The vast number of Indian baby girl names can make it daunting for a new parent to choose a name for their child. Hinduism offers many meaningful names from the various Sanskrit goddess names. Whether selecting a modern or classic name, there are plenty of choices available.
Choosing a Sanskrit Baby Name
Selecting an Indian or Sanskrit name requires considering certain factors to ensure the name suits the child and will be liked as it is usually kept for a lifetime. It is advisable to consider the meaning, as well where the child will grow up. Many beautiful names in Sanskrit cannot be easily pronounced by individuals who speak other languages. Here are some of the more important things to consider when reviewing potential baby names:
- Ensure the name doesn’t translate into a peculiar or offensive name in English;
- Ensure that the name combines well with the middle and surname;
- Consider nicknames; avoid a name that's associated with encourages rude nicknames; and
- Review the initials to ensure that they do not spell something negative or offensive.
Baby Girl Names Based on Hindu Goddesses
It isn’t always easy for Hindu parents to find a meaningful name for a baby girl. Fortunately there are hundreds if not thousands of names based on the goddess in Vedic literature. The Vedas has information about a number of goddesses and here are some names suitable for baby girls along with their meanings:
- “Aditi” is mentioned many times in Vedic literature and is the mother of the Adityas as well as Indra the king of the demigods.
- “Amba” is another name for the goddess Durga and is popular in Gujarat. "Amba" means "the mother of all."
- “Durga” is a popular Hindu warrior goddess who rides a lion and defeats demons. Durga is often associated with Parvati and is also linked with crops and fertility.
- “Ila” appears to be connected with sacred sacrifices and she is described as butter-handed in Vedic texts.
- “Kamala” is described as possessing a golden complexion and is beautiful seated on a lotus surrounded by elephants resembling Lakshmi.
- “Lakshmi” is the goddess of fortune and is a popular goddess believed to bring wealth and prosperity. She is the consort of Vishnu.
- “Lalita” is a name of the goddess Tripura Sundari (one of the ten Mahavidyas). The goddess is represented as a sixteen-year-old girl, and embodies the sixteen types of desire.
- "Manisha" is one of the names of the goddess of the mind. "Man" means "mind," while "isha" means desire. "Manisha" is associated with intelligence and desire.
- “Parvati” is the reincarnation of Shiva’s consort Sati, and is his second wife. Parvati is the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Parvati also has angry and violent incarnations such as Durga, Kali and the Mahavidyas as well as benevolent forms like Gauri and Lalita.
- “Radha” is the name of Krishna’s beloved consort and is described in Vaishnava texts as his internal potency and therefore non-different from him.
- “Raka” is mentioned infrequently in the Rig Veda and is linked with bounty and prosperity.
- “Ratri” is associated with the night and there are prayers to the goddess asking for protection from dangers in the night. Many references in the Rig Veda link Ratri with Usas as sisters and even twins.
- “Saraswati” is associated with the river that has since disappeared in the Rig Veda. Later, she became known as the goddess of learning and the arts.
- “Sita” is celebrated as the ideal chaste Hindu wife and is the wife of Rama. The word "Sita" means “the line made by a plow” and is also the name of a divine female associated with agriculture.
- “Tara” is one of the ten Mahavidyas (manifestations) of Parvati when angered. Tara is described as dark, wearing tiger skin and a necklace of decapitated heads.
- "Uma" is another name of goddess Parvati in her earlier form as Sati who represents Shakti – the energy of the material world.
- “Usas” or “Ushas” is mentioned in the Rig Veda and is considered to be an auspicious goddess associated with the dawn celebrated for bringing light.
There are many Hindu goddess names that parents can draw inspiration from when selecting a name for their baby girl. The goddesses also have numerous names referring to their powers, pastimes and qualities so more unusual names can be found by delving into Vedic literature and hymns.
Read Indian Baby Girl Names by Rashi and Hare Krishna Devotee Spiritual Baby Names for more information.
Sources:
IndianHinduNames.com Names of Goddess Parvati/ Durga (Accessed August 10, 2010).
Kinsley.D Hindu Goddesses. University of California Press, 1986.
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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