10 baby boy names that mean ‘lord of the universe’

Introduction

Many Hindu families seek names that carry spiritual depth. A common wish is for a name that means “lord of the universe.” In classical Sanskrit, īśvara — “lord” — and viśva — “the universe” or “all that is” — are the root ideas. Different traditions (Śaiva, Vaiṣṇava, Śākta, Smārta) may prefer particular epithets or forms: Kashi devotees often favour names related to Kashi Viśvanātha, while Jagannātha is beloved in the eastern tradition. Below are ten boy names that either literally mean “lord of the universe” or are widely used as that epithet, with brief notes on origin, associations and common short forms.

Ten names meaning “lord of the universe”

Jagannātha (Jagannath)

• Meaning: “Lord of the world/universe” (jagat = world; nātha = lord).
• Context: The name of the principal deity of Puri; used widely in Vaiṣṇava devotion to Krishna/Vishnu as world-lord.
• Notes: Strong regional attachment in Odisha; popular as a given name and devotional title. Common short form: Jagannath / Jaggu.

Viśvanātha (Vishwanath)

• Meaning: “Lord of the universe” (viśva = universe; nātha = lord).
• Context: A famous epithet of Śiva (Kashi Viśvanātha), also used generically for the supreme Lord.
• Notes: Strong Śaiva resonance in north India; used for boys in many communities. Short forms: Vishwanath, Natha.

Viśveśvara / Viśveś (Vishvesh / Vishveshvara)

• Meaning: “Lord of the universe” (viśva + īśvara).
• Context: Classical Sanskrit compound found in temple names and hymns; both Śiva and Viṣṇu are addressed by variants in different texts.
• Notes: Contemporary popular short name: Vishvesh or Vishvesh.

Parameśvara (Parameshwar / Paramesh)

• Meaning: “Supreme Lord” (parama = supreme; īśvara = lord) — often understood as Lord of all, including the universe.
• Context: Used across sects to denote the highest divine principle; in some Śaiva texts Parameśvara refers to Śiva as supreme.
• Notes: Paramesh or Parameshwar used as given names; carries a formal, classical tone.

Īśvara (Ishwar / Ishvara)

• Meaning: “Lord” — in context often implies the Lord of the universe or the supreme controller.
• Context: Philosophical term in Vedānta and Purāṇas for the personal God; Gītā commentaries and many texts discuss Īśvara as the cosmic ruler.
• Notes: Short and traditional; used across sects. Variants: Ishwar, Eshwar.

Lokeśa / Lokesha (Lokesh / Loknath)

• Meaning: “Lord of the world(s)” (loka = world; īśa/īśvara = lord).
• Context: Found in Purāṇic epithets for gods who preside over the lokas (worlds); carries a slightly more terrestrial sense than “viśva.”
• Notes: Popular modern forms: Lokesh, Loknath.

Jagadīśa / Jagadīsh

• Meaning: “Lord of the world/universe” (jagat + īśa).
• Context: Common devotional name in Vaishnava and Smārta contexts; appears in many bhajans and Purāṇas.
• Notes: Often shortened to Jagdish or Jagadish; widely used across India.

Viśvambhara (Vishvambhar)

• Meaning: “One who upholds or sustains the universe” (viśva + ambhara = supporter).
• Context: Used as an epithet of Viṣṇu/Kṛṣṇa and sometimes Śiva in devotional literature; emphasises sustaining function rather than sovereign title.
• Notes: Good option if you prefer the nuance “sustainer of the universe.”

Trilokinātha (Trilokinath)

• Meaning: “Lord of the three worlds” (tri = three; loka = worlds; nātha = lord) — classically equivalent to “lord of the universe.”
• Context: Frequent in classical Sanskrit and temple epithets; three worlds often denote heaven, earth and the netherworld or cyclical cosmological realms.
• Notes: Strongly traditional; short form: Trilok.

Mahēśa / Mahesh

• Meaning: “Great Lord” (maha = great; īśa = lord) — used as an epithet for the supreme deity and often taken to imply sovereignty over the cosmos.
• Context: Mahesha is a common name for Śiva in many regions; used widely as a masculine given name.
• Notes: Friendly short form: Mahesh.

Practical notes when choosing

Many of these names are also sacred epithets of particular deities and carry strong regional and sectarian associations. Families often consult elders, family priests or astrologers (if they follow that custom) for suitable syllables or tithi-based naming. Pronunciation and local forms matter: e.g., Viśvanātha becomes Vishwanath, Viśveśvara becomes Vishveshwar. Be mindful and respectful if a name is strongly identified with a living temple tradition (for example, Jagannātha of Puri or Kashi Viśvanātha).

Final note: Meanings in Sanskrit compounds can be layered and debated; the glosses above are standard but commentators across traditions sometimes emphasise different theological nuances. Choosing a name is both a personal and cultural act—these options offer classical depth while remaining usable in contemporary India.