10 Baby Names for Boys That Mean ‘Self-Born’ (Swayambhu), for Lord Brahma

Swayambhu — from Sanskrit sva‑(self) + ambhu (manifest, born), literally “self‑born” or “self‑existent.” In Hindu texts the adjective swayambhu is used of gods who are said to have arisen on their own, without a creator. Though often applied to Śiva and Viṣṇu in various contexts, it is also used in Puranic cosmogony to describe aspects of Brahmā as self‑originating. (Pronunciation: sva‑yambhu; Devanagari: स्वयम्भु.)

Guidance: Many parents choose names that are exact Sanskrit words (like Swayambhu) or classical compounds; when in doubt about grammar, regional pronunciation or astrological considerations, consult a Sanskrit scholar or family priest.

Ten names and short notes — meanings that connect to “self‑born,” “self‑existent” or “primordial”

• Svayambhu (स्वयम्भु)

  Meaning: “self‑born, self‑manifest.” Direct, classical, used as epithet for deities who are self‑existing. Suitable as a respectful, devotional name that directly evokes the idea of a divine origin.

• Svayambhava (स्वयम्भव)

  Meaning: “one who is born of himself; self‑arisen.” A close variant of Svayambhu found in Sanskrit literature. It emphasises arising or coming into being from oneself. (Pronunciation: sva‑yambha‑va.)

• Svayambhuva (स्वयम्भुव)

  Meaning: “self‑begotten.” Notable usage: Svayambhuva Manu is the Puranic name for the first Manu (progenitor of humanity). The form carries ancient scriptural resonance and is a strong, classical choice.

• Svayambhupati (स्वयम्भुपति)

  Meaning: “lord who is self‑born” (svayambhu + pati, “lord”). This is a compound epithet rather than a common everyday name, but it conveys sovereignty and the doctrinal idea of an origin that is not created by something else.

• Svayambhadeva (स्वयम्भदेव)

  Meaning: “self‑born god.” Useful where parents want an explicitly theistic compound that links the concept of self‑origin with divinity. It reads well in rituals and formal Sanskrit contexts.

• Swayam (स्वयम्)

  Meaning: “self, by oneself.” While not literally “born,” Swayam is a compact, modern‑friendly name that carries the prefix sense of svayam‑ (self‑originating). It works as a short personal name with philosophical depth.

• Aja (अज)

  Meaning: “unborn, not subject to birth.” In many scriptural lists the term aja is used of the unborn aspect of the ultimate reality; it is also an epithet occasionally used for divine persons in Puranic and epic literature. Short and traditional.

• Anadi (अनादि)

  Meaning: “without a beginning.” Often used philosophically to describe the eternal, beginningless nature of Brahman or a deity. As a personal name it signals timelessness and continuity rather than a temporal origin.

• Adi (आदि)

  Meaning: “the first, primordial.” Common as a prefix (Adi‑) and also in isolation in modern usage. It invokes the idea of primacy and origination, and is widely acceptable across communities.

• Svayambheshvara (स्वयम्भेश्वर)

  Meaning: “self‑born lord” (compound of svayambhu + īśvara). This is an exalted, classical epithet rather than an everyday name; it may appeal to families seeking a Sanskritic, theologically resonant option. Note: such compounded epithets occur in hymn lists and temple inscriptions, but they are less common as simple given names.

Notes on usage, scriptural background and sensitivity

Swayambhu (self‑born) is a philosophical and devotional term used across Hindu traditions. In Śaiva texts it often describes a naturally manifested Śiva linga; in Vaiṣṇava and Smārta contexts it can appear as an epithet for aspects of Viṣṇu or Brahmā; in Purāṇas the word appears in cosmogonic passages describing first principles and progenitors (for example, Svayambhuva Manu). This diversity means the same name may carry slightly different tonal associations in different communities. Be mindful of local linguistic preferences (Sanskrit declension and regional pronunciation) when finalising a name.

Practical points for parents

• Check pronunciation and Devanagari spelling with a trusted Sanskrit teacher or family priest so the grammatical form suits your tradition.
• Some items above are direct classical names; others are compound epithets formed from Sanskrit elements. If you want an officially registered name, decide whether you prefer the classical form or a modernized transliteration.
• If you follow a particular sampradāya (lineage), ask elders about customary name endings (‑nanda, ‑ananda, etc.) and whether a particular name pairs well with family traditions.
• Keep in mind that many of these words are also used as divine epithets; using them as a baby name is common and respectful, but families sometimes add a personal suffix or middle name to balance devotional overtones with everyday use.

Closing thought

Choosing a name that evokes swayambhu connects a child to an ancient idea — the self‑originating, primordial aspect of the sacred — while leaving room for regional, ritual and family practices to shape its final form. If you want, I can provide declensions, short nicknames, or suggestions for matching middle names or family names for any specific option above.