Sanskrit Names for Boys
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
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Sanskrit names for boys have their roots in the ancient Sanskrit language, which was spoken across South Asia until the early medieval period, and continues to play an important part in Hindu and Buddist religious practices to this day. Upbeat Sanskrit baby boy name Bodhi (meaning "enlightenment") has staged one of the most dramatic success stories of recent years: it's climbed over 1000 places up the popularity charts in the past decade, thanks to its bright, bold sound and its appearance in several celebrity birth announcements. But there are also many other strong Sanskrit boys' names that are worth a second look in the West: try Kiran or Naren, Sachin or Sanjay, Viro or Ved.
See the full selection of exotic Sanskrit boy names on Nameberry below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
See the full selection of exotic Sanskrit boy names on Nameberry below. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
- Bodhi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"awakening, enlightenment"Description:
Bodhi is a Sanskrit name translated as "enlightenment" or "awakening" which relates to a Buddhist concept, wherein Bodhi is synonymous with the state of nirvana, being freed from hate, greed and ego. The Bodhi tree is a large fig tree under which the founder of Buddhism received enlightenment. Spelling variations include Bodie and Bode.
- Kiran
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"ray of light"Description:
Though it sounds like a modern invention, Kiran is a traditional Hindu name from India; chosen for her son by actress Kelli Williams. Author Kiran Desai is a woman and this name, which bears a resemblance to both the Irish (male) Kieran and the fifties favorite Karen, certainly works as well for a girl.
- Tarak
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"star, protector"Description:
A strong, handsome Indian name with cross-cultural appeal.
- Vihaan
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"dawn"Description:
Vihaan comes from a Sanskrit word denoting the dawn, but has the symbolic meaning of the beginning of a new age, making Vihaan a wonderful choice for the first baby in a family's next generation.
- Rishi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"sage"Description:
A number of stylish Indian names are making their way to the US mainstream, including wise Rishi. In Hindu mythology, the Rishis are sages and seers; in modern times, Rishi Rich is a popular British-born musician and record producer and Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister of the UK in 2022.
- Taj
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"crown"Description:
Taj is a cool-sounding name reflecting the magnificence of the seventeenth-century Indian Taj Mahal, chosen by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler for his son.
- Veer
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"brave"Description:
One of the fastest-rising Indian boy names of the past few years, Veer is a straightforward choice with visual appeal and a striking V initial.
- Siddharth
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"one who has accomplished a goal"Description:
Siddhartha Gautama was one of the real names of Buddha, making this an impressive and weighty name among the Buddhist community.
- Amit
Origin:
Hebrew; SanskritMeaning:
"friend; infinite"Description:
Simple and worldly, popular and carrying two positive meanings in two diverse cultures. A winner prime for wider use.
- Sachin
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Common in India, but seldom heard in the US, Sachin is the kind of name that could easily cross cultural boundaries.
- Pepper
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"berry"Description:
There's a football player called Pepper (born Thomas and given the childhood nickname for sprinkling pepper on his cereal) Johnson -- but this sounds more like the name of a cheerleader.
- Sanjay
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"triumphant"Description:
Historic and popular Indian name, borne by the son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On classic Hindu epics, it was the name of the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra; in the UK is was a character on the TV series Eastenders.
- Ram
Origin:
Arabic; SanskritMeaning:
"archer; pleasing"Description:
One of the most familiar, and assertive, names found throughout the Middle East and India, with a macho soap opera aura in this country.
- Ved
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"sacred knowledge"Description:
Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.
- Gyan
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"filled with knowledge"Description:
Almost unknown in the western world, Gyan comes from a Sanskrit word for knowledge. It may appeal to parents looking for a name influenced by eastern philosophy, like Bodhi or Zen.
- Viro
- Deepak
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"lamp, light"Description:
Spiritual author Deepak Chopra made this familiar, if not particularly accessible, outside the Indian community.
- Naren
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"superior man"Description:
Might translate, thanks to Darren connection.
- Ganesh
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"god of the multitude"Description:
The name of the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom is rarely heard outside India.
- Krishna
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"dark, black"Description:
Krishna is the name of the supreme Hindu god that is still considered secular enough for mortal children and is often found in Hindu families, for both boys and girls.