 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.